On October 19, 2017 “The Lancet Commission on pollution and health” published an extensive analysis of the contribution of environmental pollution to the global burden of disease. The authors report that “diseases caused by pollution were responsible for an estimated 9 million premature deaths in 2015—16% of all deaths worldwide.” Pollution mainly causes non-communicable diseases (e.g. asthma, cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, birth defects, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) with the majority of pollution-linked deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries, they explain. Pollution is caused by e.g. industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and toxic chemicals, and is increasing globally, most significantly in rapidly developing and industrializing countries. The analysis further outlines the economic burden of pollution-linked diseases and the economic benefit of pollution prevention and remediation. The authors make six key recommendations, including making pollution prevention a national and international priority, monitoring pollution and its health effects, and carrying out research to understand and control pollution.
Read more
Susan Brink (October 19, 2017). “Report: Pollution kills 3 times more than AIDS, TB and malaria combined.” NPR
Ananya Roy (October 20, 2017). “Pollution is responsible for 9 million deaths globally: Two-thirds are due to air pollution.” EDF Health
Sam Morgan (October 20, 2017). “Pollution racks up 9 million deaths a year worldwide.” Euractiv
Reference
Landrigan, P.J. et al. (2017). “The Lancet Commission on pollution and health.” The Lancet (published online October 19, 2017).
