Air pollution: a silent killer affecting millions of people around the world – urgent action needed

The invisible impact of air pollution on global health

In a world facing environmental and health challenges, a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) titled “Indicator 3.9.1 of the Sustainable Development Goal: Mortality Attributed to Atmospheric Pollution” brought alarming statistics to the forefront. This comprehensive report, which tracks the health impacts of air pollution in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.9.1, highlights the staggering death toll associated with outdoor (ambient) and indoor (household) air pollution. ).

The findings are revealing: in 2019 alone, an estimated 6.7 million lives were cut short due to the joint effects of environmental and domestic air pollution. To put this into perspective, air pollution is responsible for around one in eight deaths worldwide, making it the biggest environmental risk factor for health worldwide. These figures highlight the need for immediate action to address this preventable cause of mortality.

The impact on health: a closer look

Although the effects of air pollution are felt worldwide, its impact on health varies significantly between regions. The Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions bear the heaviest burden, accounting for 62% of global air pollution-related deaths. The health consequences of exposure are devastating, causing a series of serious illnesses. According to the WHO report, 83% of deaths attributed to air pollution are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke and chronic respiratory problems.

The risk goes beyond premature mortality. Air pollution significantly affects quality of life, contributing to serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The burden of disease extends to gender inequality and economic losses, as household air pollution often forces women and children to spend hours collecting fuel, affecting their education and employment opportunities. Furthermore, smoke from solid fuel cooking exposes family members to harmful pollutants every day, creating a vicious cycle of social and health impacts.

The report also draws parallels between air pollution and tobacco consumption in terms of their impact on life expectancy. Exposure to polluted air can reduce life expectancy worldwide by an average of 1 year and 8 months, a value comparable to the effects of smoking.

Methods behind the findings

To reach these conclusions, the report used a rigorous set of methods, combining comparative risk assessment techniques, data integration models and up-to-date epidemiological evidence. One of the unique aspects of the study is its dual focus on environmental (PM2.5 and PM10) and household air pollution. Joint effects are meticulously calculated using exposure response functions derived from systematic reviews and the latest scientific literature.

Regarding domestic air pollution, which mainly results from the burning of solid fuels such as wood and coal, the report examined the impacts on personal exposure, especially in rural areas where the use of polluting fuels is still prevalent. For ambient air pollution, the assessment was based on high-resolution data from ground-based monitors, remote sensing, and chemical transport models. These methods provided a comprehensive picture of exposure levels and associated health risks.

The way forward: a call to action

The conclusions presented in this WHO report are not just a grim assessment of the current situation, but a powerful call to action. Reducing mortality related to air pollution is possible, but requires concerted efforts across multiple sectors. The health sector needs to take the lead by advocating for stricter air quality regulations and integrating air pollution control into public health strategies.

The report calls for immediate action in sectors such as energy, transport and land use planning to address the root causes of air pollution. Transitioning to cleaner domestic energy sources, implementing stricter emissions controls and promoting sustainable urban planning are some of the recommended strategies. International cooperation is essential, as many pollutants cross borders, affecting countries far from their source.

A global effort to combat a global threat

The solution to air pollution will not be easy, but it is achievable. The report’s data is clear: investing in cleaner air means investing in better health for everyone. Policymakers, healthcare professionals and communities must work together to implement evidence-based solutions that protect health and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

The WHO report makes a compelling case for action, reminding us that behind the statistics are real people – children with developmental delays, elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses, and families forced to make impossible choices between health and basic needs. The impacts of this silent killer reverberate across societies, making it one of the most urgent public health problems of our time.

The task ahead is daunting, but the message is hopeful: it is possible to reduce deaths caused by air pollution and the time to act is now.