Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

wtmusic

(39,166 posts)
Thu Apr 11, 2013, 08:08 PM Apr 2013

Air Pollution in China: The Kids Aren't Alright


PM 2.5 24-hour averages in micrograms/cubic3 (March 2013)

"Last fall, a startling new report revealed that air pollution caused an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2010. Now, thanks to a new analysis by our friends at the Health Effects Institute (HEI), we understand that nearly 40 percent of the world’s premature deaths attributable to air pollution (1.2 million people) occurred in China.

Particulate matter is now the fourth-leading cause of death in China, behind dietary risks, high blood pressure, and smoking. And, unless current trends change, urban air pollution is projected to be the number one killer worldwide by 2050. (It’s worth noting that this is problem is not unique to China—HEI also reports that roughly 800,000 people die prematurely every year in India and other South Asian countries).

Now, those who have been following Beijing’s “airpocalypse” are beginning to wonder: what effect is China’s pollution having on children and the elderly?

First, the kids..."

http://theenergycollective.com/barbarafinamore/206431/kids-arent-alright-China-air-pollution?utm_source=tec_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&inf_contact_key=6e7dd20b0c2e24f6d27546902834071f5c51611a0593ac00e8a5083c923d1f7c
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Environment & Energy»Air Pollution in China: T...