Over 1 million dead globally: Study finds devastating toll of air pollution
Over 1 million dead globally: Study finds devastating toll of air pollution Study Finds
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MELBOURNE, Australia —
A dire new study is warning about the deadly effects of air pollution. Researchers from Monash University in Australia have discovered that short-term exposure to fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, in air pollution leads to over one million premature deaths worldwide each year. This alarming statistic highlights the significant health risks posed by air pollution, especially in Eastern Asia where more than half of these deaths occur.
PM2.5 and its Health Impacts
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and a half microns or less in width. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing various health issues. The study examined mortality and pollution data from more than 13,000 cities and towns across the globe for the two decades up to 2019.
Dangers of Short-Term Spikes in PM2.5 Levels
Unlike previous research, which primarily focused on the health impacts of long-term pollution in urban areas with consistently high levels of pollution, this study sheds light on the dangers of short-term spikes in PM2.5 levels. These spikes can occur in both large and small urban areas due to events like landscape fires, dust storms, and other extreme air-pollution events.
Deadly Consequences of Brief Exposure to PM2.5
Scientists found that even brief exposure to PM2.5 for a few hours to days can have deadly consequences, particularly in Asia and Africa. In urban settings, more than a fifth of these premature deaths (22.74%) were reported, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions in cities with dense populations and high pollution levels.
Global Distribution of Mortality Burden
- Asia accounted for approximately 65.2% of global mortality
- Africa – 17%
- Europe – 12.1%
- The Americas – 5.6%
- Oceania – 0.1%
Mortality Rates in Crowded and Polluted Regions
The highest mortality rates were observed in crowded and polluted regions of eastern Asia, southern Asia, and western Africa. Eastern Asia, in particular, reported a mortality rate more than 50 percent higher than the global average. While most areas in Australia saw a decrease in the number of attributable deaths, the fraction of deaths attributed to short-term PM2.5 exposure in Australia increased from 0.54 percent in 2000 to 0.76 percent in 2019, likely due to the rising frequency and scale of extreme weather-related air pollution events.
Recommendations for Targeted Interventions
To combat the acute health damages caused by transient exposure to high levels of PM2.5, the study recommends implementing targeted interventions. These could include air-pollution warning systems and community evacuation plans, which would significantly mitigate the health impacts of short-term air pollution exposure on vulnerable populations.
The study is published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health.
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
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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of premature deaths caused by short-term exposure to PM2.5
- Mortality rates attributed to short-term PM2.5 exposure in different regions
- Fraction of deaths attributed to short-term PM2.5 exposure in Australia
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. | – Number of premature deaths caused by short-term exposure to PM2.5 |
| 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. | – Mortality rates attributed to short-term PM2.5 exposure in different regions – Fraction of deaths attributed to short-term PM2.5 exposure in Australia |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | N/A |
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: studyfinds.org
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