Breathing Danger: How Air Pollution Fuels Infectious Diseases

by Pavithra Mohan

Air pollution is a major health issue in China, and it’s closely linked to the spread and severity of infectious diseases, especially those affecting the lungs. Understanding how pollution impacts these diseases can help us come up with better ways to protect public health.

How Pollution Affects Respiratory Infections

Studies have shown that poor air quality can increase the risk of respiratory infections like influenza. One large study looked at data from 30 provinces across China between 2015 and 2019. It found that when pollutants like PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, and CO increased, so did cases of flu-like illnesses (ILI). Even small rises in pollution levels were linked to a 3% to 7% increase in infections. The effect was stronger during colder months and in areas with high humidity and population density.

Pollution and COVID-19

Air pollution may also worsen the effects of COVID-19. Research involving China and other countries found that just a 1% increase in pollution in the weeks before someone gets infected could lead to a 1.5% rise in COVID-19 cases and a 5.1% increase in deaths. This shows how harmful air pollution can be when combined with an already dangerous virus.

Why Pollution Makes Us More Vulnerable

There are several reasons why air pollution makes infectious diseases worse:

• Weakened immune system: Breathing polluted air can make our immune system less effective at fighting off infections.
• Inflamed airways: Pollutants can irritate our lungs, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to infect us.
• Traveling microbes: Some harmful microbes, including drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, can ride on dust and travel long distances through the air. For example, high-altitude dust from northeastern China was found to carry over 300 types of bacteria and 260 types of fungi—all the way to Japan.

Real-Life Impact: Smog Events in China

China has experienced severe smog events that had serious health consequences. In October 2013, the city of Harbin in the northeast saw PM₂.₅ levels hit 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter—40 times the safe limit. Visibility dropped so much that schools and airports had to close. Hospitals saw a 23% jump in respiratory problems.

A similar event happened in December 2013 in Shanghai and other eastern cities. The air was so polluted that it smelled smoky and made people’s eyes sting. Authorities advised everyone to wear masks, schools were closed, construction was halted, and flights were canceled. These events were made worse by coal heating, car emissions, and lack of wind.

What Can Be Done?

To reduce the health risks of air pollution, China—and other countries facing similar issues—can take several steps:

• Stricter emission controls and a move toward cleaner energy can reduce pollution levels.
• Health monitoring systems that track both air quality and disease trends can help detect and respond to outbreaks earlier.
• Public awareness is also key. People need to understand the health risks of pollution and take precautions, such as wearing masks on high-pollution days.

Conclusion

Air pollution plays a big role in the spread and severity of infectious diseases in China. Tackling it requires a mix of strong environmental laws, smart public health policies, and informed communities. Working together on all these fronts can make a real difference in protecting people’s health.