Air Pollution Weakens Bones

Prelims level : Health Mains level : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education
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In News:

  • Recent research shows pollution accelerates the process of bone deterioration, Air pollution has been linked to increase in worsening of bone diseases and their symptoms.

Background:

  • Osteoporosis is a common problem and occurs due to decrease in bone density over time. It is a common disorder among elderly people. It literally means “porous bones”.
  • Elderly people who are more frequently exposed to air pollutants from vehicular and industrial emissions experience faster bone loss and thus, higher risk of bone fractures. So, bad air is bad for your bones.

Risk of Fractures:

  • After onset of osteoporosis bones become weaker, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spinal vertebrae and wrist.
  • As the bones become weaker, there is a higher risk of a fracture following a fall or even a fairly minor knock. Osteoporosis fracture is a huge problem in the ever-increasing elderly population, especially in India in future

No early symptoms for osteoporosis:

  • There are no such symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include — back pain, caused by a fractured, loss of height over time and a bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected,
  • Till the age of 50-55 men are more at risk of developing these diseases. But menopause in women worsens the equation. Estrogen, the female hormone, lends a protective cover to the bone cartilage which reduces its wear and tear. After menopause, as the amount of estrogen hormone in the female body lessens, women become more at risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.
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