Air pollution reduces global life expectancy more than one year, scientists say. According to a new study conducted by a group of leading environmental engineers and researchers in public health, improving air quality can lead to a significant increase in life expectancy around the world.
This is the first case, when data on air pollution and life expectancy were studied together to reveal global differences in how they affect the overall life expectancy.
Than we breathe?
Scientists have studied pollution of the outdoor air for particulate matter (PM) less than 2.5 microns. That small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, and inhalation of PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases and cancer. Pollution PM2.5 comes from power plants, cars and trucks, fires, agriculture, and industrial emissions.
Scientists compared the level of air pollution in different countries, and life expectancy and came to the conclusion that the dirty air has a big impact on life reduces about a year of life.
In the context of other significant effects, negatively affecting the performance of life, is a lot.
Dirty air decreases life expectancy more than a year
Ilya Hel