Study: Pollution Linked to 9 Million Deaths

Pollution has been linked to 9 million deaths in 2015, according to a new study published by the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health.

About The Study

For the study, researchers analyzed data from several existing studies to determine the impact of various forms of pollution. Researchers found that air pollution is leading the cause of early mortality, accounting for nearly 6.5 million deaths in 2015. Water pollution came in a distant, though still concerning, second with 1.8 million deaths. The third most dangerous form of pollution was "workplace pollution," which was responsible for roughly 0.8 million deaths in 2015.

"For the first time, we pulled out and collected in one place all of the information on deaths caused by all forms of pollution combined -- in other words, air pollution, water pollution, chemical pollution, soil pollution, occupational pollution in the workplace -- and put it all together," said Landrigan of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Workplace Pollution

Workplace pollution is particularly concerning because it's often overlooked by employers and workers alike. And to make the problem worse, pollution in the workplace often goes unnoticed as it has few-to-no signs.

Basically, workplace pollution consists of toxic chemicals and hazardous compounds to which workers are regularly exposed. Painters, for instance, are frequently exposed to harmful fumes. When inhaling these fumes over a prolonged length of time, it can lead to respiratory disease. This is also true for metal workers, many of whom are exposed to toxic metal and fumes.

It's the employer's responsibility to protect workers from potential hazards like pollution. Among other things, this means providing workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their respective job. If inhalant pollutants are a concern, workers should be given respiratory masks for protection. However, all PPE should comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) guidelines.

What About Indoor Air Pollution?

Some people assume that air pollution only occurs outdoors, but this isn't necessarily true. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed indoor air pollution as being one of the top five environmental hazards to public health. So, if you work indoors, consider taking steps to reduce airborne pollutants and create a cleaner atmosphere.

You can promote a cleaner indoor environment by following some simple steps, including changing the air filter on a regular basis, opening the windows, controlling the humidity levels and maintaining a clean workplace.