2023-08-16 00:00:00
Exposure to air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths.
In addition, in children it supposes a reduction in growth and lung function, respiratory infections and aggravation of asthma.
Based on carbon dioxide emissions, the Statistical Review of World Energy report identified the world’s dirtiest countries.
Today we live in a world marked by the dominance of technology. But although important advances are constantly being made, there is also a problem that is becoming more and more serious and that is environmental pollution. In fact there are some countries that are classified as the dirtiest on the planet due to their pollution.
Air is necessary and essential for anyone. It is the basis of life but when it does not have the optimal conditions it can be a risk factor for developing multiple diseases.
With this in mind, in 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO) published the new guidelines on air quality. What stands out most is that there is clear evidence of the damage that air pollution inflicts on human health.
All the lives that are lost due to environmental pollution
To get an idea of the impact, it is estimated that every year exposure to air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths. It also causes the loss of millions of years of healthy life.
In children, this could be a reduced growth and lung function, respiratory infections and exacerbation of asthma. While in adults, ischemic heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of premature death attributable to outdoor air pollution.
The new WHO guidelines recommend air quality levels for six pollutants for which the most recent data is available regarding their health effects. When acting on these classic pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM), Ozone (O₃), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) also affect other harmful pollutants.
What are the dirtiest and most polluted countries in the world?
However, while the least developed nations tend to be the most affected in problems such as violence and crime, when speaking of the dirtiest and most polluted countries in the world, the opposite is true. In general terms, those most affected are those with the most resources at their disposal.
According to the annual report Statistical Review of World Energy the first place is occupied by China and in second position is the United States. In both cases, they stand out for having the largest volume of CO2 in their environment. In part it is due to the machinery to industries that they have throughout their territory.
While the third rung is not for a country but for the entire European Union. Then India, Russia and Japan appear. In all cases, carbon dioxide emissions exceed the maximum levels recommended by the health authorities.
Also read:
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The countries and cities with the most pollution in Latin America
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