Did you know that the air you breathe every day could be silently killing you? According to a recent study, air pollution has caused 135 million premature deaths over the past four decades (1980 to 2020), and the situation is worsening every year. The chilling statistic was published in a recent study by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU). And the intersection required urgent and comprehensive action.
Moreover, Air pollution, especially high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), has severe health impacts. This blog explores global PM2.5 trends and the resulting spikes in deaths due to air pollution and climate phenomena. Additionally, the main causes of air pollution and premature deaths are human-made emissions and climate variability. Therefore, let’s delve into how we can mitigate the issue!
What is the devastating cost of air pollution?
The devastating cost of air pollution is approximately 135 million premature deaths in forty years. Since, air pollution worsened mortality statistics. Firstly, air pollution increases respiratory diseases and results in many conditions. As a result, everyone’s life quality decreases which results in a burden on global economies and healthcare systems.
The following are the devastating costs of air pollution:
1. Loss of lives:
Premature deaths also represent the human tragedy. As for their families and loved ones. Likewise in these following years, over 135 million families have grieved their closed ones’ deaths. Hence, it cost them extreme emotional suffering and trauma.
2. Global economy:
Premature deaths are also attributed to productivity loss as fewer individuals work. Since, it hampers economic growth and development at different levels.
3. Healthcare costs:
It imposes financial burdens on the healthcare system. Moreover, medical services are limited in low and middle-income nations. Additionally, it limited the resources and infrastructure for better addressing every problem.
How many air pollution episodes have passed in the last four decades?
According to the study, a total 363 number of air pollution episodes have occurred from 1980 to 2020. That is to say, these episodes show the increase and decrease in air pollution levels in different regions and countries. As in the first decade (1981 to 1990), the air pollution episodes have increased by 86%. Secondly, in the third decade (2001 to 2010), the episodes have increased by 100%. Above all, the major contributing regions are South Asia and Latin America.
Here are the Air pollution episodes over the four decades:
1981 to 1990:
The 86% spike is attributed to the rapid industrialization and urbanization in many countries. Since, it increased pollutant emissions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Following, Vehicular and industrial emissions in North America resulted in smog events in many areas. Besides, rapid population growth in South Asia increases air pollution episodes.
1991–2000:
Moreover, the air pollution episodes reduction have been noticed in this decade. Because in Western Sub-Saharan Africa, the environmental regulation techniques, land use pattern changes and other practice improved. In the result, these have contributed to the decrease in air pollution.
2001 to 2010:
Because of rapid urbanization, population growth and inadequate pollution control awareness worsen the air quality. Furthermore, crop burning and vehicular emission activities intensify the problem in South Asia. Besides, biomass burning and industrial emission increases the air pollution episodes frequency in Latin America. Hence, it exceeded the air pollution episodes by 100%.
2010 to 2020:
Improvement has been noticed in the last decades of the study. Because the air pollution episodes have decreased to 60% in the Oceania region. Moreover, a 45% reduction was recorded in South Asia with several strategies and plans. Hence, the reduction is attributed to air pollution mitigation policies and sustained efforts.
| 1981-1990: | Eastern Mediterranean, North America, South Asia, Europe, and Latin America (LA) | 86 % of the episodes |
| 1991–2000 | Oceania and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa | number of episode in Western Sub-Saharan Africa reduced. |
| 2001–2010 | South Asia and Latin America increased by 487 % and 255 %, | episodes increased over 100 % |
| 2011–2020 | Oceania , South Asia and East Asia | (-61 %)(-45 %)(-42 %) |
What contributed to the 135 million premature deaths?
The major pollutant is the fine particulate matter, which resulted in 135 million premature deaths.
Additionally, Fine particulate matter PM2.5 is significantly dangerous. Consequently, inhaling can make it enters into the lungs and bloodstream. In the result, it affects lungs and other organs. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems such as stroke and heart disease (IHD). For instance:
Stroke accounts for 33.3%, while ischemic heart disease (IHD) represents 32.7% of these deaths. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes 15.5%, lower respiratory infections 11.9%, and lung cancer 6.7%.
Know about these conditions in detail: Here
PM2.5 concentration trends in major regions from 1980 to 2020:
|
Regions: |
Countries |
PM2.5 Concentrations |
|
Eastern Mediterranean (EM) and Western Sub-Saharan Africa (WSSA) |
Kuwait |
122.4 µg/m3 |
|
Niger |
92.5 µg/m3 |
|
|
United Arab Emirates |
88.2 µg/m3 |
|
|
Chad |
87.5 µg/m3 |
|
|
Qatar |
87.4 µg/m3 |
|
|
South Asia |
Bangladesh |
42.7 µg/m3 |
|
India |
36.6 µg/m3 |
|
|
East Asia (EA) |
China |
24.5 µg/m3 |
|
South Korea |
18.3 µg/m3 |
|
|
Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA) |
Ethiopia |
17.3 µg/m3 |
|
Rwanda |
14.1 µg/m3 |
|
|
North America (NA) |
United States |
8.0 µg/m3 |
|
Europe (EU) |
Greece |
12.3 µg/m3 |
|
Oceania (OC) |
Australia |
8.5 µg/m3 |
Source: NTU
Which country has the highest number of deaths due to air pollution in these decades?
Every region has faced significant fatalities due to air pollution, primarily caused by PM2.5. This pollutant is responsible for a vast number of premature deaths, with Asia experiencing the highest numbers.
135 million premature deaths due to air pollution in different countries:
| Sl.No. | Countries | Deaths (in million) |
| 1. | China | 49.0 (C. I.: 33.8–61.5) |
| 2. | India | 26.1 (C.I.: 17.5–33.1) |
| 3. | Pakistan | 2 – 5 million |
| 4. | Bangladesh | 2 – 5 million |
| 5. | Indonesia | 2 – 5 million |
| 6. | Japan | 2 – 5 million |
| 7. | Nigeria | 4.4 (C.I.: 3.1–5.4) million |
| 8. | Egypt | 2.3 (C.I.: 1.6–2.8) million |
| 9. | Sudan | 1.4 (C. I.: 1.0–1.7) million |
| 10. | Ukraine | 2.7 (C.I.: 1.2–3.9) million |
| 11. | Germany | 2.3 (C.I.: 0.9–3.5) million |
| 12. | Poland | 1.3 (C.I.: 0.6–1.8) million |
| 13. | the United Kingdom | 1.2 (C.I.: 0.4–2.0) million |
| 14. | Romania | 1.1 (C.I.: 0.6–1.6) million |
| 15. | Italy | 1.1 (C.I.: 0.5–1.7) million |
| 16. | Americas | 5.0 (C.I.: 1.5–8.0) million |
| 17. | Brazil | 1.1 (C.I.: 0.2–1.8) million |
What are the major sources of air pollution that lead to deaths?
Anthropogenic emissions and climate variables are the major sources of air pollution.
Global anthropogenic emission:
Major pollutants such as Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Ammonia (NH3), Organic Carbon (OC) and others contribute to air pollution. With it, the PM2.5 concentration increase in East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southern Sub-Saharan Africa regions is due to anthropogenic emissions. The following are some of the activities that lead to emissions and consequent increase in deaths:
1. Fossil fuels burning:
Coal, oil or natural gas combustion is used for energy production that releases harmful gases like sulfur dioxide.
2. Industrial process:
Moreover, several industrial activities emit sulfur dioxide, ammonia, organic carbon and other gases in the environment.
3. Transportation:
Additionally, the internal combustion engines of vehicles emit many harmful gases including ammonia and sulfur dioxide.
Climate variability phenomena:
Different climate variability phenomena emits many pollutants in the atmosphere. These include El-Nino ˜ Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The same research claimed that climate variability phenomena also increase the PM2.5 level.
1. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO):
It alters the weather pattern around the world. In these decades, El Niño events have led to more drier conditions. As a result, increasing number of wildfires that elevate the particulate matter count in the atmosphere.
2. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
The positive events of the phenomenon change the precipitation patterns and circulation. Hence, it increases the air pollution levels because of wildfires and weather pattern changes.
3. North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO):
Climate pattern change due to the variation can influence the weather pattern changes. Its positive phase is associated with winds and storms in the North Atlantic, Europe and North America. Significantly, it influences the air quality
How to mitigate air pollution and its causing deaths?
Addressing the crisis is necessary with a multi-faceted approach. Since these statistics are alarming, there is hope. By taking action together, we can significantly reduce air pollution and its devastating health impacts. Here’s how you can get involved:
Strengthening the regulations:
- It is essential to strengthening the air quality regulations by policymakers.
- Because it can help to promote cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources.
- Hence, vehicular emissions reduction is the crucial step. Besides, clean air initiatives at the community level can enhance the air quality.
Addressing Climate Change:
- It is possible only with global strategies and cooperation by every individual.
- Promoting renewable energy, implementing practices and encouraging sustainable practices can help.
- Moreover, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help in mitigating climate changes with air pollution.
Community engagement:
- Public awareness campaigns and citizen engagement platforms can encourage the public for action.
- Accessing real-time air quality data to report pollution conditions.
- Moreover, campaigns can help in educating the public about health issues due to air pollution.
Lastly, By taking these steps, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.
Note: All world maps used in this blog are for reference purposes only.
