A recent report revealed that over 1.2 million deaths in India were caused by air pollution, exposure to fine particulate pollution.
The report by U.S.-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) said, air pollution lowers insulin sensitivity.
Owing to indoor and outdoor pollution, about five million people lost their lives.
This exposure contributed to about 2.76 lakh deaths globally.
India was followed by China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil.
According to the study, pollution is one of the major causes of diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer and chronic lung disease.
The fine particles can enter deep into the lungs and can cause heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases and cancer.
More alarming is the fact that a South Asian child is at the risk of lower life expectancy, said the study.
India and China have the highest health burden from air pollution.
Not just South Asia, life expectancy is down by 20 months worldwide.
The institute has pointed out that sustainable schemes and measures can have a positive effect and measures undertaken under the National Clean Air Programme can significantly lower such risks.
