One In Every Eight Deaths Due To Air Pollution In India In 2017, Finds Study

Air pollution in India is doing more than just causing respiratory problems and teary eyes. It is not only leading to more frequent deaths but is reducing life expectancy rate and spreading more diseases.

In a report published by the Indian Council of Medical Research, it was reported that one in eight deaths in India were attributable to air pollution in 2017, making it a leading risk factor in India.

The report even said that the first comprehensive estimates of deaths, disease burden, and life expectancy reduction associated with air pollution in each state of India published by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative today report that India with 18% of the global population has a disproportionately high percentage of the global premature deaths and disease burden due to air pollution.

Photo: Reuters/Air pollution

6.7 lakh deaths were a result of outdoor particulate matter air pollution and 4.8 lakh deaths due to household air pollution. Moreover, it was the younger generation that was affected more. The report highlighted that over half of the deaths due to air pollution were in persons less than 70 years of age.

India suffered 26% of premature mortality and health loss out of a global audience of 18% attributable to air pollution. 77% of India¡¯s population was exposed to ambient particulate matter PM2.5 above 40 ¦Ìg/m3, the recommended limit by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

While the percentage of households using solid fuels had improved, 56% of the population was still using solid fuels in 2017. According to the data collected, average life expectancy in India would have been 1.7 years higher if the air pollution level were less than the minimal level causing health loss, with the highest increases in the northern states of Rajasthan (2.5 years), Uttar Pradesh (2.2 years), and Haryana (2.1 years).

Dr. S. Venkatesh, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India said, ¡°The National Health Policy 2017 has listed exposure to air pollution as a significant risk factor, and calls for convergence between sectors to reduce the growing burden of chronic diseases in the country that are often related to air pollution.¡±

The study further added that non communicable diseases in India like chronic obstructive lung disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes and lung cancer were also attributable to air pollution.

Air pollution is now responsible for more disease burden in India than tobacco use and therefore, calls for more public and policy attention.