Findings from Nanyang Technological University Reveal Grim Statistics
Pollution from man-made emissions and wildfires has been linked to approximately 135 million premature deaths globally between 1980 and 2020, according to a study by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The study highlights the exacerbating effects of weather phenomena like El Nino and the Indian Ocean Dipole, which intensify air pollution.
Impact of PM 2.5 on health
The study focused on particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), tiny particles that can enter the bloodstream when inhaled. These particles originate from vehicle and industrial emissions as well as natural sources such as wildfires and dust storms. The study, published in the journal Environment International, found that PM 2.5 pollution was associated with 135 million premature deaths over 40 years.
Regional disparities and health effects
Asia experienced the highest number of premature deaths due to PM 2.5 pollution, with over 98 million fatalities, particularly in China and India. Other affected countries included Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan, with premature deaths ranging from 2 to 5 million.
People exposed to high levels of PM 2.5 pollution died younger from preventable diseases such as stroke, heart and lung disease, and cancer. The study found that adverse weather patterns increased the death rate by 14%.
The research team, led by Steve Yim, associate professor at NTU’s Asian School of the Environment, utilized 40 years of data to provide an expansive view of the health effects of particulate matter. The study incorporated satellite data from NASA, mortality statistics from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and weather pattern information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Our findings show that changes in climate patterns can worsen air pollution,” Yim stated. “When climate events like El Nino occur, pollution levels can spike, leading to more premature deaths due to PM 2.5 pollution.”
The study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the interplay between climate patterns and air pollution to protect global health. Future research will explore the impact of climate change on air pollution levels.
Collaborators included researchers from universities in Hong Kong, Britain, and China. The World Health Organization has reported that the combined effects of ambient and household air pollution contribute to 6.7 million premature deaths annually.