In 2019, 500,000 newborns died from pollution

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21 October 2020 Air pollution is the cause of death for 476,000 newborns in 2019, locating the majority of these deaths between India and sub-Saharan Africa.

This is what a new global study documents according to which almost two-thirds of deaths result from harmful fumes from cooking fuels.

More than 116,000 Indian children died from air pollution in the first month of life and 236,000 in sub-Saharan Africa, documents the State of Global Air 2020. Estimates were produced by the US-based

for the project. 

which analyzes levels and trends in the air on a global scale. 

The authors drew on a growing body of evidence linking mothers' exposure to air pollution during pregnancy with an increased risk of their babies being born too young or too early.

These conditions are associated with serious complications and account for the vast majority of neonatal deaths in both regions.

Overall, the report found that air pollution led to 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019, making it the fourth leading cause of death behind hypertension, tobacco use and problems related to improper eating. supply.