World Environment Day 2025: Breathe Better with a Greener Planet

As we go about our daily lives, we take breathing for granted. However, the air you breathe is essential to health and well-being. 

Do you know?

1. "Earth breathes through two lungs- the green of its forests and the blue of its oceans.”

The green color represents forests that provide us with the oxygen we breathe and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In this way, they sustain life. 

On the other hand, the blue lungs represent oceans. Oceans produce more than 50% of the oxygen and absorb nearly 30% of carbon dioxide emissions, helping to regulate the climate and air quality. 

Nonetheless, both are struggling due to plastic waste, chemical pollution, and rising temperatures, threatening this delicate balance. 

2. Single-use plastics and toxic runoff not only destroy our marine life, but also choke the very lungs that keep our planet Earth, and us, alive. 

World Environment Day is on June 5, 2025. Let’s not forget that clean air and cleaner oceans equal healthy lungs and the planet. This year’s theme is “Combating plastic pollution.” Learning the connection between a healthy planet and healthy lungs is crucial. 

The Pollution-Lung Connection: A Growing Crisis

As India celebrates its journey of rapid urbanization and industrial development, the invisible cost of progress is now being felt in every breath we take. 

India’s rising population has become a significant public health concern. Lungs are the most important respiratory organs. They should be safeguarded. Urbanization and deforestation increase pollution, and the lungs bear the brunt of toxic air, especially in Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. They are densely populated.

World Environment Day 2025 focuses on “Combating Plastic Pollution,” by planting native trees and shrubs, supporting community green development projects, and pushing urban green spaces, you can reduce air pollution and breathe cleaner air, which means healthier lungs. 

1. Air Pollution and Asthma

Air pollution is a major threat to lung health. Asthma is a chronic non-communicable disease that affects both children and adults. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lungs/how-to-prevent-asthma-attacks-as-pollution-rises/

Did you know?

In 2022, Asthma affected approximately 280 million people and caused half a million deaths globally. At present, India accounts for 12.9 % of Global Asthma cases and, alarmingly, contributes to 42.4% of global asthma-related deaths. 

Tiny particles and air pollutants cause inflammation, trigger irritants that damage lung tissue, and can even lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. 

According to the World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people globally breathe polluted air. This increases the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, making it a significant public health concern. 

2. COPD: A Silent Epidemic

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has become one of the leading causes of death in India. It is largely driven by indoor and outdoor air pollution. Solid biomass fuels generate 10-20 times higher particulate matter (PM) in rural areas, and vehicular emissions in cities contribute significantly.

It is alarming that more than 90% of COPD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including India. It is becoming a silent pandemic and is often underdiagnosed and overlooked. COPD is dangerous and can make it difficult to breathe. 

Conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis occur due to prolonged exposure to air pollution, tobacco smoke, and indoor pollutants. 

3. Tuberculosis (TB) and Toxic Air

Even though tuberculosis cases in India declined by more than double the global reduction. The incidence rate reduced from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023. Still, the country bears the highest burden globally. 

The main cause of TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, toxic air, mainly fine particulate matter PM 2.5), which weakens lung capacity and increases the risk of infection and reactivation of latent TB. 

An India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study of 2022 revealed that people exposed to harmful air pollution are 30% more likely to develop active TB as compared to those breathing cleaner air.

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-creative/tuberculosis-diet-what-should-you-eat-and-avoid/ 

Urban India: Where the Air Is Unbreathable

India skyscrapers, built on the lines of modern infrastructure and high-potential economies, exhibit the country’s rapid urbanization but at a devastating cost to the air we breathe. 

Indian cities such as Delhi, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, and Patna frequently lead the charts for the worst air quality, with PM 2.5 levels far exceeding the WHO safe limits. In 2024, Delhi alone recorded an average AQI of 220 (“poor” air quality) for over 190 days of the year. Consequently, a public health crisis marked by a sharp rise in respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, COPD, premature births, cardiovascular issues, and TB reactivation. 

Additionally, children are born with affected lungs, and adults face chronic respiratory distress. Many require long-term medication and hospitalization. Construction dust, vehicle emissions, burning of plastic waste, and industrial pollutants are the primary culprits. Nevertheless, the constant inhalation of polluted air can lead to mental fatigue, reduced productivity, and a poor quality of life. 

How Plastic Pollution Makes It Worse?

Plastic pollution releases toxic gases, such as dioxins and furans, which are known carcinogens and are harmful to the environment, severely damaging lung tissue. Notably, microplastics have also been detected in various body organs, raising concerns about their potential long-term respiratory effects.

Accumulated plastics can damage lung tissue and may even negatively impact the immune system. 

The Connection Between Plastic and Air Pollution

The connection between plastic and air pollution includes: 

1. Plastic production emissions: The formation of plastic releases chemical substances, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as well as particulate matter, into the air, thereby contributing to air pollution. 
2. Burning plastic: The burning of plastics releases dioxins, furans, and other harmful chemicals, which can cause respiratory problems. 
3. Microplastics in the air: You can inhale microplastics as they can become airborne. Once inhaled, they can become deeply embedded in the lung tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and oxidative damage. 

The Health Impact: Plastic Pollution Makes It Worse

Plastic pollution contributes to poor air quality and lung health complications due to which: 

• Respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD can occur, which are associated with worse clinical outcomes, including prolonged and expensive hospitalization in acute respiratory failure.
• Your dependency on inhalers and nebulizers can increase, especially if you are asthmatic or suffer from other chronic respiratory problems. Pollution inflames the airways, triggers frequent breathing problems, and can lead to a decrease in medication effectiveness. 
• Respiratory issues arise from poor air quality, resulting in fatigue, reduced physical activity due to shortness of breath, weight gain or weight loss, and anxiety and depression. 

A Greener Planet = Healthier Lungs

A greener planet offers you a breath of fresh air. It provides oxygen, improves air quality, and supports lung health. 

What can you do?

Nature’s benefits are undeniable. Remember, every single step counts to witness a significant positive change. 

1. Plant some greens. Houseplants such as the areca palm (also known as the butterfly palm), snake plant, aloe vera plant, spider plant, and peace lily can help purify indoor air and increase oxygen levels. 
2. Embrace eco-friendly strategies: cycle, walk, carpool, use ride-sharing services, or opt for electric vehicles to help reduce pollution. Additionally, you can use public transportation, which contributes to reducing the number of vehicles on the road and leads to lower emissions. 
3. Reduce your single-use plastics: Minimize or eliminate single-use plastics, as they are linked to a wide range of health issues, including eye problems, liver dysfunction, skin diseases, and lung cancer.
4. Contact local representatives: Discuss your concerns about clean energy policies and green infrastructure initiatives with your local representatives, and participate in initiatives that promote sustainability.
5. Raise awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of green initiatives on social media platforms can help. These may include Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 
6. Educate yourself: Stay informed about environmental problems and sustainable practices to make a greater impact. 

Redcliffe Labs: Caring for You and the Planet

Redcliffe Labs keeps a holistic approach because “Every Test Counts For You and the Planet.” From minimizing single-use plastics in diagnostics to offering digital reports and implementing sustainable logistics, our medical assistance is aligned with environmental responsibility. Expert Testing. Honest Pricing. 100% Report Accuracy Guaranteed or Money Back.

Takeaways

India's pollution levels are far above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, forcing millions to inhale toxins regularly when clean air is their right. This World Environment Day, let’s take the pledge: to fight pollution for the Earth and our lungs. After all, a greener planet doesn’t just survive- it breathes.

FAQs

1. How can you keep your lungs healthy??

Quit smoking or vaping, avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution, and use personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators to keep yourself healthy. 

2. How does air pollution affect your lung health?

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) enters deep into your lungs and bloodstream, triggering inflammation, COPD, asthma, and even increasing the risk of lung cancer. 

3. Why are COPD and asthma rising in urban India?

Increased vehicle emissions, poor waste management, and construction dust contribute to polluted air, which can trigger asthma and COPD. 

4. Can climate change affect lung health?

Yes. Climate intensifies air pollution through increased ozone levels, wildfires, and rising temperatures. All of which can worsen your lung condition. 

5. How does a green environment improve lung health?

A green environment reduces pollution, improves air quality, and encourages physical activity. This strengthens your respiratory system and improves overall health outcomes.