According to a new report, over 95% of the world's population are breathing unsafe air, with developing countries suffering the most.
Air Pollution Increases The Number Of Deaths
On Tuesday, April 17, the annual State of Global Air Report revealed that long-term exposure to air pollution contributed to an estimated total of 6.1 million deaths across the world in 2016, making it the most common causes of death among all health risks such as high blood pressure and smoking. Furthermore, contact with poor air pollution can lead to lung cancer, chronic lung disease, strokes and heart attacks.
Bob O'Keefe, Vice President of HEI, stated that smog makes it very hard for those with respiratory disease to breathe, which immediately leads to death.
In a statement, O'Keefe further explained that air pollution takes a personal toll worldwide, which makes it difficult for individuals to breathe especially those with respiratory disease whether they are young or old. The constant impurity sends them to hospital, which takes them away from their daily routines.
The Global Air Report further explained that China and India are the main states responsible for over half of the deaths caused by pollution, but as of 2016 India is now ahead of China as it has garnered over 1 million deaths caused by contamination, along with Pakistan and Bangladesh which have also experienced the most abrupt increases in air pollution levels since 2010.
Sadly, contaminated air can also be produced in homes. For example, those that cook or have heat in their home can possibly breathe contaminated air. In 2016, it was revealed that one out of three citizens were subject to air pollutions contracted from wood or charcoal.
U.S. Facing Decomposition
Developing countries may definitely be a cause for concern with pollution-related deaths, but between 2010 and 2016 there was also an increase in U.S. deaths where decomposition was considered to be the cause. For instance, in London, studies have shown that every area of the capital has effluence levels higher than the global standards recommend. The levels have caused cleaning up London's air has become a major initiative for Mayor Sadiq Khan's.
