A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and reported by CNN has highlighted the alarming increase in heart-related issues due to air pollution. Since 1990, there has been a 31% surge worldwide in the number of individuals either killed or disabled by heart problems directly linked to air pollution exposure. The primary culprit behind these heart problems is particle pollution, also known as PM2.5 or particulate matter pollution.
This type of pollution consists of a mix of solid and liquid droplets that float in the air, which can originate from various sources such as coal and natural gas-fired plants, cars, agriculture, construction sites, and wildfires. These particles are so minuscule, measuring about 1/20th the width of a human hair, that they can easily bypass the body’s natural defenses. Instead of being expelled during exhalation, these particles can become lodged in the lungs or even enter the bloodstream.
Long-term exposure to particle pollution has been linked to a myriad of health issues, including cancer, dementia, depression, respiratory problems, and a range of heart diseases. Researchers delved into almost three decades of data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019, a comprehensive research set that offers insights into mortality and disability across 204 countries due to particle matter pollution exposure.
The study specifically tracked strokes and ischemic heart disease, a condition where the heart struggles to receive adequate blood and oxygen, primarily due to arterial plaque buildup. The findings were startling. The total number of premature deaths and heart disease-related disabilities attributable to particle pollution exposure jumped from 2.6 million in 1990 to 3.5 million in 2019.
While there was a 36.7% decline in premature deaths during this period, it wasn’t entirely positive. Dr. Farshad Farzadfar, a co-author of the study, explained that while fewer people were dying from cardiovascular diseases, more individuals were living with disabilities. Interestingly, men were more susceptible to death from particle pollution exposure than women. Wealthier nations recorded the fewest life years lost due to this pollution but Heart issues stemming from pollution are expected to escalate with rising global temperatures.
Previous studies have shown that during heat waves or on days with elevated pollution levels, the risk of fatal heart attacks may double. While numerous countries have implemented laws and incentives to curb air pollution, the majority of the global population still breathes air that surpasses the World Health Organization’s air quality standards. The climate crisis has exacerbated the situation, leading to an increase in “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality days.
For instance, in 2011, the US alone witnessed an additional 107,000 premature deaths from all causes, not just heart issues, due to this type of pollution. In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for global action to address the detrimental health impacts of air pollution. As the climate crisis intensifies, proactive measures are crucial to safeguard public health and reduce the burden of heart-related diseases.
