LONDON( The COW News Digital )In a stark warning from the UK’s leading healthcare professionals, nearly 30,000 deaths are projected to be linked to air pollution this year, with 99% of these fatalities attributed to breathing toxic air. According to a new report from the Royal College of Physicians, the health impacts of air pollution have become so severe that it has now become a leading cause of death in the country.
The report, which outlines the growing health crisis, stresses that there is no safe level of air pollution. Even low levels of toxic air are capable of causing significant harm to nearly every organ in the human body. From cardiovascular diseases to mental health issues, the effects of air pollution are widespread and devastating.
While carbon emissions have been reduced in recent decades, the harmful impact of air pollution persists. In fact, the report highlights that pollution is affecting vulnerable populations from the earliest stages of life, with unborn babies being exposed to harmful particles that can interfere with their development. It is also contributing to a rise in heart disease, strokes, mental health disorders, and dementia.
According to UK doctors, air pollution costs the healthcare system a staggering £27 billion annually. When factoring in the financial burden of treating dementia, this figure soars to an eye-watering £50 billion. This staggering cost underscores the urgent need for a national strategy to tackle the public health crisis posed by toxic air.
The health implications of air pollution have been linked to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants, which are emitted by vehicles, industries, and other sources of combustion. These pollutants are inhaled into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and causing widespread damage. The report further warns that these pollutants are not confined to specific regions or communities, as air pollution has a far-reaching impact on people living in both urban and rural areas.
The Royal College of Physicians has called for immediate action from the government to reduce air pollution levels to protect public health. The recommendations include introducing stricter emissions standards, improving public transportation to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, it has urged more investment in healthcare resources to address the growing number of air pollution-related health issues.
Experts also pointed out that the economic and social costs of air pollution are far greater than the cost of prevention, with many of the health problems associated with pollution leading to long-term disabilities and reduced quality of life. The burden on the National Health Service (NHS) is becoming increasingly unsustainable as more patients suffer from chronic conditions linked to poor air quality.
As air pollution levels continue to rise, the government and local authorities are under increasing pressure to implement effective policies to combat the crisis. However, with political and economic challenges, there is concern that the issue may not receive the urgency it deserves.
The report concludes by urging all sectors of society—from the public and private sectors to individuals and communities—to take responsibility for reducing pollution levels and protecting public health. In the face of this growing crisis, the call for a united effort to tackle air pollution is louder than ever.
