Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Doctors warn of health risks from air pollution and microplastics
More than 80 doctors who have received the Padma award in India have issued a warning about the serious health risks posed by air pollution and tiny plastic particles called microplastics.
These microplastics are found in the air and can cause serious health problems, especially for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions.
The doctors say that microplastics can get into our bodies through the air we breathe and can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues.
They also mentioned that air pollution can affect our mental health, making us feel anxious or even triggering panic-like symptoms.
The doctors are urging the government to take action to reduce air pollution and to monitor microplastics in the air.
They also recommend using air purifiers, wearing masks, and avoiding things like incense and mosquito coils to protect ourselves from these harmful particles.
Additionally, they suggest monitoring air quality levels, exercising indoors, eating a healthy diet, and seeking psychiatric support if needed.
80 Padma awardee doctors issued a joint national advisory warning about the health impacts of air pollution and airborne microplastics.
Microplastics constitute up to 5% of particulate pollution in Indian cities, posing a significant health risk.
Exposure to microplastics can raise the risk of heart attack or stroke by 4.5 times within three years.
Air pollution can also affect mental health, heightening anxiety and triggering panic-like symptoms, especially in individuals with pre-existing mood disorders.
Doctors recommend using air purifiers, N95 masks, monitoring AQI levels, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution times to mitigate health risks.
- Who
- 80 Padma awardee doctors and mental health experts
- What
- Joint national advisory on the health impacts of air pollution and airborne microplastics
- When
- Thursday and Friday (specific dates not mentioned)
- Where
- India, with a focus on Delhi
- Why
- To raise awareness about the severe health risks posed by air pollution and airborne microplastics, including mental health impacts
- Number of Doctors
- 80
- Key Concern
- Airborne microplastics and air pollution
- High-Risk Groups
- Children, pregnant women, elderly, and those with chronic heart and lung conditions
- Microplastics in Air
- Up to 5% of particulate pollution in Indian cities
- Health Impact
- 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death
- Sources of Microplastics
- Synthetic textiles, packaging, vehicle wear, and footwear
- Recommended Protective Measures
- Use of air purifiers, N95 masks, wet-mopping, avoiding incense and mosquito coils, improving kitchen ventilation
- Policy Recommendations
- Corrected GRAP thresholds, declaration of severe pollution episodes as public-health emergencies, curbs on diesel vehicles and generators, strict enforcement on construction dust and waste burning, and a national microplastics monitoring programme
- Annual Air-Pollution-Related Deaths in India
- 1.7 million
- PM2.5 Levels in North India
- 20-40 times the WHO safe limit
- Percentage of Indians Breathing Unsafe Air
- 70%
- Child Deaths Linked to Air Pollution
- Nearly 4 lakh annually
