NEW DELHI: Air pollution is causing 30 per cent of all premature deaths in the country, and unless environmental risk factors are dealt with, India will not be able to curb non-communicable diseases, said a study released on Monday.The study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) says that over 61 per cent of all deaths in India attributed to lifestyle or non-communicable diseases, and over 17.3 lakh new cancer cases are likely to be recorded each year by 2020 in India.
“Commonly used household chemicals and cosmetics contain cancer-causing compounds... up to 20 per cent of cancer cases can be linked to environmental exposures of toxins. Tobacco and alcohol, air pollution and diets rich in meat and low in vegetables, are primary triggers (which) remain largely unaddressed. Cancer screening and medication remains extremely expensive,” said the report.
Other than air pollution from vehicles and industry, the report found that global warming also increases risk to respiratory health. “Pollen and air pollutants have risen simultaneously in the environment, leading to an enhanced airway inflammation, increasing the frequency of respiratory allergy and incidences of asthma,” it added.