Air Pollution Poses Significant Health Risk, Impact Concentrated in Six Countries, Including India
Air pollution remains a pervasive threat to global human health, with a disproportionate impact on life expectancy concentrated in a select group of nations, including India, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC). The institute’s annual Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report highlights the concerning trend of rising global pollution and its corresponding detrimental effects on human well-being.
The study underscores that air pollution continues to stand as the most pressing external risk to human health on a global scale. The EPIC’s report unveils that as pollution levels escalated in the year 2021, its profound consequences on human health also witnessed an upward trajectory.
The AQLI report delves into the intricacies of the impact of air pollution on global life expectancy. It reveals that if the world were to achieve a permanent reduction in fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) to meet the stringent guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), the average person would gain an additional 2.3 years of life expectancy. Collectively, this translates to a staggering 17.8 billion life-years saved worldwide.
However, the study brings to light the stark disparity in the distribution of the health burden caused by air pollution. While the global implications are extensive, a major portion of the impact on life expectancy is concentrated in a mere six countries. Among these nations is India, which has been grappling with severe air quality issues for years.
The findings of the AQLI report underscore the urgency of addressing air pollution as a global health crisis. The detrimental effects of pollution are far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also directly impacting the health and well-being of individuals worldwide.
The report’s emphasis on reducing fine particulate pollution is particularly noteworthy. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, consists of tiny particles suspended in the air that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature death.
The AQLI report serves as a clarion call for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to combat air pollution on both a global and local scale. The report underscores the necessity of adhering to international guidelines set by organizations like the World Health Organization. These guidelines provide a framework for establishing air quality standards that can significantly enhance public health.
For nations like India, where the impact of air pollution on human health is acutely pronounced, the findings of the AQLI report underscore the urgency of adopting measures to curb pollution levels. The report’s revelation that air pollution is a critical factor influencing life expectancy should prompt governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize comprehensive strategies for mitigating pollution and improving air quality.
The consequences of neglecting the issue of air pollution are dire, impacting not only the longevity of human lives but also the overall quality of life. The AQLI report’s call to action resonates globally, urging collective efforts to combat pollution, adopt cleaner energy sources, enhance transportation systems, and implement stringent regulations to control emissions.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 1st September 2023
