Deaths, disabilities from heart problems related to air pollution are on the rise, study finds | CNN
Deaths, disabilities from heart problems related to air pollution are ... CNN
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The Impact of Air Pollution on Heart Problems
Introduction
The number of people affected by heart problems caused by air pollution has significantly increased since 1990, with a global rise of 31%, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Particle Pollution and its Effects
Particle pollution, also known as PM2.5 or particulate matter pollution, is a mixture of solid and liquid droplets in the air. It can include dirt, dust, soot, or smoke. This type of pollution is primarily emitted by coal- and natural gas-fired plants, as well as vehicles, agriculture, unpaved roads, construction sites, and wildfires. PM2.5 particles are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye and can easily enter the lungs or bloodstream, causing irritation, inflammation, and various respiratory and heart problems.
Study Findings
The researchers analyzed nearly 30 years of data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 research set, which provides information on mortality and disability due to particle pollution exposure. The study focused on two heart-related problems: strokes and ischemic heart disease. The findings revealed that the total number of premature deaths and years of heart disease-related disability attributed to particle pollution exposure increased from 2.6 million in 1990 to 3.5 million in 2019. Although there was a decline in premature deaths during this period, there was a simultaneous increase in the number of people living with heart-related disability.
Gender and Regional Disparities
The study also highlighted gender and regional disparities. Men were found to be more susceptible to dying from particle pollution exposure compared to women. Additionally, richer countries had the lowest number of lost years of life due to pollution, but they also had the highest number of people living with heart-related disability.
Impact of Climate Change
Experts predict that heart problems caused by pollution will continue to increase as global temperatures rise. Previous research has shown that the risk of fatal heart attacks doubles during heatwaves and on days with higher pollution levels.
Sustainable Development Goals
The findings of this study align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The study highlights the negative impact of air pollution on heart health and emphasizes the need for improved healthcare, air pollution control measures, and access to treatment.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The study underscores the importance of reducing air pollution in urban areas, where it is often most severe.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The study highlights the role of climate change in exacerbating air pollution and its detrimental effects on human health.
Conclusion
Air pollution, particularly particle pollution, poses a significant threat to heart health, leading to increased mortality and disability worldwide. While efforts have been made to reduce air pollution, the majority of the global population still breathes unhealthy air. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter regulations, sustainable urban planning, and climate change mitigation measures.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the health impacts of air pollution, specifically particle pollution, on heart-related problems. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions the increase in heart problems due to the climate crisis, linking it to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Lastly, the article mentions the need for laws and incentives to reduce air pollution, which relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
The article highlights the need to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution (SDG 3.9). It also emphasizes the importance of improving air quality in cities to reduce the adverse environmental impact (SDG 11.6). Additionally, the article mentions the connection between air pollution and the climate crisis, emphasizing the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (SDG 13.1).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of premature deaths and years of heart disease-related disability attributed to particle pollution exposure.
- Number of lost years of life due to air pollution in different countries.
- Number of “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality days.
The article mentions the increase in premature deaths and heart disease-related disability caused by particle pollution exposure, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (SDG 3.9). The article also highlights the variation in lost years of life due to air pollution in different countries, indicating the need for improvement in air quality (SDG 11.6). Lastly, the article mentions the growth in the number of “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality days, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards improving air quality (SDG 11.6).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of premature deaths and years of heart disease-related disability attributed to particle pollution exposure. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | – Number of lost years of life due to air pollution in different countries. – Number of “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality days. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Number of “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality days. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cnn.com
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