The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data reveals Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan as the top three most air-polluted countries, with Tashkent leading with an AQI reading of 174, followed closely by India at 173 and Pakistan at 160. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for global action to address the severe health risks associated with air pollution.
The AQI serves as a crucial indicator of air quality, categorizing pollution levels into various health risk categories. The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale classifies air quality as "good" when it falls within the 0-50 range, while readings between 400-500 are considered detrimental to both individuals in good health and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the dire consequences of air pollution, estimating that it claims the lives of approximately 7 mn people globally each year. The adverse health effects attributed to air pollution include heightened risks of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Efforts to mitigate air pollution have been ongoing, with initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from various sources, including vehicular traffic, industrial activities, and biomass burning. However, sustained efforts and collaborative strategies are imperative to address this pressing environmental and public health concern effectively.
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the dire consequences of air pollution, estimating that it claims the lives of approximately 7 mn people globally each year. The adverse health effects attributed to air pollution include heightened risks of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
On February 21, the capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, emerged as a focal point of global air pollution concerns, taking the lead among major cities worldwide. Data retrieved from the IQAir portal revealed that around 08:30 local time, Tashkent exhibited a concentration of fine PM2.5 particles dispersed in the air, measuring 196 μg/m3, categorizing it as "harmful."
The importance of PM2.5 as a key indicator of air pollution's impact on health highlights the seriousness of the issue. These fine particles, with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, have the ability to penetrate deeply into the respiratory system, presenting significant health hazards, especially for susceptible groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Air pollution
Air pollution refers to a combination of harmful elements originating from both human activities and natural occurrences. Human-made air pollution stems from various sources including vehicle exhaust, the use of fuel oils and natural gas for heating, emissions from manufacturing and power generation, notably from coal-fired power plants, and fumes generated by chemical production processes.
On the other hand, natural events contribute to air pollution by releasing hazardous substances such as smoke from wildfires, often ignited by human actions, ash and gases discharged during volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from the decomposition of organic matter in the soil.
The establishment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in 1970 initially framed air pollution as chiefly a respiratory health hazard. A study known as the Six Cities Study in 1993, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), identified a correlation between fine particulate matter and mortality rates.
Exposure to air pollution is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, potentially laying the groundwork for chronic illnesses and cancer. In 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified air pollution as a carcinogen.
Of particular concern are mortality rates linked to air pollution. Exposure to particulate matter PM2.5 has been shown to increase the risk of death.
Research, including studies partially funded by NIEHS, has revealed a decrease in mortality following the implementation of air pollution regulations and the retirement of coal-powered plants. One study, spanning 21 years, found that exposure to PM2.5 from coal combustion was associated with twice the mortality risk compared to PM2.5 from all sources, due to the high presence of sulfur dioxide, black carbon, and metals.
Public health worries related to air pollution encompass a spectrum of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular ailments, respiratory disorders, diabetes, and obesity, as well as reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders.
Regarding cancer, extensive research has highlighted associations between living near major roadways and increased breast cancer risk, as well as occupational exposure to benzene and the incidence of leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
In terms of cardiovascular disease, fine particulate matter has been linked to impaired blood vessel function and accelerated arterial calcification. Furthermore, exposure to nitrogen oxides has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke among post-menopausal women.
Respiratory health is also significantly impacted by air pollution, with evidence linking it to lung development issues and the development of conditions such as emphysema, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic bronchitis.
Recent studies have underscored the exacerbating effects of air pollution on respiratory diseases, particularly amidst the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires, with research indicating a correlation between wildfire smoke exposure and additional COVID-19 cases and fatalities.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)