Experts say pollution killed 9 million people worldwide in 2019.
Air, chemical and water pollution account for one in six deaths globally, with little progress in four years to tackle the public health crisis, a new study finds.
The findings, an update to the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, show that while some risks have declined, pollution still caused 9 million premature deaths in 2019 – a figure that has not changed since 2015.
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The report, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, warns that pollution is the world’s largest environmental risk factor for disease and premature death.
Deaths associated with extreme poverty-related pollution, such as unclean water, lack of sanitation, and household air pollution from burning fuels such as wood for cooking and heating, have fallen.
But that was offset by increased deaths from toxic chemicals such as outdoor air pollution and lead poisoning.
Indoor and outdoor air pollution is responsible for more than 6.6 million premature deaths worldwide, and the number is rising, while lead and other chemicals kill 1.8 million people each year, researchers say.
Deaths from modern forms of pollution, such as polluted air from burning fossil fuels and toxic chemicals, have increased by 66 percent over the past two decades due to increased industrialization, uncontrolled urban development, population growth and a lack of regulation.
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Pollution remains a major global threat to health and prosperity and requires international action on all major pollutants, the report said.
It warns that more than 90% of pollution-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and most have done little to address the “huge” public health problem.
Pollution, climate change and wildlife loss are closely linked, and addressing one may help tackle the other crises.
Massively and rapidly get rid of all fossil fuels that emit pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, as well as carbon emissions when burned in vehicles, boilers or power plants, which will help address air pollution and slow climate change Variety.
Richard Fuller, lead author of the study, said: “The impact of pollution on health remains enormous, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt.
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“Despite its enormous impact on health, society and the economy, pollution prevention has been largely ignored in the international development agenda.
“While public concerns about pollution and its health effects have clearly increased since 2015, attention and funding have only increased slightly.”
Co-author Professor Philip Landrigan, Director of Boston College’s Global Public Health Program and Global Pollution Observatory, said: “Pollution remains the single greatest existential threat to human and planetary health and jeopardizes the sustainability of modern societies.
“Preventing pollution can also slow climate change — with dual benefits for the health of the planet — and our report calls for a massive, rapid transition from all fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.”
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Emily Beament is the PA Environmental Correspondent.
