Why reducing air pollution deaths isn’t just about reducing air pollution

Study shows reducing vulnerability to pollution, including by expanding healthcare access, saves millions of lives Reductions in vulnerability to air pollution since 1990 saved the lives of about 1.7 million people in 2019, according to new research. Particle pollution improved in 139 out of 193 countries. The greatest gains were achieved in Europe and North America, with smaller reductions across Africa and Asia. Breathing outdoor particle pollution led to an estimated 3.8 million early deaths in 1990. By 2019 this figure had risen to 5.1 million. As the population grows, and if particle pollution stays at current levels, the global death toll from air pollution is predicted to be more than 10 million people a year by 2050. Dr Chris Malley, of the University of York, the first author of the new research, said: “Air pollution is the second-largest risk factor for early death globally. Traditionally, our response has focused on reducing the levels of pollution people breathe, but this is only part of the story.” Wider health improvements can make people less vulnerable to air pollution. Malley said: “The scale of this impact is immense. Had we not reduced vulnerability, an add