Rachel V Thomas

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Delhi Breathes Toxic PM2.5: Study Finds 9 Million Lives Could Be Saved Globally By Meeting WHO Air Quality Limits

Delhi continues to battle high PM2.5 levels, even as a new study estimates that meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines could prevent or postpone 9.4 million deaths annually across 136 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Following Diwali celebrations on November 8, PM2.5 concentrations in several parts of the capital reportedly exceeded 66 times the WHO's recommended 24-hour guideline. By November 11, Delhi's AQI had improved to below 300, in the 'poor' category, after several days in the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories.

Led by University of Cambridge researchers, the modelling study also found that cleaner air could reduce disease burden, healthcare costs and productivity losses.

Published in Environment International, the study assessed the health and economic benefits of reducing PM₂.₅ and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels across 136 LMICs.

Researchers used pollution, population and health data to model the impact of meeting WHO air quality guidelines and interim targets.

The findings suggest that meeting WHO guidelines could:

<ul><li>Prevent or postpone 9.4 million deaths annually linked to PM₂.₅</li><li>Prevent or postpone 1.1 million deaths linked to NO₂</li><li>Reduce deaths associated with PM₂.₅ by an estimated 6.6 million and those associated with NO₂ by 435,000, even under less stringent interim targets</li></ul>

Meeting PM₂.₅ guidelines could also mean fewer new cases of:

<ul><li>COPD: 2.8 million</li><li>Dementia: 1.1 million</li><li>Coronary heart disease: 7.3 million</li><li>Stroke: 2.3 million</li></ul>

The researchers also estimated substantial economic benefits from meeting PM₂.₅ guidelines.

Annual direct medical cost savings could include:

<ul><li>$11.8 billion for coronary heart disease</li><li>$5.9 billion for stroke</li><li>$8.6 billion for dementia</li></ul>

Productivity gains could reach $17.9 billion for stroke, $18.1 billion for COPD and $5.3 billion for coronary heart disease annually.

"Meeting the WHO's air quality guideline values will not be straightforward, but low- and middle-income countries have a critical opportunity to shape healthier futures as their populations grow and their cities expand," said Dr Haneen Khreis of IMS Epidemiology at Cambridge.

She called for better decisions on transport, urban planning and energy, saying these could significantly improve air quality and reduce pollution-related diseases.

<h2>What Causes PM2.5 And NO₂ Pollution?</h2>

Outdoor <span>air pollution</span> is a major environmental health risk, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, COPD, heart disease and stroke, as well as dementia.

In 2021, the WHO revised its air quality guidelines, setting recommended limits for pollutants including PM₂.₅ and NO₂.

PM₂.₅ consists of particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They can travel deep into the lungs. Major sources include vehicle exhaust, power plants, industrial emissions and construction dust. These particles can also form through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

NO₂ is mainly produced by burning fossil fuels. Sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and gas stoves and heaters.

Air pollution is a particularly serious challenge in LMICs, where rapid urbanisation, economic development and increasing vehicle use have contributed to poor air quality.

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Delhi continues to battle high PM2.5 levels, even as a new study estimates that meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines could prevent or postpone 9.4 million deaths annually across 136 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Following Diwali celebrations on November 8, PM2.5 concentrations in several parts of the capital reportedly exceeded 66 times the WHO's recommended 24-hour guideline. By November 11, Delhi's AQI had improved to below 300, in the 'poor' category, after several days in the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories.Led by University of Cambridge researchers, the modelling study also found that cleaner air could reduce disease burden, healthcare costs and productivity losses.What Did The Study Find?Published in Environment International, the study assessed the health and economic benefits of reducing PM₂.₅ and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels across 136 LMICs.Researchers used pollution, population and health data to model the impact of meeting WHO air quality guidelines and interim targets.The findings suggest that meeting WHO guidelines could:Prevent or postpone 9.4 million deaths annually linked to PM₂.₅Prevent or postpone 1.1 million deaths linked to NO₂Reduce deaths associated with PM₂.₅ by an estimated 6.6 million and those associated with NO₂ by 435,000, even under less stringent interim targetsMeeting PM₂.₅ guidelines could also mean fewer new cases of:COPD: 2.8 millionDementia: 1.1 millionCoronary heart disease: 7.3 millionStroke: 2.3 millionCleaner Air Could Save BillionsThe researchers also estimated substantial economic benefits from meeting PM₂.₅ guidelines.Annual direct medical cost savings could include:$11.8 billion for coronary heart disease$5.9 billion for stroke$8.6 billion for dementiaProductivity gains could reach $17.9 billion for stroke, $18.1 billion for COPD and $5.3 billion for coronary heart disease annually."Meeting the WHO's air quality guideline values will not be straightforward, but low- and middle-income countries have a critical opportunity to shape healthier futures as their populations grow and their cities expand," said Dr Haneen Khreis of IMS Epidemiology at Cambridge.She called for better decisions on transport, urban planning and energy, saying these could significantly improve air quality and reduce pollution-related diseases.What Causes PM2.5 And NO₂ Pollution?Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health risk, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, COPD, heart disease and stroke, as well as dementia.In 2021, the WHO revised its air quality guidelines, setting recommended limits for pollutants including PM₂.₅ and NO₂.PM₂.₅ consists of particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller. They can travel deep into the lungs. Major sources include vehicle exhaust, power plants, industrial emissions and construction dust. These particles can also form through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.NO₂ is mainly produced by burning fossil fuels. Sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and gas stoves and heaters.Air pollution is a particularly serious challenge in LMICs, where rapid urbanisation, economic development and increasing vehicle use have contributed to poor air quality.

delhi breathes toxic pm2.5: study finds 9 million lives could be saved globally by meeting who air quality limits

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