Over 9 million lives could be saved every year if countries met WHO air quality guidelines
Meeting the World Health Organization's recommended annual guidelines for air pollution resulting from fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide has the potential to save more than 9 million lives a year in low- and middle-income countries, say University of Cambridge researchers.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Cambridge suggests that meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines could save over 9 million lives annually in low- and middle-income countries. The guidelines focus on reducing fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels to their recommended maximum values.
PM₂.₅, tiny particles inhaled deep into the lungs, and NO₂, primarily from burning fossil fuels, are linked to heart and lung diseases, stroke, dementia, and other health issues. These diseases impose significant economic burdens through healthcare costs and lost productivity. The Cambridge researchers combined data on air pollution, population size, and health outcomes with evidence on pollution's impact on mortality and disease.
They used computer models to estimate how deaths and new cases of illnesses could be reduced if pollution levels fell to WHO guidelines. The findings reveal that achieving the PM₂.₅ guidelines could prevent or delay 9.4 million deaths per year, while meeting NO₂ guidelines could save 1.1 million lives. Even partial compliance would still yield substantial health benefits, with 6.6 million fewer deaths from PM₂.₅ and 435,000 fewer from NO₂.
The potential benefits extend beyond lives saved, with estimates suggesting 2.8 million fewer cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 1.1 million fewer dementia cases, and significant reductions in heart disease and stroke. The researchers also highlighted potential economic gains, including $11.8 billion in direct medical cost savings for coronary heart disease, $5.9 billion for stroke, and $8.6 billion for dementia annually.
Dr. Annalan Navaratnam, a clinical research fellow at the University of Cambridge, emphasized that tackling air pollution could greatly improve quality of life and reduce early deaths. Dr. Haneen Khreis echoed this, stating that while meeting the guidelines is challenging, low- and middle-income countries have a crucial opportunity to create healthier futures as their populations expand and cities grow.
The study underscores the importance of addressing air pollution as both a moral imperative and an economic opportunity, noting that healthy populations support economic development and bring substantial societal benefits.
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