Air pollution speeds progression of lung diseases, UK study finds
Air pollution speeds progression of lung diseases, UK study finds The Guardian
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Air Pollution Speeds Up Progression of Lung Disease, Study Finds
A study of more than 250,000 people in the UK has shown how air pollution speeds up the progression of lung disease.
Introduction
More air pollution in people’s home neighbourhoods led to a greater probability of developing one lung illness and then to increased likelihood of multiple illnesses and death. This adds to growing evidence that the health harm from air pollution accumulates through our lifetime.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Research Findings
The researchers concluded that current legal standards for air pollution are not sufficiently protective. Our health would be improved by further reducing air pollution, even when it met current standards. Additionally, people with lung conditions need extra protection from exposure.
The health of 266,000 adults was tracked for an average of 12 years. These adults were all volunteers from England, Wales, and Scotland who took part in the UK Biobank project.
To date, most studies have looked at links between air pollution and single health outcomes; the first diagnosis of asthma for example, admissions to hospital or to death. In the new study researchers tracked people’s heath lung health from being illness-free, to having long-term lung conditions and to early death.
By the end of the study, 13,863 people developed either asthma, lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 1,055 then developed multiple lung illness.
Fourteen per cent of the people who developed one chronic lung problem then went on to die during the study, as did 31% of people who developed multiple lung diseases. The study also collected information on lifestyle, including smoking, obesity, occupation, and income, so this could be allowed for in the analysis.
Impact of Air Pollution
The impacts were strongest for particle pollution, even though average concentrations near the volunteers’ homes were close to the 2040 target for England and that proposed for the EU for 2030. This suggests that these do not give sufficient levels of protection.
Similar patterns were seen for nitrogen dioxide but the method for working out the pollution that people breathed was more complex and less certain.
Although the research focused on lung illnesses, 10,562 people in the study in died from other causes, about 4% of the total. This risk of death was also greater for people who had more air pollution in their home neighbourhood, consistent with the large body of research that shows air pollution also shortens lives and increases death rates from many diseases.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Previous Studies
An earlier study, in 2019, also showed that the lung function of UK Biobank volunteers was being eroded by air pollution. Those from lower income households had approximately twice the decline in lung function and three times the risk of COPD compared with those on higher income who had the same air pollution exposure. International studies have also shown that air pollution increases the chances of getting lung cancer and subsequent survival rate.
Expert Opinion
Prof Stephen Holgate from the University of Southampton, who was not involved in the new studies, said: “Researchers have shown that not only is particulate and nitrogen dioxide pollution causally associated with common lung diseases, but air pollution also drives the worsening of disease to premature death. At a time when National Health Service operates more like a national illness service, we need to better recognize the massive contribution that air pollution is making to poor lung-health and stronger actions that drive down exposures to toxic pollutant emissions.”
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).
These indicators can be used to measure the impact of air pollution on health and the environment, as well as the effectiveness of efforts to reduce pollution and improve air quality.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted). |
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Source: theguardian.com
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