Why is it in the news?

• The “State of Global Air-2024” report, released by the Health Effects Institute, a US-based research organization in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), provides insights on exposures to common air pollutants and their health impacts.
• The report covers data from 1990 to 2021, focusing on pollutants like fine particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.

Key Findings of the Report

• In 2021, air pollution ranked as the second leading cause of death globally, resulting in 8.1 million deaths, following high blood pressure.
• 99% of the world’s population resides in areas with unhealthy levels of 5 pollution (particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter).
• Individuals in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to 1.3—4 times higher levels of PM2.5 pollution compared to other regions.
• Air pollution exacerbated COVID-19 outcomes by compromising immune systems and causing lung inflammation and oxidative stress.