Just 5 high air pollution days can raise stroke risks
Just 5 high air pollution days can raise stroke risks KJZZ
sdgtalks
Long-term Exposure to Air Pollution Linked to Strokes, Study Shows
A new study has found a strong association between long-term exposure to air pollution and strokes, a condition that affects nearly 800,000 Americans annually. The study also reveals that short-term exposures to air pollution can significantly increase the risk of strokes.
Study Details
The study, published in the medical journal Neurology by the American Academy of Neurology, analyzed data from 110 studies involving over 18 million stroke cases. The findings highlight the following:
- Short-term exposure to high levels of certain air pollutants can raise the risk of stroke within just five days.
- High ozone levels lead to a 5% increase in stroke risk.
- High concentrations of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) result in a more than 26% surge in stroke risk.
- Sulfur dioxide, another byproduct of fossil fuel burning, increases stroke risk by 15% and raises the likelihood of death from stroke by 60%.
- Higher concentrations of NO2 are associated with a 33% increase in the risk of death from stroke.
- High levels of particulate matter (PM10s and PM2.5s) raise the risk of stroke by around 15% and increase stroke mortality risk by 2% and 9%, respectively.
Particulate matter refers to tiny particles of pollutants in the air, with PM2.5s being smaller and PM10s being slightly larger. Examples of PM2.5s include specks from car exhaust, power plant and industrial emissions, and forest and grass fires. PM10s consist of grains of dust from roads and construction sites.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
This study has significant implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By highlighting the link between air pollution and strokes, this study emphasizes the importance of reducing air pollution to protect public health.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The findings underscore the need for cities to implement measures that reduce air pollution, such as promoting clean transportation and reducing emissions from industrial activities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing air pollution is crucial for mitigating climate change and achieving the targets set under SDG 13.
Air Pollution in Phoenix
The study also provides insights into air pollution in Phoenix, Arizona. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Phoenix did not experience any five-day periods with high levels of PM10s and PM2.5s in the past year. However, the city did witness five five-day periods of high ozone levels, with two occurring last summer and three this summer.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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 its connection to strokes. This relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions the city of Phoenix and its air pollution levels, highlighting the need for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Lastly, the article indirectly addresses the issue of climate change and the need for climate action (SDG 13) by discussing air pollutants that are byproducts of fossil fuel burning.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- 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.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above align with the issues discussed. Target 3.9 focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, which directly relates to the health risks of strokes mentioned in the article. Target 11.6 emphasizes the need to address air quality in cities, which is relevant to the discussion of Phoenix’s air pollution levels. Target 13.2 highlights the importance of integrating climate change measures into policies and planning, which is indirectly connected to the article’s mention of air pollutants as byproducts of fossil fuel burning.
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. These indicators include:
- Short-term exposure to air pollutants and its impact on stroke risk
- Percentage increase in stroke risk associated with high levels of specific air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates)
- Percentage increase in death risk from stroke associated with high levels of specific air pollutants
- Concentrations of specific air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates) in the environment
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by monitoring and analyzing the levels of air pollutants and their impact on stroke risk and mortality. By tracking these indicators over time, it would be possible to assess whether efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality are leading to a decrease in stroke-related health issues.
4. 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. | – Short-term exposure to air pollutants and its impact on stroke risk – Percentage increase in stroke risk associated with high levels of specific air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates) – Percentage increase in death risk from stroke associated with high levels of specific air pollutants |
| 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. | – Concentrations of specific air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates) in the environment |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Concentrations of specific air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates) in the environment |
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: kjzz.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
