Rising air pollution levels in South Asia, home to some of the world's most polluted countries, are now posing a dire threat to life expectancy, as per a recent report released on August 29. The study, conducted by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), highlights the alarming impact of hazardous air on public health in the region.
The report unveils that South Asia, which includes nations such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, is responsible for over half of the global life years lost due to pollution. These countries have been grappling with rapidly declining air quality due to factors like rampant industrialization and population growth. Particulate pollution levels have surged by more than 50% since the turn of the century, surpassing the risks posed by even more recognizable health hazards.
Bangladesh, recognized as the world's most polluted country, faces an astonishing reduction of 6.8 years in average life expectancy per person. In comparison, the United States contends with a mere decrease of 3.6 months. The study, which employs satellite data to evaluate the influence of elevated levels of airborne fine particles on life expectancy, paints a bleak picture for the region.
India has emerged as a significant contributor to global pollution, responsible for nearly 59% of the world's pollution escalation since 2013. The report issues a stern warning that hazardous air could further curtail lifespans, particularly in the most polluted pockets of the country. Notably, in New Delhi, an incredibly densely populated metropolis and one of the most polluted cities worldwide, the average life expectancy has plummeted by more than a decade.
The study underscores the potential benefits of adhering to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding lung-damaging airborne particles, known as PM 2.5. Compliance with these guidelines could potentially extend average life expectancy by 2.3 years, adding up to an impressive combined total of 17.8 bn life years.
The research also sheds light on the gains achievable by individual countries through pollution mitigation. A person living in Pakistan could witness an increase of 3.9 years in life expectancy by meeting the WHO-recommended limit of an average annual PM 2.5 concentration of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Similarly, in Nepal, adhering to the guidelines could potentially extend life expectancy by 4.6 years.
In contrast, the report commends China for its remarkable strides in pollution reduction, having successfully decreased pollution levels by 42.3% between 2013 and 2021. This achievement underscores the importance of governments providing accessible air quality data and tools to combat pollution, thus addressing the glaring disparities in tackling this global issue.
As South Asia grapples with the devastating impact of air pollution on public health and life expectancy, experts and policymakers are compelled to take swift and substantial actions to curtail pollution levels and ensure a healthier, longer future for the region's inhabitants.
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