The book brings together contributions from 86 experts across India, offering a detailed exploration of pollution’s impact on various systems of the body

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Dr Jitendra Singh launched the monograph Pollution and Health, a comprehensive publication addressing the adverse effects of pollution on human health.

Edited by Prof Dr Vitull K Gupta, Chief Editor and Chairman of the Association of Physicians of India (API), Malwa Branch, the book brings together contributions from 86 experts across India, offering a detailed exploration of pollution’s impact on various systems of the body.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the efforts of Prof Dr Vitull K Gupta and his team for their work on the monograph Pollution and Health, describing it as a unique contribution to addressing a critical public health issue.

Dr Singh further emphasised the distinctive approach of Prof Gupta in addressing social issues through a medical lens, which adds credibility to the narration of these challenges.

He stated, “The monograph is a unique effort, possibly the first of its kind, which will be useful for both physicians and researchers. Being a medical professional himself, his perspective on social issues through the lens of health makes this work particularly impactful.”

The book provides detailed insights into the effects of air, water, soil, and noise pollution on health. It covers topics such as global warming, climate change, and their implications for cardiovascular health, while also addressing conditions such as cancer, respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Unique perspectives, such as the socio-economic impact of pollution in India and the role of artificial intelligence in mitigation efforts, are also explored. Notably, the monograph includes a chapter on the spiritual dimensions of pollution, adding an important cultural context.

The editorial team, led by Executive Editor Dr Meghna Gupta and Assistant Editor Dr Manpreet Singh Brar, worked tirelessly to refine the content, ensuring its utility for both medical professionals and the wider public. Dr Gupta, dedicating the book to his family, noted that the monograph aims to raise awareness and encourage collective efforts to reduce pollution’s impact on human health.

The monograph is the result of the combined expertise and guidance of several notable contributors, including Prof Dr Gurpreet S Wander, Director of the Physicians Research Foundation of API, who authorised and supported the project. Prominent figures such as Prof Dr Shashank Joshi, past President of API; Prof Dr Milind Nadkar, President of API; and Dr V Mohan, a renowned diabetologist, has also contributed to the monograph.

The publication further includes forewords from distinguished experts like Prof Dr Anoop Misra, Prof Dr Mangesh Tiwaskar, and Dr HK Chopra, who collectively emphasised the importance of addressing pollution as a critical issue impacting public health and the environment.

The monograph, available in both print and online formats, will be distributed free of cost to ensure accessibility for all. Dr Singh lauded this initiative, describing it as a valuable contribution towards enhancing understanding and fostering action to mitigate the adverse effects of pollution on health. He also acknowledged the contributions of all involved, noting that this effort reflects the collective wisdom of India’s leading physicians and researchers.

During the launch, Dr Singh remarked, “It gives me immense pleasure and great honour to write the foreword for the monograph titled Pollution and Health, wherein adverse health effects of pollution on human beings have been highlighted. The growing pollution levels have raised a public health concern in India and globally. It has also generated interest amongst researchers to document the significant health burden of pollution on human morbidity and mortality. In this direction, this monograph, which is comprised of 34 chapters contributed by famous contributors from all over India and covers almost all aspects of adverse health effects of pollution on various systems of the body, will generate awareness and research interest amongst healthcare professionals and common people. I appreciate the idea of publication of a monograph on Pollution and Health and congratulate the entire editorial team for providing a comprehensive book on the subject.”

PIB