Global expert Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization, said that the UN considers air pollution a major public health emergency, because more than 7 million premature deaths occur annually as a result of exposure to air pollution around the world. Corona virus matter.
Dr. Naira added in episode 66 of the “Science in Five” program, presented by Vismita Gupta Smith, and broadcast by the World Health Organization on its official website and through its accounts on communication sites, that there is a consensus that air pollution causes a major public health problem, explaining that Nine out of 10 people around the world, particularly those who live in cities, breathe air that does not meet what the World Health Organization considers good standards under breathable air quality guidelines.
Dr. Neira explained that for many years it was believed that most illnesses associated with exposure to air pollution were restricted to the respiratory system only. This belief is true to a large extent, as exposure to air pollution leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and pneumonia.
But it has also been discovered that toxic particles that reach the lungs travel into the bloodstream and reach the cardiovascular system, thus being responsible for heart disease, neurological disorders, stroke and neurological problems as well.
Dr. Neira added that there is currently more scientific evidence that proves that long-term exposure to air pollution affects the immune system, and thus makes a person more susceptible to any type of respiratory disease.
The UN expert indicated that it is clear that air pollution exacerbates cases of Covid-19, as well as increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart and lung diseases, metabolic diseases and diabetes, all of which are called “common diseases”, which increase the risk of developing more cases. severe COVID-19.
Dr Neira said it is clear that the best way to reduce air pollution is to stop burning fossil fuels, as it contributes to climate change and to the generation of such high levels of pollutants that eventually settle in people’s lungs. So changing that policy regarding which energy source is being used would be one of the most effective steps.
And she demanded that there be keenness on a global level to take measures regarding the generalization of sustainable means of transportation, clean and modern use of energy sources and all methods of consumption and recycling, and thus this huge problem of air pollution can be addressed, in order to contribute significantly to improving public health and protection from diseases.
It is reported that the Covid-19 pandemic continued to decline this week, with infections declining all over the world, knowing that the number of confirmed infections may only reflect some of the real number, and comparisons between countries may not be accurate because examination policies differ greatly between countries. and another.
While the Omicron mutant at its peak recorded four times more daily infections compared to previous waves, the number of daily deaths remains very low compared to the record recorded in January 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has officially claimed more than 5.78 million lives worldwide since the end of December 2019, while the number of confirmed infections has reached 404 million.
