China and India: Implications of Air Pollution

China and India: Implications of Air Pollution

Question: Deaths per capita from air pollution would rise 20 to 30 percent in the coming 15 years in China and India, researchers have said. Discuss the implications of air pollution for these two nations.

• A scientific study conducted by researchers from University of Texas Austin has found improving air quality could prevent 1.4 million premature deaths annually in countries facing record pollution such as China and India

• If there are no changes in current air pollution levels, deaths per capital from air pollution would rise by 20 to 30 percent in the coming decade in India and China, as per the researchers

• Accounting for population growth, increase in deaths would be higher if countries experience no change in air pollution

• Meeting the WHO particulate matter/PM air quality guidelines could prevent 2.1 million deaths each year pertaining to outdoor pollution internationally

• Outdoor air pollution caused by PM smaller than 2.5 microns is especially lethal as it can enter deep into the lungs and is associated with the following diseases:

- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Respiratory diseases such as Emphysema and Asthma
- Cancer

For assessing the impact of air pollution, the following criteria were used:

• Estimates of PM concentrations evolved from ground based measurement, air pollution models and satellite observations

• Database of Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease 2010

Facts and Stats

• The researchers found that people living in areas with PM concentrations far exceeding WHO air quality guideline of 10 micrograms per cubic metre were a majority

• Certain parts of India and China experiencing levels beyond 100 micrograms