A new report from the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) has highlighted the severe impact of air pollution on human life expectancy, surpassing even the negative effects of smoking.
The AQLI’s report, which used 2021 data, focused on the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air on human health and life expectancy. The research found that consistent exposure to PM2.5 pollution can reduce the global average life expectancy by 2.3 years.
Comparatively, tobacco use reduces global life expectancy by 2.2 years. For further comparison, the report noted that child and maternal malnutrition reduce life expectancy by 1.6 years, alcohol use by 7.2 months (similar to unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing), HIV and AIDS by 3.6 months, and nutritional deficiencies by 1.2 months.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a size of two and a half microns or smaller, which can enter the lungs and even the circulatory system. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 pollution can lead to lung diseases, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems, potentially resulting in strokes or heart attacks.
While air pollution affects people across the board, it is particularly impactful on sensitive groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant individuals.
In terms of regional disparities, the report highlighted that air pollution has a more severe impact on Asia and Africa than on other continents. Countries with the worst air quality include India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Indonesia, accounting for 75% of the global air pollution burden due to their high pollution levels and large populations.
The report also emphasized that a lack of data and vital statistics hampers efforts to combat air pollution effectively, with some regions having insufficient pollution epidemiological studies and national air quality standards. Additionally, underfunding in certain regions, particularly Africa, limits the resources available to address air pollution issues.
However, the report also cited China as a success story, as the country significantly reduced PM2.5 levels through strict public policies, including restrictions on car ownership, manufacturing capacity, and coal-fired boilers.
Efforts to reduce air pollution and its detrimental health effects are crucial for improving global life expectancy and overall public health.