Air Pollution Exacerbates Fatty Liver Disease

The head of Iran’s Hepatitis Society says poor air quality in cities is the reason behind the prevalence of fatty liver disease among urban dwellers.

Speaking to IRNA, Dr. Seyyed Moayyed Alavian, said those living in rural areas are more physically active and breathe cleaner air, which might explain the low incidence of fatty liver disease in those regions.

Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is the buildup of fat in the liver. It’s normal to have some fat in liver, but too much can become a health problem.

“Low physical activity, poor diet, stress, and using narcotics are the main causes of the disease,” Alavian said. “Genetic factors play a small role; its environmental factors and our lifestyle that have a greater impact.”

He said fatty liver, in varying degrees, can be found in half the population.

Kids as young as 7 years old have been diagnosed with hepatic steatosis, Alavian said.