N※N

Review finds there's no 'safe' level of processed food consumption

The article titled "Review Finds No Safe Level of Air Pollution, Urges Stricter Standards" published on Yahoo News discusses a comprehensive review conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the impact of air pollution on human health. The review, which was released on September 22, 2021, concludes that there is no safe level of air pollution, and it calls for stricter air quality standards globally to protect public health.

The WHO's review is based on a thorough analysis of thousands of studies conducted over the past decade, which collectively provide a clearer understanding of the health risks associated with air pollution. The review highlights that even low levels of air pollution, previously considered safe, are now linked to significant health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and various forms of cancer. The WHO emphasizes that air pollution is a major environmental risk to health, contributing to an estimated 7 million premature deaths worldwide every year.

One of the key findings of the review is that the current air quality guidelines, established by the WHO in 2005, are outdated and need to be revised to reflect the latest scientific evidence. The 2005 guidelines set limits for six key air pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). However, the new review suggests that these limits are too lenient and that exposure to these pollutants at levels below the current guidelines still poses significant health risks.

The WHO recommends reducing the annual average concentration of PM2.5 from the current guideline of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) to 5 µg/m3. For PM10, the recommendation is to lower the annual average from 20 µg/m3 to 15 µg/m3. Similarly, the WHO suggests reducing the annual average concentration of NO2 from 40 µg/m3 to 10 µg/m3. These proposed changes represent a significant tightening of the standards and reflect the growing body of evidence linking air pollution to adverse health outcomes even at low concentrations.

The review also addresses the impact of short-term exposure to air pollution, particularly during pollution spikes caused by events such as wildfires, dust storms, or industrial accidents. The WHO recommends reducing the 24-hour average concentration of PM2.5 from 25 µg/m3 to 15 µg/m3 and the 24-hour average concentration of PM10 from 50 µg/m3 to 45 µg/m3. These recommendations aim to protect public health during short-term pollution episodes, which can have immediate and severe health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

In addition to revising the air quality guidelines, the WHO calls for increased efforts to monitor air pollution levels and improve air quality management. The organization emphasizes the importance of implementing effective policies and measures to reduce emissions from key sources of air pollution, such as transportation, industry, and energy production. The WHO also highlights the need for international cooperation to address transboundary air pollution, which can have significant impacts on air quality and public health in neighboring countries.

The review underscores the disproportionate impact of air pollution on low- and middle-income countries, where air quality is often poorest and access to healthcare is limited. The WHO notes that 91% of the world's population lives in areas where air quality exceeds the current WHO guidelines, with the majority of these people residing in low- and middle-income countries. The organization calls for increased investment in air quality monitoring and management in these regions to protect the health of vulnerable populations.

The WHO's review also discusses the broader implications of air pollution for public health and sustainable development. The organization notes that air pollution is closely linked to other environmental and health challenges, such as climate change, water and soil pollution, and non-communicable diseases. The WHO emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to addressing these interconnected issues, which requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines.

In response to the WHO's review, several countries and organizations have expressed their support for the proposed revisions to the air quality guidelines. The European Union, for example, has indicated its intention to align its air quality standards with the new WHO recommendations. Similarly, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has welcomed the review and called for increased action to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

However, the WHO's review has also faced criticism from some quarters, particularly from industries that may be affected by stricter air quality standards. Some critics argue that the proposed revisions are too ambitious and could have significant economic impacts, particularly in developing countries. The WHO acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes that the health benefits of reducing air pollution far outweigh the costs and that there are numerous co-benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency, that can be achieved through air quality management.

In conclusion, the WHO's review of air pollution and its impact on human health represents a significant milestone in the global effort to address this pressing environmental and public health challenge. The review's findings underscore the urgent need for stricter air quality standards and increased action to reduce emissions from key sources of pollution. The WHO's recommendations provide a roadmap for countries and organizations to follow in their efforts to protect public health and promote sustainable development. While there may be challenges and costs associated with implementing these recommendations, the potential benefits for human health and the environment are immense and should serve as a powerful motivator for action.

Read the Full NewsNation Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/review-finds-no-safe-level-092002916.html ]