Air Pollution and Immune Disorders in Women from Urban Punjab: A Clinical and Epidemiological Study

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 01 | Page : 36 40
    By

    J. Samuel Kamanda,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Stephen Monday,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi, Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi, Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi, Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi, Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: Urban Punjab, particularly cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar, experiences some of the highest air pollution levels in India due to industrial activity, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices. Despite this, gender-specific health impacts—especially related to immune function—remain inadequately studied. Objective of the study is to investigate the relationship between air pollution exposure and immune-related disorders in women residing in urban Punjab. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, involving 450 women aged 18–60 years from three major cities in Punjab. Air quality data (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and NO₂) were compared with WHO guidelines. Clinical evaluations identified allergic conditions, autoimmune diseases, and recurrent infections. Biomarkers including IgE, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Statistical analysis was used to assess associations and odds ratios (ORs). Results show that air pollution levels were 5–10 times above WHO recommendations, with 98–100% of readings exceeding safe thresholds. Health assessments revealed: (a) 32% had allergic conditions, (b) 20% had autoimmune disorders, (c) 16% experienced recurrent infections. Significant associations were observed for nutritionally modified autoimmune hypothyroidism with: (a) Allergies (OR = 2.5), (b) Autoimmune disorders (OR = 1.8), (c) Infections (OR = 1.6). PM₂.₅ levels were positively correlated with elevated IgE (250 ± 45 IU/mL), CRP (6.2 ± 1.8 mg/L), and IL-6 (12.5 ± 3.1 pg/mL), indicating systemic inflammation. NO₂ was associated with raised IgE but not with generalized inflammation. It is concluded that high levels of air pollution in urban Punjab are significantly associated with immune disorders in women, particularly those involving systemic inflammation. Immediate mitigation efforts and policies incorporating gender-sensitive health frameworks are urgently needed to address these findings.

Keywords: pollution, immune disorders, women’s health, particulate matter, Punjab, biomarkers, epidemiology

[This article belongs to International Journal of Environmental Noise and Pollution Control ]

How to cite this article:
J. Samuel Kamanda, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday. Air Pollution and Immune Disorders in Women from Urban Punjab: A Clinical and Epidemiological Study. International Journal of Environmental Noise and Pollution Control. 2025; 03(01):36-40.
How to cite this URL:
J. Samuel Kamanda, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday. Air Pollution and Immune Disorders in Women from Urban Punjab: A Clinical and Epidemiological Study. International Journal of Environmental Noise and Pollution Control. 2025; 03(01):36-40. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijenpc/article=2025/view=213956


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 01
Received 09/05/2025
Accepted 19/05/2025
Published 03/06/2025
Publication Time 25 Days
124

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