“Air Pollution Caused 8.1 Million Deaths Worldwide in 2021: SoGA Report Reveals Stark Impact on Global Health”
The fifth edition of the report released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) has shed light on the devastating impact of air pollution on global health. According to the report, air pollution was responsible for a staggering 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021, with millions more suffering from chronic diseases as a result. This has put immense strain on healthcare systems, economies, and societies around the world.
One particularly alarming finding of the report is the vulnerability of children under five to air pollution. Over 700,000 children in this age group lost their lives in 2021 due to the effects of air pollution. The report highlighted that pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which primarily comes from burning fossil fuels and biomass in various sectors, were the leading cause of global air pollution deaths. These pollutants were identified as the most consistent and accurate predictor of poor health outcomes worldwide.
In addition to PM2.5, other pollutants such as household air pollution, ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were also found to contribute significantly to the deterioration of human health on a global scale. HEI President Dr. Elena Craft emphasized the urgent need for change, stating that improving air quality is both practical and achievable.
Furthermore, the report pointed out that pollutants like PM2.5 also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. As the planet warms, regions with high levels of NO2 are at risk of experiencing elevated levels of ozone, leading to even greater health effects. Dr. Pallavi Pant, HEI’s Head of Global Health, stressed the importance of considering air quality and pollution as high-risk factors in health policies and disease prevention programs.
The report highlighted the unique vulnerability of children to air pollution, with effects starting as early as in the womb. UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden expressed concern over the nearly 2,000 children under five who die every day due to air pollution-related causes, calling for urgent action to protect children’s health.
Despite the grim statistics, the report also noted some progress in addressing air pollution. There has been increased awareness about the harms of household air pollution, leading to a 53% decrease in the death rate of children under five since 2000. Additionally, regions with high levels of air pollution have started implementing measures such as air pollution monitoring networks and stricter air quality policies, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Overall, the report serves as a stark reminder of the significant impact of air pollution on human health and underscores the urgent need for action to address this global health crisis.