GENEVA: In a study published in the journal Science, experts have developed strategies to better understand the risks and policies to address the health effects of air pollution and population-related challenges.
According to media reports, the researchers highlighted the urgent need to prioritize interdisciplinary research on air pollution exposure and risk assessment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations.
Air pollution and exposure to greenhouse gases are associated with increased risks of various non-communicable diseases. It is classified as a Group I carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) for lung cancer.
It is estimated that air pollution causes 5.2 million deaths worldwide every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) updated the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) for air pollution in 2021 to reduce the public health burden. These guidelines were based on evidence from recent studies investigating the adverse health effects of global air pollution.
About 99% of the global population is exposed to persistently poor air quality that exceeds the Global Air Quality Guidelines. They are also indirectly associated with global deaths from disease and disability, which amount to approximately 41 million deaths annually.
77% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
