How Can Breathing Kill You?

New studies from the University of Washington show that in 2013 over 5.5 million people died prematurely from air pollution. More than half of these deaths occurred in China and India. This data was presented at the 2016 annual meeting of the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to show that efforts to decrease pollutants are not strong enough, and need to be reassessed. Decreasing pollutants would be a very efficient way to increase the health of a population. It is the leading environmental risk factor for disease and the fourth highest risk factor for death globally. In China the largest contributor to deaths is from coal, leading to about 366,000 deaths in 2013. On the other hand, in India, burning wood, dung, and biomass is the leading contributor to air pollution. Although major strategies have been implemented to decrease air pollution, it is evident from the newly presented research that we must reassess them in order to increase the health of the endangered populations in the world.

New research shows that more than 5.5 million people die prematurely every year due to household and outdoor air pollution. More than half of deaths occur in two of the world's fastest growing economies, China and India. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington 2016.

This research can be used identify actions to best improve public health. By implementing the most effective strategies, we can save lives and breathe deeply knowing the air will not kill us.

Additional Facts on Pollution:

• World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines set daily particulate matter at 25 micrograms per cubic meter.
• At this time of the year, Beijing and New Delhi will see daily levels at or above 300 micrograms per cubic meter metre; 1,200 per cent higher than WHO guidelines.
• According to the Global Burden of Disease study, air pollution causes more deaths than other risk factors like malnutrition, obesity, alcohol and drug abuse, and unsafe sex. It is the fourth greatest risk behind high blood pressure, dietary risks and smoking. 
• Cardiovascular disease accounts for the majority of deaths from air pollution with additional impacts from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory infections. 

 References: 

University of British Columbia. "Poor air quality kills 5.5 million worldwide annually." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 February 2016. 

Posted by “Dasha Agoulnik” (1).