Causes of Ambient Air Pollution in South Asia and Effects on South Asians’ Cardiovascular Health

For years, South Asia has been considered a global hotspot for air pollution. The extreme air pollution in South Asia, which stems from various sources, has been proven harmful to many South Asians' health. In major cities, even simply stepping foot outside can trigger a cough, but over time, inhaling the harmful air pollutants in South Asia's air can result in the development of a host of cardiovascular diseases, most of which stem from atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on the arteries wall. Numerous researchers have conducted various studies connecting atherosclerosis to ambient air pollution, proving that the air quality is, in fact, harmful and should be taken action upon. This literature review synthesizes information on the sources that contribute to particulate matter in South Asia and the effect major air pollutants have on South Asians' cardiovascular health. This analysis focuses on major air pollutants' contribution to atherosclerosis progression and discusses conditions that stem from the disease, centering hypertension and coronary artery disease. This review synthesizes predominantly peer-reviewed studies which have been published between the years 2000 and 2024. The key findings suggest that particulate matter stemming from vehicular emissions, burning biomass and solid fuels, industrial and agricultural activities, and soil dust contribute to the unhealthy levels of particulate matter in South Asian countries. Studies also suggest that meteorological factors exacerbate particulate matter concentrations; however, research has shown inconsistent findings. Particulate matter, along with various other pollutants, leads to atherosclerosis progression and, subsequently, other cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and hypertension. The methodologies in conducting this review involved database searches, library catalog searches, and reference list reviews. This review presents findings on the contribution of particulate matter in South Asian countries and its impacts on South Asian health; however, it also presents the need for further research on meteorological exacerbation of existing pollutants, atherosclerosis progression, coronary artery disease, and hypertension in South Asians in relation to particulate matter exposure.