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Highlights: #170 – Santosh Harish on how air pollution is responsible for ~12% of global deaths — and how to get that number down
Nov 14, 2023
Santosh Harish, an expert on air pollution, discusses its severe impact on global public health and its contribution to approximately 12% of all deaths worldwide. He highlights sources of air pollution, such as vehicular and coal power plant emissions, as well as concerning examples like municipal waste burning and industries without pollution control equipment. The role of the judiciary in air pollution regulation in India is explored, along with the potential for progress through individual researchers and think tanks. The importance of media in creating awareness and driving change is also emphasized.
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Quick takeaways
- Air pollution is responsible for approximately 12% of global deaths, making it the single largest environmental and occupational risk factor to public health globally.
- Air pollution is not just an urban problem, as rural areas in many countries experience comparable levels of exposure.
Deep dives
Air pollution as a global health risk
Air pollution is the single largest environmental and occupational risk factor to public health globally, causing approximately 6.67 million deaths per year. Particulate matter and ground-level ozone are the main contributors to air pollution, consisting of a variety of substances, some harmless and some toxic. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and circulatory system, leading to various health problems in different organs.
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