To the list of air pollution’s health effects, add another one: loss of sense of smell. The residents of Mexico City have actually lost their sense of smell, according to a recently concluded study. Here is an interesting video about that.

A Study by Robyn Hudson, Aline Arriola, Margarita Martinez, and Hans Distel - researchers at UNAM, Mexico’s national university reveals that the loss is due to exposures to abnormally high levels of ozone, a chemical compound known to damage the olfactory mucosa, the part of the nose that allows odors to be detected. “For a mega community like Mexico City with more than 20 million inhabitants, this could represent an important public health issue,” the researchers wrote.

The study notes that residents of Mexico City affectionately refer to themselves, had more difficultly identifying trace smells of coffee and orange juice than people who live in neighboring Tlaxcala. What’s more, they had more trouble differentiating between two traditional Mexican drinks, horchata and atole.

Air pollution is also major issue in Asia. Societies / Governments from developing countries have failed to recognize the limitations of the cleansing capabilities of the atmosphere. As well as the developing country like Pakistan is also facing the same problem. The growing complexities of social, commercial and industrial activity, Pakistan develops rapidly but with this development come negative externalities in the form of environmental pollution, which we all face, but few choose to resolve. Air pollution levels in Pakistan’s is very high, the most populated cities are among the highest in the world, like Lahore, Karachi and now Islamabad causing serious health issues in the process.

Some recent surveys found that pollution levels in Pakistan’s cities have either crossed safe limits or reached the threshold value, with the presence of suspended particulate matter in the ambient air being very high. The report says the major sources of suspended particulate matterin the country are vehicles, industry, burning of solid waste, brick kilns and natural dust. Having said that, now pollution can’t be curbed unless and until the main stakeholder , the corporate sector, realizes its responsibilities.

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