Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: On World Stroke Day, the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today highlighted the connection between air pollution and an increased risk of stroke.
In a statement, DAK president Dr. Nisar ul Hassan referred to a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, emphasizing that poor air quality elevates the likelihood of suffering a stroke.
He explained, “A recent study in the Journal of Neurology reveals that even a brief 5-day exposure to air pollutants can heighten the risk of stroke. While previous research had linked long-term air pollution exposure to an increased stroke risk, this new study underscores the heightened risk associated with short-term exposure.”
The study showed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide increased the risk of stroke by 28%, carbon monoxide by 26%, sulfur dioxide by 15%, and ozone by 5%, DAK said.
Dr. Nisar further stated, “Higher concentrations of PM2.5 were associated with a 15% increased risk of stroke, PM10 at 14%, and PM1 at 9%. Moreover, higher levels of air pollution were also linked to a greater risk of death from stroke.”
He pointed out that air quality in Kashmir has steadily deteriorated over the past few years due to an increasing number of vehicles, construction activities, brick kilns, cement factories, and other industrial facilities emitting pollutants that significantly pollute the air.
The DAK president noted the rising number of stroke cases in the Kashmir valley over the years, affecting not only the elderly but also younger individuals.
While acknowledging that smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are important risk factors for stroke, he added, “In Kashmir, many people with none of these risk factors end up in hospitals with strokes, and air pollution could be a contributing factor.”
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