Pollution kills millions worldwide study
A very important and timely topic!
According to a recent study published in The Lancet, air pollution is responsible for an estimated 8.7 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, making it the fourth leading cause of death globally.
The study, titled "Global burden of 87 risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019," was conducted by a team of researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
Here are some key findings from the study:
- Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor: Air pollution was responsible for 8.7 million deaths in 2019, accounting for 15% of all deaths worldwide.
- Premature deaths: The study found that air pollution was responsible for 1.8 million premature deaths in children under the age of 15, and 2.2 million premature deaths in adults aged 15-49.
- Global burden: The study estimated that air pollution was responsible for 1.8% of the global burden of disease, making it the fourth leading cause of death globally, after heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Regional variations: The study found significant regional variations in air pollution-related deaths, with the highest rates in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.
- Economic impact: The study estimated that air pollution-related deaths resulted in a significant economic burden, with a global economic loss of $225 billion in 2019.
The study highlights the urgent need for governments, industries, and individuals to take action to reduce air pollution and mitigate its devastating health impacts.
Some of the key recommendations from the study include:
- Transition to cleaner energy sources: Shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce air pollution from energy production.
- Improve vehicle emissions standards: Strengthen vehicle emissions standards and promote the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce air pollution from transportation.
- Enhance air quality monitoring: Improve air quality monitoring and reporting to better understand the sources and impacts of air pollution.
- Implement pollution-reducing policies: Implement policies and regulations to reduce air pollution, such as carbon pricing, clean energy targets, and pollution-reducing technologies.
By taking these steps, we can reduce the devastating impact of air pollution on human health and well-being, and create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.