[ad_1]
India is the second most populous country in the world after Nepal, the University of Chicago Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) announced on Monday. The study also revealed that particulate pollution was so severe that it reduced the life expectancy of the average Indian by more than four years compared to what was observed in the study. it would be so if the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on air quality were respected. This represents about two years in the late 90s due to a 69% increase in particulate pollution.
Concentrations in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Territory of Delhi are significantly higher and their impact on life expectancy exceeds six years. The new air quality index, called the Quality of Life Index, Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), finds that air pollution reduces life expectancy in the world by almost two years, making it the most great threat to human health. For an average resident of Delhi, the life expectancy gain if the WHO guidelines are followed could go up to 10.2 years.
What makes AQLI unique is that it converts pollution into perhaps the most important measure that exists – life expectancy. This is done at a hyper local level around the world. In addition, it shows how air pollution policies can increase life expectancy when they comply with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, guidelines, and guidelines. existing national standards for air quality or user defined air quality levels.
Local communities and policy makers can use this information and develop very concrete policies on air pollution. The loss of life expectancy is highest in Asia, exceeding six years in many parts of India and China; some US residents still lose up to one year of life due to pollution. Particulate air pollution resulting from fossil fuels reduces the global average life expectancy of 1.8 years per person, according to the pollution index and the corresponding ratio produced by the EPIC.
"People around the world breathe in air that poses a serious risk to their health, but this risk is communicated in a very opaque and confusing way, reflecting the concentrations of atmospheric pollution in color, such as red, brown, orange and green.The significance of these colors for the well-being of people has still not been clear, "said Michael Greenstone, economics professor Milton Friedman and director from the EPIC.
Greenstone also noted, "My colleagues and I have developed the AQLI, where the" L "stands for" life "to address these shortcomings.It takes particulate air pollution concentrations and converts them into maybe the most important parameter that exists, the life expectancy. " The AQLI is based on a pair of studies co-authored by Greenstone and peer-reviewed, which quantify the causal link between long-term human exposure to particulate pollution and pollution. Life expectancy.
The results of these studies are then combined with hyper-localized global measurements of particles, providing unprecedented insights into the true cost of air pollution in communities around the world. The AQLI reveals that India and China, which account for 36% of the world's population, account for 73% of the years of life lost due to particle pollution.
On average, Indians would live an additional 4.3 years if their country adhered to WHO guidelines, increasing life expectancy at birth from 69 to 73 years. In the United States, about one-third of the population lives in areas that do not comply with the WHO guideline. Those living in the most polluted counties in the country can expect to live up to a year longer if the pollution complies with WHO guidelines.
On a global scale, the AQLI reveals that particulate pollution reduces the average life expectancy by 1.8 years, making it the biggest global threat to human health. In comparison, first-hand cigarette smoke causes a reduction in the global average life expectancy of about 1.6 years. Other risks to human health have even lower effects: alcohol and drugs reduce life expectancy by 11 months; unsafe water and sanitation take off seven months later; and HIV / AIDS four months.
"While people can stop smoking and take steps to protect themselves from illness, they can not do anything individually to protect themselves from the air they breathe," Greenstone said.
Foods to enhance resistance to air pollution
Did you know that the antioxidants in the foods you eat can protect your body from the harmful effects of air pollutants? Here are some foods that you can include in your diet this season to strengthen you, suggested by Dr. Rupali Datta, nutritionist.
1. Green leaves such as coriander leaves, coriander leaves, cabbage, turnip greens and parsley.
2. Citrus rich in vitamin C like amla, guava and apple.
3. Foods rich in vitamin E such as almonds, sunflower oil and olive oil.
4. Foods rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene prevents inflammation because of its antioxidant activity. Radishes, carrots and amaranth leaves are rich sources of beta-carotene.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids are also a good addition to your diet to combat air pollution. Nuts and seeds such as nuts, chia seeds and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Include these foods in your diet and contact your doctor immediately in case of persistent cough or minor respiratory discomfort.
Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. It is not in any way a substitute for qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.
(with IANS entries)
[ad_2]Source link
