Is your balcony a lung risk? Pigeon exposure can cause irreversible damage

Across balconies, rooftops, and public spaces, pigeons shed droppings and feathers that become airborne dust. Doctors say urban exposure is increasingly linked to serious, irreversible lung damage

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Every day, thousands of people in cities like Delhi feed pigeons without thinking twice, as an act of kindness or ‘karma’. But what looks harmless could be putting your lungs at serious risk. Pigeon droppings don’t just dirty buildings, they break down into fine dust that can get into your lungs and cause disease. Doctors are now warning people to rethink how close they get to these birds, especially in crowded urban spaces.  According to Dr Vijay Kumar Agrawal, director, ICU & Pulmonology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Faridabad, dried pigeon faeces break down into fine dust that can carry harmful bacteria and fungal spores like Histoplasma. When inhaled, these microscopic particles can cause serious lung diseases, some of them irreversible.

What are the major lung problems linked to pigeons?

Dr Agrawal highlights the following major threats:

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, commonly known as Pigeon Breeder’s Lung, an inflammatory allergy caused by breathing in bird proteins
• Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that thrives in bird droppings
• Cryptococcosis, caused by another fungus found in dried pigeon droppings

In urban areas like Delhi, which is densely populated, polluted, and full of roosting spots, the risk multiplies. Dr Agrawal explains, “Balconies, rooftops, and congested buildings create perfect environments for droppings to collect, dry out, mix with polluted air, and become inhalable. Those with asthma or pre-existing lung issues are especially vulnerable.”

 

Occasional exposure might only cause some irritation, says Dr Agrawal. But long-term or repeated exposure, such as living close to a pigeon nest you never clean, could spell irreversible damage. Chronic exposure can scar lung tissue so badly that even breathing becomes difficult. Lung fibrosis, he warns, isn’t reversible.

What early symptoms should you watch for?

If you’ve been around pigeons and experience:

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Extreme fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

These might be early signs of a serious lung condition. As Dr Agrawal advises, “Seek immediate medical attention when respiratory symptoms follow bird exposure. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage.”

 

He warns that your lungs won’t fix themselves once the scarring begins.

How can you protect yourself from pigeon exposure?

If you live in an area with pigeon activity:

• Install nets on balconies and ledges
• Wear gloves and an N95 mask while cleaning
• Avoid sweeping dry droppings, always dampen before cleaning
• Never dry clothes near roosting spots
• Stop providing food or open water sources

Feeding pigeons might feel compassionate, but exposing yourself, your kids, and elderly family members to fungal dust and feather proteins is not. Health experts strongly advise against feeding pigeons, especially in dense and already polluted cities like Delhi.

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.