- The latest research found that pollution from fossil fuel combustion could be responsible for one-fifth of all deaths during 2018.
- Asthma, cardiac and pulmonary diseases are caused by long-term exposure to fine particulate matter 2.5.
- The dangerous level of air pollution due to fossil fuel combustion clearly shows the importance and need for clean renewable energy.
- The study highlighted more deaths in states where coal-fired plants or oil and gas reserves were being used for years.
Also check out: Controlling Air Pollution Crucial for Mitigating World’s Environmental Crises
The latest research conducted at Harvard University by researchers discovered that nearly 8.7 million premature deaths have been occurred in 2018 due to fossil fuel pollution. It is estimated that 8.7 million figure accounts for one-fifth of all deaths during 2018.
The study pointed out half of more deaths in the two most populous nations such as India and China. These countries are among the top coal burners. The high levels were also found in Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern United States, and many other places around the world.
The published report highlighted fine particulate matter 2.5 that gets deep into the lungs by breathing and results in respiratory problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that asthma, cardiac, pulmonary diseases, and in some cases deaths are caused by long-term exposure to fine particulate matter 2.5. However, no specific reason has been mentioned in the research except causes of respiratory infection in children due to PM2.5.
Also read: Air Pollution– Sources, Effects, and Control
A recent study has given an estimation that during 2015 the loss of nearly 103.1 million life-years around the globe was triggered by PM2.5. The years-long estimation of pollution by fossil fuel combustion that could have cost human life wasn’t included in the published research at Harvard University in the United Kingdom.
California showed thousands of deaths. The state suffers from blackouts, you can read blackout incidents from the article Why We All Should Move to Clean Renewable Energy. People reside near gas and oil refineries. Toxic pollutants are released from these reserves. Generally lower class lives near such places. In 2020 four natural gas power plants were given extension due to blackouts in California.
It is not possible to single out sources of PM2.5. The researcher used a global 3-D model of atmospheric chemistry during the study.
An associate professor in the Department of Geography at University College London, Eloise Marais stated that pollution due to fossil fuel combustion is dangerous for living beings all around the world. The dangerous level of air pollution due to fossil fuel combustion clearly shows the importance and need for clean renewable energy.
The study highlighted more deaths in states where coal-fired plants or oil and gas reserves were being used for years. According to data, West Virginia faced 158 more deaths per 100,000 people, Kentucky with 169, Indiana with 176, Michigan with 177, and Ohio with 188. Pennsylvania hit hardest with 195 deaths. Air pollution resulted in 34,000 premature deaths in California that could be represented as 86 deaths per 100,000 people.
The researchers suggested alternative energy sources as substitutes to fossil fuel. You can read about Renewable Alternative Energy Resources – Advantages and Disadvantages. Furthermore, the study shared concerns of environmentalists. According to environmentalists there is a direct connection between deteriorating human health and increased air pollution due to fossil fuel combustion.
Also check out: China and Its New 5-Year Plan to Save Environment and Fight Climate Change
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