Air Pollution and Health

By Stephanie Chennell

According to a study done by the New England Journal of Medicine, reduced air pollution leads to a longer life expectancy. The study attributes air pollution to aiding in and causing lung and breathing problems, as well as heart disease. This 20 year study done from 1980 to 2000 across 51 U.S. cities, found that by the year 2000 people were living an average of 2.7 years longer, 15% of which these scientists believe was due to the reduction in air pollution. The study focused on "PM 2.5" pollution, which consists of very small particles that can worsen heart disease and asthma. It found that by reducing 10 micrograms per cubic meter of "PM 2.5," the life expectancy of an individual increased by about seven months.

In the U.K. scientists estimate that air pollution in their cities contributes to a reduction in a person's lifespan by eight months. It is believed that a reduction in air pollution could reduce that eight months by half; however, the estimates made in the U.S. seem a bit high to one U.K. scientist, but he does not doubt that reduction in air pollution will benefit both the environment and public health.