As temperatures rise during the summer months, so does the danger posed by air pollution. While both heat and pollution individually impact health, their combination can create a silent yet powerful synergy that exacerbates health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. The interaction between high temperatures and polluted air is not merely coincidental—it is driven by complex chemical reactions and environmental factors that intensify the toxicity of the air we breathe.
Dr Vishal Gupta, K J Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, explains that high temperatures physically alter pollutants in the air. "Various epidemiological and clinical studies have shown increased ozone and particulate matter during heat waves," he says. Accelerated chemical reactions, the trapping of pollutants, increased wildfires, and greater energy consumption due to the use of air conditioners all contribute to this phenomenon.
Dr Gupta says that hot, polluted days are associated with a surge in hospital admissions, particularly for chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Additionally, there is a noticeable increase in admissions for stroke and heart diseases.
"The combination of heat and pollution increases the physiological stress on the body. Particulate matter deposits in our airways and the endothelium (inner layers of blood vessels), leading to oxidative stress reactions and inflammation," he explains.
Studies have shown a rise in all-cause mortality rates during heatwaves combined with pollution, with increasing trends seen in stroke, coronary syndrome, dehydration, and kidney failure.
To mitigate these risks, Dr Gupta advises the elderly and vulnerable individuals to avoid going outdoors during extreme heat or high pollution days. He recommends the use of indoor air purifiers and masks, practising good ventilation at home, staying hydrated, and contributing to reducing overall air pollution through measures such as using public transport and promoting green energy.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr Vandana D Prabhu, Apollo Clinic, Koramangala, says that summertime heat and air pollution can form a dangerous mix that seriously compromises human health and the environment.
"Hot weather aggravates air pollution by producing stationary air conditions that retain pollutants and by releasing ground-level ozone," she says.
According to Dr Prabhu, hot, bright days hasten the chemical interactions of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobiles and industries, leading to the production of ground-level ozone—a main component of smog. Heatwaves often cause high atmospheric pressure, creating a stationary layer of air close to the ground that traps pollutants. Moreover, more frequent droughts and severe wildfires, driven by high temperatures, increase particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
Dr Prabhu also points out that rising temperatures accelerate the breakdown of organic matter, releasing greenhouse gases and pollutants from sources such as wastewater and rotting vegetation. Furthermore, higher carbon dioxide levels and warmer weather can extend the pollen season, worsening asthma and other respiratory conditions in sensitive individuals.
To safeguard health during hot and polluted days, Dr Prabhu provides essential safety guidelines.
These include staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, using fans or air conditioning to stay cool, taking cool showers, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight during the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
She also advises monitoring air quality forecasts and limiting outdoor activities when air quality is poor. For those who must venture outside, wearing light-coloured clothing and a mask is recommended.
Indoors, it is advisable to close doors and windows during periods of heavy pollution and to consider installing an air purifier equipped with HEPA filters.
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