The report by the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC) in the United States sends shivers down your spine. It is stated that fine dust pollution, emitted, for example, from motor vehicles, polluting industries or fires (megafires), would be “the greatest external threat to public health”. It would pose a greater danger than alcoholism or smoking. According to the same study, some regions of the world, such as Asia and Africa, are more affected than others.
Despite this observation, the report points out that funds allocated to fight air pollution represent only a small fraction of the money allocated to infectious diseases.
What are the risks when exposed to fine particles?
Lung diseases, heart problems, stroke risk, tumors… Being constantly exposed to fine particles can pose a real long-term health hazard. Meeting the WHO exposure threshold (equivalent to 5 micrograms (μg) per cubic meter) would increase global life expectancy by 2.3 years according to EPIC. In comparison, tobacco use reduces overall life expectancy by 2.2 years. As regards child and maternal malnutrition, this figure is estimated at 1.6 years.
Bangladeshis, whose level of exposure to fine particles is estimated at 74 g/m3, could gain 6.8 years of life if the threshold were lowered to that recommended by the WHO. But the pollution record belongs to New Delhi with an average annual exposure rate of 126.5 g/m3. It is also rated as “the most polluted megalopolis in the world”.
An improvement from China
The China “has made significant progress in the fight against air pollution”, points out Christa Hasenkopf, director of EPIC air quality programs at AFP. Progress marked by clear figures. In just a few years (2013 to 2021), China reduced its air pollution by 42.3%. Despite everything, its threshold remains 6 times higher than that recommended by the WHO. But the Chinese population will already increase its life expectancy by 2.2 years. A figure that, we hope, will increase further in the years to come…
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
