Air pollution is now considered the single largest external threat to human life expeÑtancy because of its scale, reach and continuity. Long term exposure to pollution slices about four years from the average Indian's life and about two years globally, it's substantially higher in the most polluted regions of India.What sets air pollution apart from other major health risks, like tobacco use, high blood pressure or unsafe water, is that it exposes nearly the entire population to its effects continuously, from early childhood through old age. Since it's so widespread and persistent, its total impact on life expectancy now exceeds many other health threats. Winter makes the crisis more visible and harder to ignore but it doesn't create it. People often notice air pollution through irritation in their lungs or breathing difficulties, but the most serious damage happens silently over the long run, with exposure increasing the risk of heart disease, chronic lung disease, asthma and impacts babies. And these ill effects accumulate year on year, which is why air pollution shortens life expectancy so dramatically, compared to other issues. It's more than high time the government takes a serious look.
