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Reductions in Air Pollution in China Saves Hundreds of Thousands of Lives Since 1990
Reductions in airborne particulate pollution in China has resulted in hundreds of thousands of fewer deaths since 1990, says study.
Social & Lifestyle
The megacities of China have seen a remarkable fall in most markers for air pollution, as well as in associated deaths.
According to a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded study from the journal Lancet, across all 33 of the Middle Kingdom’s provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities there have been reductions in air particulates related to fuel-burning and cooking oil, as well as in ozone depleting substances.
By the numbers, the fall has been around 9% in air particulates since 1990.
Given that 81% of Chinese citizens still live in areas where air pollution exceeds acceptable levels under WHO Air Quality Guidelines, this reduction of particulates equates to a life-saving change for people across the country.