Air pollution reduces human life by 2 years

Air pollution contributes to lung disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, reducing human life expectancy 1.5-2 years.

According to Smithsonianmag, the average life expectancy of people is increasing thanks to modern medicine, food nutrition and other improvements. However, recent studies show that air pollution is becoming more serious, especially in African and Asian countries, robbing people of their lives from 1.5 years to many years.

The main cause of pollution is from fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.(Photo: Newsclick).

Research conducted in 42 countries showed that human life decreased by 1-2 years due to inhalation of contaminated dust particles. In the United States, dust particles affect 4 months of human life. In Bangladesh and Egypt, where pollution is much higher, dust molecules take 1.8 years of life.

Researchers at the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas, Austin, collected data and studied all tiny fine dust particles, 30 times smaller than the width of human hair, that exist in the air. They examined the exposure of these particles in 185 countries, then calculated the impact of pollution on life expectancy. Results showed that 90,000 Americans and 1.1 million Indians died a year earlier due to air pollution. In addition, these dust particles come into contact with air pollutants. People inhale dust particles into their lungs, increasing the rate of stroke, heart attack, and respiratory diseases.

Therefore, many countries pay attention to measures to reduce air pollution. Researchers calculate the number of people who live long lives if they limit exposure to pollution. Specifically, if Egypt improves the contaminated areas, the average life expectancy of people will be 1.3 years. In Asia, if air pollution is limited, people can live longer than 1-1.5 years.

According to New York Times, the main cause of environmental pollution comes from fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions . People should switch to using cleaner energy sources to improve health and longevity. This is also one of the ways to deal with climate change, helping people stay healthy and long-term.