United States: Reducing Air Pollution Emissions Could Prevent 50,000 Premature Deaths, Save $600 Billion Each Year

Air pollution emissions from the energy sector, as well as from transportation and other industrial activities, in the United States, have long been linked to respiratory illnesses or deaths several decades across the country.

Hazardous airborne particles have contributed to these fatalities due to air quality deterioration.

In a new study this month, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UWM) estimated that cutting air pollution emissions can yield to preventing further premature deaths and save substantial costs to the US economy.

The proposal can also mitigate the environmental repercussions of the climate crisis in the long term future.

Call for Clean Air Policy

According to the new study published in the journal GeoHealth on Monday, May 16, researchers placed emphasis on a clean energy policy that can bring health benefits through improved air quality amidst the countrywide air pollution, especially in urban areas.

The UWM researchers claimed that eliminating air pollution emissions, particularly caused by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, can save an additional 50,000 lives and provide over $600 billion in benefits each year.

The research team argued that such measures can prevent any illness or death related to air pollution.

In spite of the increasing adoption and consideration of the clean energy proposal, the team underlines that removing such emissions is essential in understanding the societal impacts of the policy.

The study also highlights that some of the major contributors to a deteriorating air quality index in the US are electricity generation, heating, cooking, and carbon dioxide emissions.

Air Pollution and Air Quality Index

Air Quality Index (AQI) is used worldwide to determine the hazard level of existing air pollution.

In general, AQI is high in industrialized countries and in their busy cities.

However, natural events such as wildfires emit smoke that also contributes to airborne pollutants.

As cited by the American Lung Association (ALA), the following are the index value, indicator, and color when using an AQI, with 0 being the lowest and at least 500 being the highest:

• 0 to 50 - Good (green)
• 51 to 100 - Moderate Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (yellow)
• 101 to 150 - Moderate Unhealthy (orange)
• 151 to 200 - Unhealthy (red)
• 201 to 300 - Very Unhealthy (purple)
• 301 to 500 - Hazardous (maroon)

As the index value goes up, individuals with respiratory diseases or pulmonary health conditions are at risk of experiencing health complications or even death.

These health risks are possible as air pollutants can enter the airways once inhaled by a person, causing shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and asthma.

Under the hazardous AQI, all people are required to avoid physical activity outdoors as part of the AQI advisory.

A good' AQI requires no action from the public.

Lastly, all AQI indicators between hazardous and good are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure.

Climate Crisis: Clean Energy Sources

As fossil fuel emissions also release greenhouse gas (GHG), these trapped gases in the atmosphere accelerate the global warming of the planet.

For years, scientists, organizations, and governments have considered clean energy sources.

In the UWM research, the study's lead author, Nick Mailloux, stated shifting to clean energy sources is crucial for boosting public health in the short term while addressing the issue of the climate crisis in the long run, as cited by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).