Fine particulate air pollution shortens lifespans by more than two years on average worldwide.

This is the result of the Air Quality Life Index report, published on Tuesday by the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago.

“Permanently reducing global air pollution to meet WHO recommendations would add 2.2 years to average life expectancy,” the study authors write.

In South Asia, a person could thus live five years longer if the level of fine particles in the air met WHO standards.

India particularly affected

These PM2.5 microparticles (less than 2.5 microns, the diameter of a hair), classified as carcinogenic by the UN in 2013, penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream and can cause respiratory diseases and cardiovascular.

According to the WHO, their density in the air should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter in 24 hours and five micrograms over a year.

Almost all populated areas of the world exceed these recommendations.

Asia holds the record: levels are 15 times higher in Bangladesh, 10 times higher in India and nine times higher in Nepal and Pakistan.

In the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (300 million inhabitants), these particles reduce life expectancy by 8 years, and up to 10 years in New Delhi.

Better in China

Globally, this pollution did not decrease in 2020 compared to 2019, despite a sharp economic slowdown and a drop in CO2 emissions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the situation is improving in China.

Pollution has dropped by 40% between 2013 and 2020, adding two years of life expectancy to its inhabitants.

This life expectancy remains reduced by 2.6 years on average.

Statistically, mortality from PM2.5 pollution is comparable to that caused by tobacco consumption.

It is three times higher than mortality linked to alcohol consumption and six times higher than that linked to HIV, according to the report of the American researchers.

reindeer

Rennes: What solutions to reduce air pollution?

Health

Air quality: Pollution in the metro three times higher than on the surface, but still poorly measured

  • Air pollution

  • Fine particles

  • Microparticles

  • Health

  • Pollution

  • Environment

  • Planet