Poisoned Air

The British Medical Association’s journal The Lancet, found that Europeans who have had prolonged exposure to pollution from industrial activities or road traffic have a higher chance of premature death. The increased risk to a person’s health is linked to tiny particles of soot and dust than can get lodged in the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses. Air pollution in the European Union is causing premature deaths even when levels meet quality guidelines.

The study, carried out by Utrecht University in the Netherlands, found the particles measure 2.5 microns or 2.5 millionth of a meter. Exposure for “up to a few months” to particles of 2.5 microns can increase the risk of premature death.

"Although this does not seem to be much, you have to keep in mind that everybody is exposed to some level of air pollution and that it is not a voluntary exposure, in contrast to, for example, smoking," scientist Rob Beelen, who led the study, told AFP.

"Despite major improvements in air quality in the past 50 years, the data from Beelen and his colleagues' report draw attention to the continuing effects of air pollution on health,” Jeremy Langrish and Nicholas Mills, of the University of Edinburgh, told the Medical Press.

European Union guidelines set the maximum exposure to particles of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Just in case you misunderstand how these levels are safe. They are safe for profits, not necessarily for people!

The World Health Organization has classified outdoor pollution as one of the principal causes of cancer and estimates around 3.2 million people die every year globally as a result of prolonged exposure.