Mortality from air pollution decreased due to pandemic

One thing is becoming increasingly clear. The global COVID-19 pandemic had positive effects on our climate and air pollution in various metropolitan areas. More and more numbers seem to prove that, a new study by Science Advances now suggests that 95,000 lives were saved by reducing air pollution in 2020.

This study is based on data on air quality in 36 countries in North America, Asia and Europe. Due to the restrictions that apply in many places, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air has decreased by up to 50 percent since March 2020, one reason is probably the reduced mobility and thus fewer cars on the streets. The exposure to fine dust particles was also reduced by more than 30 percent.

There was another positive trend in Asia. Ozone pollution has decreased by up to 28 percent, and the gas continues to be a major problem on the continent. This can be explained by the reduced economic output in the course of the past year, in many places the conveyor belts stood still for a long time.

Most premature deaths could be prevented in the People’s Republic of China, 80 percent fewer people died as a result of air pollution compared to previous years. But mortality also decreased in parts of Europe and the United States. For Europe, around 6,600 fewer deaths are assumed.

Own opinion:

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us what should become the rule. Air values ​​improved dramatically, while our planet recovered from the effects of ongoing destruction. It remains to be seen whether we can perhaps continue this positive trend and whether we will further reduce emissions of nitrogen dioxide, ozone and other harmful gases in the next few years. Because every death due to air pollution is just as unnecessary as it is avoidable.

Via UPI