News: The Health Effects Institute report, in partnership with UNICEF, underscores global air pollution as the second leading cause of death with 8.1 million fatalities in 2021, highlighting India’s substantial burden, including nearly 50% of ozone-related COPD deaths.
Global Impact (2021):
- Air pollution ranked as the 2nd largest risk factor for death globally, causing 8.1 million deaths, following high blood pressure.
- PM2.5 Exposure: 99% of the world’s population lives in areas with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 pollution (particles < 2.5 μm).
- Disparity in Exposure: People in low- and middle-income countries face 1.3 to 4 times higher levels of ambient PM2.5 compared to high-income countries.
- COVID-19 Impact: Air pollution exacerbated COVID-19 outcomes by compromising immune systems and causing lung inflammation and oxidative stress.
Health Risks in India
- Global Disease Burden: India and China contributed 54% of the global disease burden linked to air pollution.
- Ozone and COPD: India accounted for nearly 50% of all ozone-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) deaths in 2021.
These findings underscore the severe health impacts of air pollution globally and particularly highlight the significant burden faced by India, necessitating robust interventions to mitigate pollution and safeguard public health.
