Every year, air pollution claims the lives of 8.1 million people worldwide. In India, the toll is 2.1 million, and in China, 2.3 million. Besides that, toxic air annually takes the lives of 709,000 children under the age of five. This means the pollution we create is responsible for the deaths of our own children.
These figures are from 2021. This study was recently conducted by the American research organization Health Effects Institute (HEI), and UNICEF was involved. The study revealed that globally, 709,000 children under five died due to air pollution, with over 169,000 in India alone.
Source: aajtak
Nigeria ranks second with 114,000 children's deaths, followed by Pakistan with 68,100, Ethiopia with 31,100, and Bangladesh with 19,100. The dreadful fact is that air-borne toxins account for the deaths of 15% of children under five.
India and China Account for 54% of Global Deaths
Pollution isn't the sole cause of deaths in South Asia, as high blood pressure, diet, and tobacco also play a significant role. Astonishingly, when considering adults as well, 4.4 million deaths in India and China were due to air pollution, thus, making up 54% of global casualties.
Source: aajtak
Rising air pollution globally causes the death of 80 children under the age of five every hour. From the 709,000 child deaths each year, 72% occur due to indoor pollution. However, PM2.5 is responsible for 28% of these fatalities.
Pollution Takes More Lives Than Malnutrition
After malnutrition, air pollution is the second largest cause of death for children under five. Conditions like preterm birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases are prevalent. The major causes of children's deaths from pollution include harmful fuel and indoor cooking smoke.
Source: aajtak
More children's deaths occur in Africa and Asia. In 2021, 8.1 million deaths worldwide were due to air pollution, making it the world's second-largest killer. Non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and COPD account for 90% of the deaths caused by air pollution.
Invisible Toxins Taking Breath and Lives
This data from over 200 countries and regions shows that more than 90% of global deaths from air pollution result from PM2.5. This invisible poison in the air causes 7.8 million deaths annually.
Source: aajtak
The silver lining is that in numerous countries, levels of these small particles are stabilizing or reducing. Globally, the average PM2.5 level is 31.3 micrometers per cubic meter. Since 2010, there has been a 35% reduction in the risk of pollution-related diseases in children under five. Worldwide awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution has increased.
