Urban Air Pollution and Its Long-Term Health Impacts

Author(s):Srinivasan Balakrishnan, Pooja Malhotra, Arindam Chatterjee, Neha Kulshreshtha

Affiliation: Department of Environmental Studies and Public Health, Institute for Urban Sustainability Research, New Delhi, Indi

Page No: 11-14

Volume issue & Publishing Year: Volume 3, Issue 2, Feb 2026

published on: 2026/02/15

Journal: International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Application.(IJAMA)

ISSN NO: 3048-9350

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18649129

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Abstract:
Urban air pollution has emerged as one of the most critical environmental and public health challenges in rapidly developing economies. Indian metropolitan cities experience consistently high levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ground-level ozone due to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction, and energy generation. Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, reduced life expectancy, and declining quality of life. This study investigates the long-term health impacts of urban air pollution in selected Indian metropolitan cities using empirical data and statistical analysis. Primary health perception data were collected from urban residents, while secondary air quality data were sourced from national monitoring agencies. The study examines the relationship between air pollution exposure and chronic health outcomes such as asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, and reduced lung capacity. Findings indicate a strong association between prolonged exposure to high pollution levels and adverse health outcomes, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated urban environmental management and public health interventions.

Keywords: Urban Air Pollution, Public Health, Respiratory Diseases, Indian Cities, Environmental Exposure

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