A recent report from the US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI), titled ‘State of Global Air (SoGA) 2024’, has highlighted a dire consequence of India’s air quality crisis an average of 464 children under the age of 5 succumb daily to air pollution-related causes. This revelation underscores the severe toll that air pollution is exacting on the nation’s youngest population.
In 2021 alone, India witnessed a staggering 2.1 million deaths across all age groups due to air pollution-related diseases, marking a significant health threat that now ranks second only to hypertension in terms of mortality risk factors. This places air pollution ahead of traditional concerns such as tobacco use and diabetes, as per the findings of the report.
PM2.5, the microscopic particulate matter, emerges as the primary culprit, contributing to six out of every ten air pollution-linked deaths globally. Household air pollution and ozone, though lesser in share, still account for a notable proportion of fatalities at 38% and 6%, respectively. The impact of air pollution extends beyond mortality figures, affecting millions with chronic diseases that strain healthcare systems and economies. Particularly vulnerable are children under five years old, who suffer from conditions like premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and other respiratory ailments due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
According to the report, air pollution was linked to over 7 lakh deaths of children under five globally in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death after malnutrition within this demographic. The health effects include a heightened risk of pneumonia—one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide—and asthma, the most prevalent chronic respiratory illness among older children. In response to these alarming statistics, health officials stress the urgent need for enhanced environmental regulations and public health initiatives to mitigate the impact of air pollution. Despite the grave health implications, air pollution-related ailments are currently not mandated to be reported under government regulations, further complicating efforts to address the crisis effectively.
The collaboration between HEI and Unicef in producing the SoGA 2024 report aims to raise awareness about the profound health risks associated with air pollution and advocate for robust policy measures to safeguard public health. As India grapples with this pressing issue, concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and secure a healthier future for the next generation.
