- Transition to solar, wind and hydro energy ensures clean air, improved oral health nationwide
Rapid urbanization and industrial growth in Pakistan have been accompanied by an escalating energy demand. To meet this need, the nation has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, that include coal, oil, and gas. While these sources have powered economic development, they have also released a torrent of environmental pollution, creating a silent but profound crisis for public health.
One of the most overlooked casualties of this pollution is the oral health of the population. The connection between air quality and dental well-being may not be immediately obvious, but it is a link supported by a several research studies that has particularly grim implications for a country grappling with a severe energy crisis.
The primary culprits in this environmental assault are the fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals released during the combustion of fossil fuels. These pollutants saturate the air we breathe and the water we drink. When inhaled, these microscopic particles don’t just affect the lungs; they enter the bloodstream and can cause systemic inflammation. In the oral cavity, this chronic inflammation can manifest as periodontal disease, a progressive gum infection that can lead to tooth loss.
The pollutants can alter the pH balance of saliva, creating an acidic environment where bacteria thrive. This condition, known as a cariogenic environment, drastically increases the risk of dental decay which leads to cavities.The long-term effects are even more alarming, as some studies suggest a direct link between prolonged exposure to these pollutants and an increased risk of developing oral cancer. A Pakistani case-control study found significantly higher genotoxic and cytotoxic changes in cells of mucosal lining of mouth in petrol pump workers vs. controls.
The problem is twofold in Pakistan, affecting both urban and rural populations. In busy cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi, exhaust fumes from millions of vehicles, industrial emissions, and thermal power plants contribute to a thick layer of fog. This outdoor air pollution exposes millions to harmful toxins daily.
A study found that traffic police constables in Islamabad had significantly higher blood lead levels compared to a control group of people who worked in areas with very low traffic. High lead levels cause cardiac, respiratory, kidney and oral health issues.
Meanwhile, in remote and rural areas, a different but equally dangerous form of pollution prevails. Many households still rely on the inefficient burning of traditional biomass fuels like firewood, animal dung, and crop residue for cooking and heating. This practice leads to high levels of indoor air pollution, exposing families, especially women and children who spend more time indoors, to toxic smoke that can irritate oral tissues and weaken the body immune response, making them more susceptible to oral infections.
The consolation is that the solution to Pakistan energy crisis and its public health fallout are one and the same; a comprehensive and accelerated transition to renewable energy. Pakistan is blessed with immense potential for clean energy, including vast reserves of solar, wind, and hydro resources. Adopting these alternative energy sources, the nation can not only achieve energy security but also directly improve the oral health of its citizens.
The most straightforward benefit is the reduction of air and water pollution. Shifting away from coal-fired power plants and fossil fuel-powered vehicles in favor of solar power and wind energy will lead to cleaner air. This will, in turn, lower the incidence of pollution-related oral diseases across the country. Moreover, renewable energy can play a direct and transformative role in the delivery of oral healthcare itself. Solar-powered dental clinics can be a game-changer. These self-sufficient facilities can operate essential equipment like dental drills, suction machines, and sterilizers without relying on any power grid.
Adoption of clean energy can tackle the issue of indoor air pollution. The government and non-profit organizations can promote and subsidize the installation of biogas plants, which convert agricultural and animal waste into clean cooking fuel. This eliminates the need for burning traditional biomass, drastically improving indoor air quality and protecting the oral and respiratory health of countless rural families. The benefits extend beyond direct medical applications. Consistent access to electricity from hydropower or other renewable sources can power water filtration systems, ensuring that communities have access to clean drinking water free from contaminants that could otherwise cause dental staining and other health problems.
Current reliance on fossil fuels has become a significant public health liability, contributing to a host of oral health problems from cavities to gum disease. A committed and rapid transition to renewable energy is the path forward.This is more than an energy policy; it is a public health imperative that promises a cleaner environment, a healthier population, and a more sustainable future.
The author is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University