Unequal impacts
As the ambient concentration of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) increases in a country, so does the loss in average life expectancy. But each population has its own baseline health level, so mortality impacts vary from country to country. This analysis is based on 2016 data.
Source: J.S. Apte et al/Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2018; Credit: SN Staff
Directions for teachers:
In August of 2018, scientists published research showing how air pollution shaves off about a year on average from human life expectancy. In more polluted regions of Asia and Africa, lives are shortened by 1.5–2 years on average. Loss in life expectancy rises with increasing concentrations of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5).
Have students read the short summary, graph title and caption before completing the questions below. Consider using an online survey tool, such as Padlet, Kahoot or Mentimeter, to provide students with instant feedback on their answers.
Directions for students:
In August of 2018, scientists published research showing how air pollution shaves off about a year on average from human life expectancy. In more polluted regions of Asia and Africa, lives are shortened by 1.5–2 years on average. Loss in life expectancy rises with increasing concentrations of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5).
Read the short summary, graph title and caption before completing the questions below. Your teacher may have you use Padlet, Kahoot, or Mentimeter to provide responses.
Graph Questions:
1. What does PM2.5 mean?
Fine particulate air pollution.
2. What is the highest average loss in life expectancy according to the data visualization?
A. 2 years
B. 1.8 years
C. 1.0 year
D. 0.5 years
B. 1.8 years
3. Which 3 areas are experiencing the highest loss in average life expectancy? Which 3 areas are experiencing the highest ambient concentration of fine particulate air pollution?
Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa & Middle East, and South Asia.
4. State the correlation between loss in average life expectancy and air pollution and give a possible explanation for it.
Higher levels of air pollution are linked with a decrease in average life expectancy. More pollution likely leads to respiratory illnesses and other health problems; chemicals entering the body that are not usually part of the body can affect several body systems due to being circulated in the blood after transfer from the lungs.