Air pollution is a serious global health concern that contributes to a significant number of premature deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 7 million premature deaths occur annually as a result of air pollution, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

How does Air Pollution lead to premature death?

One of the main causes of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the air. These pollutants can have a wide range of negative health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and stroke.

Recent data from the WHO shows that 92% of the global population lives in areas where air quality exceeds WHO guideline limits. Additionally, the WHO estimates that around 3 billion people still cook and heat their homes using solid fuels, which can lead to high levels of indoor air pollution. This is one of the major reasons for high premature death in low and middle-income countries.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also reports that air pollution is responsible for a significant number of premature deaths in the US each year. According to the EPA, exposure to particulate matter alone causes approximately 60,000 premature deaths annually in the US.

Impact of air pollution on public health and how to reduce the risk: 

Air pollution can have a particularly severe impact on vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Recent studies have also linked air pollution to an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

To address this pressing health concern, it's important for governments, organizations, and individuals at their own level to take action to reduce air pollution. This can include implementing stricter regulations on emissions from power plants and vehicles, encouraging the use of clean energy sources, and promoting sustainable transportation options such as public transit, biking, and walking.

Individuals can take steps to reduce their own exposure to air pollution, such as staying indoors on days with high pollution levels, avoiding high-traffic areas, and using air purifiers in their homes. In the long run, the best solution is to reduce the emissions of pollutants and shift towards clean energy sources.

References:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pollution-led-to-over-23-5-lakh-premature-deaths-in-india-in-2019-highest-in-world-lancet-study/articleshow/91636140.cms?from=mdr

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2022/05/18/pollution-is-responsible-for-9-million-deaths-each-year-worldwide_5983946_114.html

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00090-0/fulltext