Air pollution reduces life expectancy in the world

The global impact of air pollution worldwide continues to worsen, with studies showing that air quality has reduced life expectancy worldwide by two years. In this study, outdoor air pollution by particles was evaluated. These tiny particles stay longer in the air than heavy particles, which means that people are more likely to inhale them. Because of their size, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and eventually enter the circulatory system. .

Exposure to PM2.5-related air pollution and its consequences were measured in 185 countries using data from the global burden of disease study, which measure mortality from PM2.5. diseases, injuries and risk factors; The team then examined the life expectancy of each country and its overall effect. The results revealed that air pollution reduced life expectancy by 4 months on average in the United States and the United Kingdom, by 9 months in Russia, by 1.5 years in India, by 2 years in Egypt. and a year of life expectancy worldwide.

Air pollution in northern parts of China has reduced the average life of 3.1 years, 46% more than in southern China. Residents of northern China use free coal during the winter months to power indoor heating systems, although many studies have shown that long-term exposure to smog by coal burners was dangerous to health.

The United Nations Environment Program has announced that a worldwide campaign, Breathe Life, aimed at combating air pollution, is being implemented by the Coalition for Environmental Protection. clean air and air, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment to gather expertise in public health and the fight against climate change . with advice on implementing solutions to air pollution, involving 38 cities, regions and countries, reaching 80 million people.

This campaign believes that the implementation of policies and programs will reduce transportation and energy emissions; and promoting the use of clean energy in cities will change and improve people's lives. The use of renewable energy is increasing and will make a difference, investments in new renewable sources exceeding investments in fossil fuels.

The latest air quality database prepared by W.H.O estimates that 97% of cities in low- and middle-income countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants do not comply with W.H.O's air quality guidelines; that is 48% of high – income countries, with most major cities struggling to maintain air pollution within the acceptable limits set by W.H.O.