Iran (IMNA) - Short-term exposure to polluted air can rapidly affect daily functioning. Symptoms such as dry cough, shortness of breath, throat and nasal irritation, sudden headaches, dizziness, eye watering, and pronounced fatigue are common immediate physiological reactions. On days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels, these symptoms often intensify, and even individuals without pre-existing conditions may experience reduced concentration, impaired daily performance, and sleep disturbances. In occupational settings, these symptoms can lower productivity, and in schools, they may impair students’ learning capacity.
Long-term and continuous exposure to polluted air results in serious and persistent health consequences. These include chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, lung cancer, weakened immune function, and reduced life expectancy. Research shows that living in highly polluted cities can reduce average lifespan by several years. Air pollution has also been linked to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity due to chronic inflammation that disrupts hormonal regulation and metabolic pathways.
The primary drivers of these harmful effects are fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), as well as toxic gases such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants penetrate deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, generating oxidative stress and cellular injury. Free radicals produced through these processes promote chronic inflammation and gradually damage vital organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. Additionally, certain pollutants such as lead and mercury can affect the nervous system, contributing to cognitive and behavioral impairments.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, and patients with pre-existing cardiac or respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to air pollution. In children, polluted air can impair lung development and lead to lifelong respiratory problems. In older adults, it increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and reduces the body’s ability to manage inflammation. Pregnant women face a higher risk of preterm birth and low birthweight infants, while individuals with heart or lung disease may experience exacerbated symptoms with even minor reductions in air quality.
Inflammation of Respiratory Mucosa and Airway Irritation Caused by Air Pollution / Is Fatigue Related to Poor Air Quality?
Mohammad Ansaripour, a specialist in traditional medicine and a faculty member at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, explains that an increase in airborne pollutants—such as sulfur compounds, early-morning organic aerosols, and nitrate derivatives—triggers inflammation of the respiratory mucosa. This inflammation can lead to acute bronchitis, with symptoms varying significantly between individuals. Those with heightened sensitivity may experience more severe reactions, while others may only develop irritation, such as burning or itching of the eyes and nose.
He adds that pollutants entering the bloodstream through the lungs can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to a generalized sense of fatigue and malaise. Studies indicate that natural environments rich in negative ions—such as mountains, plains, shorelines, and areas near water—promote alertness and a sense of well-being. In contrast, polluted air contains fewer negative ions, leading to increased tiredness and reduced vitality.
Ansaripour notes that air pollution produces two categories of health effects. The first includes acute exacerbations, such as worsening asthma and deterioration in individuals with cardiac or respiratory disease. These effects may be less noticeable in healthy individuals. The second category comprises chronic effects resulting from prolonged exposure to pollutants, which can impair enzymatic and hormonal function and disrupt normal metabolic activity.
Prevention Strategies / The Role of Detoxifying Foods
According to Ansaripour, these metabolic disruptions can increase the risk of stroke, cancer, obesity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes. While dietary interventions offer limited benefit during acute pollution events, practices such as nasal irrigation with water, washing the face and hands, and gargling with saline solution can reduce irritation.
He recommends minimizing strenuous physical activity or outdoor exercise during high-pollution periods, as increased respiratory rate leads to greater inhalation of toxins. Individuals are advised to stay indoors when possible. During chronic exposure periods, consuming foods with detoxifying properties can help support the body’s natural elimination processes. Pomegranate and pomegranate juice are particularly beneficial due to their high antioxidant content. He recommends consuming one to one and a half pomegranates per day, preferably before lunch or dinner, as this may also aid digestion.
High-Risk Groups / Immediate Symptoms: Cough, Breathing Difficulties, Allergies, and Headache
Dr. Pouria Adeli, a radiation oncologist and board member of the Iranian Society of Radiation Oncology, explains that air pollution is not a single agent but a combination of six major pollutant classes. The significance of components such as carbon dioxide, ozone, and fine particulate matter lies in their different sources and distinct health impacts.
Individuals with chronic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, older adults, children, and workers with high outdoor exposure are considered high-risk groups during air pollution episodes.
Adeli states that while short-term symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, allergies, and headaches are commonly recognized, the long-term consequences are often underestimated despite being far more significant and systemic.
Air Pollution and Its Association with Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cardiovascular Illnesses
Adeli notes that air pollution is associated with a broad spectrum of long-term diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disorders, various cancers, infertility, chronic lung failure, and obstructive airway diseases. Effective prevention requires proper public education regarding these health risks.
He adds that during the colder months, respiratory diseases tend to increase, and pollution-related symptoms become more pronounced. Therefore, the health impacts of air pollution are most evident during winter.
According to Adeli, the classification “non-critical air quality” does not mean the air is healthy; pollutants remain present and exert cumulative long-term effects that diminish quality of life and reduce life expectancy. Air pollution is a recognized cause of lung cancer, even among individuals with no traditional risk factors such as smoking or family history.
Practical Measures for Reducing Personal Exposure
Individuals can reduce health risks through simple but effective measures, such as using certified filtered masks, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, staying well-hydrated, consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (including oranges, pomegranates, apples, and green vegetables), and ensuring proper indoor ventilation. Strenuous outdoor exercise should be avoided during polluted days, with light indoor activities in adequately ventilated environments serving as safer alternatives.
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