New Delhi, July 5 -- Air pollution is usually discussed in relation to cough, asthma, breathlessness, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and heart disease. But experts now warn that polluted air may also be affecting another part of the body that receives far less attention - the scalp. A recent study has linked long-term exposure to particulate matter, especially PM2.5 and PM10, with a higher risk of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes sudden patchy hair loss.

PM2.5 consists of extremely small airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. These particles are mainly emitted from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, construction activities, and the burning of fuels. PM2.5 particles are s...