New Study Finds That 95 Percent of the World Breathes Unhealthy Air

As more and more research has piled up regarding the negative effects of air pollution, there has been an ever-greater push to understand just how many people may be impacted by bad air. A new study undertaken by the Health Effects Institute provides a troubling answer to that question: 95 percent of all humans on Earth are breathing polluted air. Here’s what you need to know about these new findings and how they affect you.

 

  How Bad is the World’s Air Pollution Problem?

 

With 95 percent of the global population exposed, you may be wondering just how bad the effects of air pollution are estimated to be. According to the recent study, more than 6 million people are now dying each year from pollution-related causes. In addition, air pollution has been shown to raise the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart conditions and several forms of cancer.

 

  Who Is Most Affected?

 

While almost everyone on Earth is now subject to the negative effects of air pollution to some extent, the risk is not evenly distributed. Developing countries in Asia, most specifically China and India, are disproportionately worse off than other countries around the world. The reason for this is twofold. First, these countries have unusually high populations, meaning that they simply represent a larger share of the global population than any other individual nations. Secondly, these countries are still developing technologically and economically. As a result, much of their power still comes from coal, which is a much worse pollutant than any other type of fossil fuel. These nations in the developing world, where people are least able to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, are therefore also the hardest hit by those effects.

 

  What Steps Can Be Taken?

 

The best way to protect yourself against air pollution, regardless of where you live in the world, is to use a home air purifier. By doing so, you can at least keep the air in your house clean and healthy, thus limiting your exposure. Have questions about what air purifier is best for you? Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we’ll help you pick out the perfect unit for your needs and the size of your home.