Ryan Mahsem, Taylor Roedl, Maxwell Meyer, Monroe Titus, Jacob Kercher, Seth Nickel, and Gabe Elsen
Environmental Science
Franklin Chen PhD
The world health organization reported indoor air pollution is an even more serious threat to human health than outdoor air pollution. This shows itself more in less-developed countries because they have not made the transition to using cleaner sources of energy.
In 2017, the region of South Asia had 622,490 deaths due to household air pollution. This is because there are many different illnesses caused by air pollution. There are lung diseases and Respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be contributed to the rising levels of air pollution. Then there is the problem of lung cancer, though it was once believed it was only associated with those who smoke excessively. There is new evidence that suggests that air pollution can also be carcinogenic. A lot of people that live or work in congested spaces with little ventilation are susceptible to air pollution-related ailments.
The world health organization reported that in low- and middle-income countries in South-east Asia and Western Pacific Regions had the largest air pollution problem in 2012, with 3.3 million deaths due to indoor air pollution and 2.6 million deaths due to outdoor air pollution. When broken down into the disease per death, 40% is due to ischemic heart disease, 40% to stroke, 11% to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 6% to lung cancer, and 3% to acute lower respiratory infections in children is for outdoor air pollution. For indoor air pollution, it is broken down into the cause of death 34% to stoke, 26% to ischemic heart disease, 22% to COPD, 12% to acute lower respiratory infections in children, and 6% to lung cancer.
Overall, air pollution is a major issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The number of deaths needs to have the light shed on it. A combined total of 5.9 million deaths is an alarming number.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/air-pollution/en/
http://www.honeywellsmarthomes.com/blog/diseases-caused-by-air-pollution/