Union Minister JP Nadda said air pollution is one of the several risk factors in occurance of acute respiratory conditions. (File photo)
Underlining the health hazard posed by air pollution, the government today said it is an important risk factor for the top two causes of death in the country.
"According to WHO 2012, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the top two causes of death in India. Air pollution is an important risk factor for both the diseases," Health Minister JP Nadda said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
He said water and soil pollution is associated with acute diarrheal diseases, typhoid, cholera, gastroenteritis, worm infestations, hepatitis and others.
"Air pollution is one of the several risk factors in occurance of such acute respiratory conditions (childhood pneumonia, worsening of bronchial asthma), chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases," he said.
He said the government has taken various measures to prevent diseases caused by pollution, including provision of safe drinking water, measures for safe disposal of human excreta, treatment of diarrheal diseases, typhoid, worm infestation through public healthcare system, reduction in emissions from vehicles industries, power plants and other sources.