Map reveals the most polluted countries on the planet

A new study found that air pollution has caused 2.1 million premature deaths worldwide each year and the death rate can vary greatly between countries.

To highlight the risk, experts from the Earth Observation Program of the US Aeronautics Agency (NASA) used research data to create a map that revealed air pollution. Global.

The mapping team compared the statistical data on air pollutant particulate concentrations from January 1, 1850 to the record recorded on January 1, 2000, as well as the schedule. shows the average death rate per 1,000 square kilometers per year. All this data was collected by researcher Jason West, professor of environmental science at North Carolina University (USA).

The map is based on statistical data from 1850 to 2000. (Photo: awakenedtruth.com)

In a research report published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, Mr. West estimates that 2.1 million premature deaths worldwide each year are related to airborne particulate concentrations. including dust and soot, with dimensions not larger than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5 for short).

PM2.5 particles may be caused by car emissions, industrial activity, civil and even other natural sources. They can cause health problems due to being small enough to penetrate human lungs.

NASA experts added that toxic pollutants can survive in the air for days or even weeks, and increase the number of people hospitalized for respiratory or cardiovascular problems.

The NASA map team explained: "Dark brown areas on the map have more early deaths than light brown areas. Blue areas have improved adjective air quality. in 1850 and witnessed the reduction of early deaths.

Airborne particulates are particularly harmful in eastern China, northern India and Europe - all areas where urbanization has significantly increased the number of PM2 particles, 5 in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution (starting around 1760) ".

Meanwhile, the southeastern states of the US have witnessed the decline of PM2.5 particles to levels that had been experienced before the industrial development period. This phenomenon is likely to be related to the reduction of local biomass for the past 160 years.