“Most common in people with low incomes”: scientists named the cause of the deadly disease

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Air pollution contributes to the “aging” of the lungs and increases the risk of a dangerous disease – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A study conducted by scientists from the University of Leicester has shown that exposure to pollutants found in exhaust gases and industrial emissions contributes to the development of COPD.

According to the authors of the work, people with low incomes are exposed to at greater risk than their wealthier counterparts, even when they have the same air pollution. The researchers attribute this difference to poor living conditions, limited access to health services and prolonged exposure to air pollution during childhood.

“We found that people who were exposed to higher levels of pollutants had lower lung function, equivalent to at least a year of aging,” said study leader Anna Hansell.

COPD is an inflammatory respiratory disease in which there is a decline in lung function and a steady progression of the pathological process.