The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said, according to a study, “Air pollution caused 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021 alone”.
Air Pollution can be “indoor or outdoor”.
Indoor Pollution comes from “”solid fuels”” which is used all over the world for cooking. When we burn these fuels they release “soot, black carbon”, while, Outdoor Pollution comes from sources such as, “factories, motor vehicles”.
These can cause “inflammation and damage to the lining of the respiratory tract”.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says, “ninety-nine percent” of people around the world breathe “polluted air”.
According to unep.org: “Car exhaust. Factory smoke. Wildfire haze. Chances are, no matter where on Earth you live, you’re exposed to some form of air pollution almost every day.
“The consequences of this pollution can be debilitating – and deadly. Air pollution caused 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021 alone, found one prominent study.
“On 7 September, the world celebrates the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, which showcases solutions to air pollution.
“The theme this year is Racing for Air, which reflects the urgent need to address what United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called a “global emergency.”
“It is also a nod to the growing support for clean air among sports associations.
“Air pollution comes in many forms
“There are two main types of air pollution: indoor and outdoor.
“Indoor air pollution comes chiefly from the burning of wood, charcoal, animal dung and other so-called “solid fuels” which are used by billions around the world for cooking. They release microscopic specs of dust, soot and black carbon.
“Outdoor air pollution comes from an array of sources, including factories, motor vehicles – even forest fires and dust storms.
“Air pollution is everywhere
“Ninety-nine per cent of people on Earth breathe air the World Health Organization considers polluted.
“Air pollution is terrible for human health
“Particles less than 10 microns in size – also known as PM10 – can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and damaging the lining of the respiratory tract.
“Air pollution can be deadly
“In 2021, air pollution led to more than 8.1 million premature deaths, found a study by the non-profit Health Effects Institute. That is more than one in eight deaths worldwide.
“Air pollution is avoidable
“Some simple, cost-effective things cities and countries can do include: build robust air pollution monitoring systems, limit emissions from known sources of pollution through laws and regulations.”
