More Medical Problems Linked to Air Pollution!

It is already known that air pollution has powerful negative effects on human health (it has been linked to coronary heart disease, strokes, respiratory disorders and early death). Its influence on health is another really good reason (in addition to countering climate change), for reducing vehicular emissions. A study, from Verona University (Italy), has now linked air pollution to increased risks for a number of autoimmune diseases (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/15/air-pollution-exposure-linked-higher-risk-autoimmune-diseases). Autoimmune diseases are produced, when the body's defense mechanisms attack their own tissues. Fairly obviously, 'dirty' air affects cells throughout the entire body. When the pollutants 'convince' the immune system that its own cells are foreign, they are attacked and become imflamed. The Verona study used more than 81,000 male and female subjects on an Italian database. The data was collected between June 2016 and November 2020. Subjects were linked to readings from their nearest official air quality station (this would often be sited near autostrada). Increases in risk for both rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) were linked to poor air quality. Risk increased by 40% and 20%, respectively. Air pollution also elevated the risk of connective tissue disease (e.g. lupus) by 15%. Predictably, levels of particulates (mainly produced by diesel-powered vehicles), had the strongest links to risks of autoimmune diseases.