The study conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), found that fine particulate matter from 1980 to 2020 was linked to around 135 million premature deaths worldwide.
These premature deaths are defined as fatalities occurring before the expected age based on the average life expectancy, due to preventable or treatable causes like diseases and environmental factors.
A study discovered that pollution from fine particulate matter has a greater impact during climate variability events like El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the North Atlantic Oscillation, resulting in a 14% increase in premature deaths.
The researchers clarified that during these weather phenomena, the higher temperatures, shifts in wind patterns, and reduced precipitation can lead to stagnant air and the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. This leads to higher concentrations of PM2.5 particles, which are especially harmful to human health when breathed in.
Fine particles are extremely small pieces of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air. They can come from various sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and natural sources like wildfires.The topic of particulate matter, or PM2.5, refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These particles can originate from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, wildfires, and dust storms. Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles can easily enter the air we breathe and penetrate deep into our lungs, which can lead to a variety of health issues. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. According to the study, approximately one third of premature deaths between 1980 and 2020 were linked to stroke (33.3 percent), while another third were associated with ischemic heart disease and Ischemic heart disease accounted for 32.7% of premature deaths, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, and lung cancer making up the remainder. To gauge the impact of PM2.5 pollution on mortality rates, the scientists examined NASA satellite data on fine particulate matter levels in the atmosphere. They also analyzed statistics on disease incidence and mortality connected to pollution from the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Furthermore, they took into account climate patterns from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The research was conducted by Associate Professor Steve Yim of NTU’s Asian School of the Environment and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) and analyzed over 40 years of data on air quality and climate on a global scale. The study focused on how specific climate patterns impact air pollution in different regions, providing new insights into the complex relationship between climate and air quality. Yim stated that the findings demonstrate that changes in climate patterns can exacerbate air pollution, particularly when certain climate events occur.El Niño can cause an increase in pollution levels, leading to a higher risk of premature death due to PM2.5 pollution. This emphasizes the importance of considering these climate patterns when addressing air pollution in order to safeguard the health of the global population.” Assoc Prof Yim is also a Principal Investigator at NTU’s Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS).
Study co-author Distinguished University Professor Joseph Sung, NTU’s Senior Vice President (Health and Life Sciences), and Dean of NTU’s LKCMedicine, said: “Our study underscores the impact of climate patterns on air pollution, which is crucial information for healthcare professionals.The significance of climate change and its impact on public health cannot be understated. The influence of environmental factors on human health is just as important as genetic and lifestyle factors, and it has been growing in importance in recent years. Understanding these connections can help healthcare providers anticipate potential rises in the number of patients seeking treatment for pollution-related illnesses. This understanding also highlights the necessity of taking preventive actions to decrease pollution and minimize its effects on health, ultimately assisting healthcare systems in addressing and alleviating the healthcare burden caused by pollution-related diseases in communities.Findings from this research, which is a step forward in understanding the impact of environmental difficulties on the overall health of the world’s population, demonstrate NTU’s dedication to addressing the needs and obstacles of healthy living and aging. This is one of the significant challenges that the University aims to tackle through its NTU 2025 strategic plan.
The study is also a component of NTU’s interdisciplinary climate research program, the Climate Transformation Programme (CTP), which has received S$50 million in funding. Hosted by EOS and supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, the CTP aims to explore climate change and develop innovative solutions based on knowledge.
Our main goal is to educate and train future leaders who can create a stable and sustainable climate and environment in Southeast Asia.
Professor Benjamin Horton, co-author of the study and Director of Earth Observatory of Singapore, mentioned that our study is in line with NTU Singapore’s ambitious Climate Transformation Programme (CTP). The CTP aims to address the urgent challenges of climate change through interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Our research on the complex relationship between weather patterns and harmful air pollution provides valuable insights that will support evidence-based decision-making.
the study, which aimed to address solutions and policies for protecting public health and promoting environmental resilience in Southeast Asia and other regions. Professor Horton, who is also a Professor in Earth Science at NTU’s Asian School of the Environment, led the research.
Funding for the study came from multiple awards and a grant from the Ministry of Education, Singapore. Additionally, it was part of The Prudential EOS Climate Impacts Initiative, with Prudential Services Singapore providing funding for NTU’s EOS to carry out a two-year, two-phase investigation into the effects of climate change on air quality and its resulting health consequences.
The NTU President’s Chair also took part in the study, contributing to its efforts.Stephan Schuster, a Genomics Professor and Deputy Director at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), collaborated with healthcare professionals and researchers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, UK, Sun Yat-sen University, China, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Their research findings were published in April in the peer-reviewed journal Environment International.
Examining the relationship between climate events, pollution, and fatalities
This study utilized data from a NASA-managed dataset known as MERRA-2 (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications).Version 2 of the dataset for Research and Applications provides monthly data on the concentration of fine particulate matter on the Earth’s surface. The PM2.5 data analyzed in this 40-year study covers the period from January 1980 to December 2020 and offers detailed information on air pollution levels in specific areas. The study examines the impact of climate patterns, including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole, and North Atlantic Oscillation weather patterns, on changes in air quality. These climate patterns were determined using indices evaluated by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.The article mentions that researchers utilized data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in the United States to analyze global deaths and rates of pollution-related diseases such as lower respiratory infections, tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and ischemic heart disease. The study revealed that there were 363 significant air pollution incidents worldwide in the last 40 years, averaging nine episodes per year. These episodes lasted anywhere from two to nine months, with the year 2002 having the highest number of episodes at 15.Between 2004 and 2006, there were 14 episodes each year. The study found that Asia had the highest number of early deaths due to PM2.5 pollution from 1980 to 2020, with 98.1 million deaths. China and India accounted for 49.0 million and 26.1 million deaths, respectively. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan also had significant numbers of premature deaths related to PM2.5, ranging from 2 to 5 million each. The researchers estimated that these three weather phenomena together caused around 7,000 additional premature deaths globally every year, with the Indian Ocean Dipole having the largest impact.
There is a clear link between the number of deaths and three weather patterns: North Atlantic Oscillation, and El Niño.
These three weather patterns all occurred in 1994, 1997, 2002, and 2015, with the Southeast Asian region being the most affected. The impact of pollution worsened by these weather patterns led to around 3,100 more deaths occurring in that region each year.
Assoc Prof Yim emphasized the need to prioritize public health when developing air quality strategies. Governments should consider the health effects of air pollution and evaluate policies based on that, instead of solely focusing on pollutant levels.Researchers led by Prof. Sung conducted a study that highlighted the significant impact of PM2.5 pollution on public health. The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address pollution during specific weather conditions in order to reduce pollution-related health issues. Prof. Sung emphasized the importance of allocating resources to address the health consequences of PM2.5 pollution, including ensuring that healthcare services are equipped to handle the demands related to PM2.5 pollution-related illnesses. The researchers suggested that governments should prioritize health outcomes in air quality management in order to better protect public health and improve overall well-being.Researchers are planning to conduct in-depth studies to gain a better understanding of local air pollution patterns and to further explain the ways in which climate patterns affect the creation and reduction of PM2.5.
