Fossil fuels have killed more people than previously estimated

The latest research conducted by British universities indicates that in 2018 as many as 8.7 million people died due to air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, a higher number than was previously thought.

The research looked into air pollution arising from the burning of fossil fuels which generates fine particles (PM 2.5) that trigger respiratory and cardiovascular diseases or worsen the condition of those already suffering from those health problems. PM 2.5 comes from coal, petrol, and diesel and is thus generated as a result of vehicles, factories, or households burning fossil fuels. The research found that the highest number of all deaths caused by air pollution was recorded in Eastern Asia, including China, which amounted to over 30%. The second position was occupied by Europe where over 16% of people died because of air pollution, a similar level to some parts of the US. In general, in both regions, more than one in 10 deaths was a result of air pollution. The lowest numbers of deaths caused by air pollution were recorded in South America (7.8%), Africa (3.7%), and Australia and Oceania (3.2%).

Even the researchers who conducted the study were surprised by their findings and the high levels of deaths stemming from poor air quality. It emerged that the number of people who died in 2018 due to air pollution was higher than the total number of people who died as a result of smoking and malaria put together.

Scientists also determined that if there was no air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, the average life expectancy of the whole global population would increase by over one year, and economic and health costs of about US$2.9 trillion could be avoided.

The study also found that air pollution particularly affects children, the elderly, people of color, and those with a lower income living in big cities. As a result of the burning of fossil fuels, 13.6% of children aged five and under in Europe died in 2018 with their deaths having been caused by lower respiratory infections. In North America, this number was 6.6% while in it was South America 5.7%.

Scientists have also indicated that PM 2.5 particles are more dangerous to human health and lives than it was previously thought. Small particles easily penetrate the respiratory system affecting many organs and even a fairly low concentration of pollution can contribute to higher mortality.

However, the researchers also noticed certain improvements. They indicated that in some parts of the world the situation has improved in terms of a decrease in air pollution. China recorded a decrease in the level of poisonous particles in the air between 2012 and 2018 although this level still remains too high. The US was also able to reduce pollution but unfortunately, there are still some hot spots where the air is extremely polluted such as in northern Eastern Europe, India, and Pakistan.

The scientists who conducted the research stressed that the results of their research may even be underestimated although they did use more precise tools than previous studies that measured the impact of air pollution on human health. Their findings relied on the global 3D model of atmospheric chemistry overseen by NASA which allows comprehensive differentiation between the sources of pollution.