26 July 2024 | Wei Huang12,3*,†, Hongbing Xu12*, Jing Wu4†, Minghui Ren3,5†, Yang Ke6†, Jie Qiao7†
The article discusses the global burden of disease caused by ambient air pollution, emphasizing the significant number of annual deaths attributed to pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone. It highlights the challenges in estimating exposure and health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policies. The World Health Organization's (WHO) updated Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) aim to reduce pollution, but there is a lack of representation from LMICs in the supporting evidence. The article notes that even low levels of PM2.5 can have significant health impacts, supporting the need to reduce pollution to the lowest possible levels.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly prevalent globally, with nearly 99% of the population exposed to air quality exceeding AQG limits. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting conditions, face higher risks. The article also addresses the complexities of air pollution sources, including both natural and anthropogenic emissions, and the challenges in monitoring and assessing exposure, especially in LMICs. It emphasizes the importance of improving exposure models and utilizing technologies like satellite data and low-cost monitors to better understand and mitigate air pollution's health impacts.
The health effects of air pollution are wide-ranging, affecting nearly every organ system. The article discusses the specific risks for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, highlighting the need for more research on the biological pathways and long-term effects. It also explores the role of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and the challenges in measuring ultrafine particles (UFPs). The article calls for improved risk communication strategies and evidence-based interventions to address air pollution, emphasizing the need for region-specific policies and the integration of health and environmental considerations in decision-making. Finally, it stresses the importance of global collaboration and the development of effective policies to achieve cleaner air and better health outcomes.The article discusses the global burden of disease caused by ambient air pollution, emphasizing the significant number of annual deaths attributed to pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone. It highlights the challenges in estimating exposure and health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policies. The World Health Organization's (WHO) updated Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) aim to reduce pollution, but there is a lack of representation from LMICs in the supporting evidence. The article notes that even low levels of PM2.5 can have significant health impacts, supporting the need to reduce pollution to the lowest possible levels.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly prevalent globally, with nearly 99% of the population exposed to air quality exceeding AQG limits. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting conditions, face higher risks. The article also addresses the complexities of air pollution sources, including both natural and anthropogenic emissions, and the challenges in monitoring and assessing exposure, especially in LMICs. It emphasizes the importance of improving exposure models and utilizing technologies like satellite data and low-cost monitors to better understand and mitigate air pollution's health impacts.
The health effects of air pollution are wide-ranging, affecting nearly every organ system. The article discusses the specific risks for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, highlighting the need for more research on the biological pathways and long-term effects. It also explores the role of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and the challenges in measuring ultrafine particles (UFPs). The article calls for improved risk communication strategies and evidence-based interventions to address air pollution, emphasizing the need for region-specific policies and the integration of health and environmental considerations in decision-making. Finally, it stresses the importance of global collaboration and the development of effective policies to achieve cleaner air and better health outcomes.