TEHRAN – Exposure to air pollution is associated with a 16 percent increase in mortality, with a 27 percent increase in cardiovascular disease deaths and a 28 percent increase in lung cancer deaths, according to a nationwide study.
Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by chemical, physical, or biological factors that alter the natural properties of the atmosphere.
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls air pollution one of the biggest environmental health risks. Air pollution has killed more than 7 million people in recent years due to increased risk of stroke, heart and lung cancer, and other diseases.
The study found that fine particles, known as particulate matter, were less than 2.5 microns on a cold day in Tehran. IRNA reports that the chemical composition of particulate matter varies depending on location, time and climate.
Sources of particulate emissions include a variety of combustion activities (such as automobiles, power plants, and wood burning) as well as certain industrial processes. These particles are released into the atmosphere either directly or as secondary pollutants.
In general, the main sources of particulate matter are emissions from fuel combustion such as coal and wood combustion, diesel engines, industrial and agricultural processes, and vehicles. Airborne particles generally affect air quality during the cold season.
Numerous scientific studies on particles have shown that exposure to particles can lead to premature death, non-fatal heart attacks, arrhythmias, lung cancer, worsening of asthma, decreased lung function, and respiratory symptoms in patients with heart and lung disease. It has been shown to cause many health problems, including an increase in This reduces birth rates and ultimately leads to a reduction in life expectancy.
Additionally, excessive use of fertilizers and chemical toxins can lead to soil contamination, and contaminated food can negatively impact the health of future generations. Land degradation reduces food resources, increases food insecurity, and affects fertility among families.
According to a report released by the Ministry of Health, air pollution in Iran causes 50,000 deaths each year, 7,000 of which occur in Tehran.
Air pollution was also responsible for 2,029 and 661 deaths in Isfahan and Arak, respectively. The cost of air pollution to the health system in Isfahan amounts to $796 million, compared to $2.564 million in Arak.
Therefore, people with heart and lung problems, the elderly, and children should avoid outdoor activities, and other people should also limit prolonged strenuous activity outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise. there is.
Environmental regulations, strict law enforcement, and renewable energy development are essential to curb air pollution.
Improving public health through raising public awareness of the harmful effects of pollution and training how to deal with it, improving waste management systems, sanitation and water treatment, and developing health services in poor areas These are some of the effective countermeasures against atmospheric problems. pollution.
According to the WHO, air quality is closely linked to global climate and ecosystems around the world. Many sources of air pollution (i.e. the combustion of fossil fuels) are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Policies to reduce air pollution therefore provide both a climate- and health-win-win strategy, not only reducing the burden of diseases caused by air pollution, but also contributing to short- and long-term climate change mitigation. Masu.
MT/MG