A groundbreaking report by the State of Global Air (SoGA) reveals that air pollution has surged to become the second leading risk factor for death worldwide. Released in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Health Effects Institute (HEI), the study highlights the severe impact of polluted air on both adults and children.
In 2021 alone, air pollution was linked to 8.1 million deaths globally. While high blood pressure remains the top risk factor for adults, malnutrition leads the list for children. Alarmingly, children under five are particularly vulnerable, with over 700,000 deaths attributed to air pollution. Of these, around 500,000 were due to household air pollution in Africa and Asia, primarily from indoor cooking with polluting fuels.
The SoGA report analyzed data from more than 200 countries and territories, underscoring that nearly everyone on Earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution daily. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, was identified as the most consistent predictor of poor health outcomes. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults.
\"Beyond these deaths, many more millions of people are living with debilitating chronic diseases, putting tremendous strains on healthcare systems, economies, and societies,\" the report stated. Dr. Elena Craft, President of HEI, emphasized the importance of the findings, saying, \"Air pollution has enormous implications for health. We know that improving air quality and global public health is practical and achievable.\"
The report serves as a clarion call for immediate action to reduce air pollution levels and mitigate its devastating effects on global health and economic stability.
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Study shows air pollution leading risk factor for death globally
cgtn.com
