Blog Post 5: News Review

The Population's Health: 

COVID-19 and Air Pollution 

According to two health studies presented on the BBC article, air pollution has been linked to death risk. 

Dr Maria Neira, of the World Health Organization (WHO), told BBC News countries with high pollution levels, many in Latin America, Africa and Asia, should ramp up their preparations. Those with underlying pollution-related conditions have developed severe Covid-19 in countries with high levels.

However, medical professionals say that it is too early to prove this relationship. 

"We will be doing a map of most polluted cities based on our database to support national authorities in these regions so that they can prepare their epidemic response plan accordingly," Dr Neira said.

A US study suggests Covid-19 death rates rise by about 15% in areas with even a small increase in fine-particle pollution levels in the years before the pandemic. Another study, at the University of Siena, in Italy, and Arhus University, in Denmark, suggests a possible link between high levels of air pollution and Covid-19 deaths in northern Italy.

The article simply shows numerous studies, the data collected and the relationship to COVID-19, however, we need to keep in mind that pollution has always been hazardous for our own health. The one beneficial thing that we can thank this pandemic for is that the earth is finally taking a break from humanity in all aspects of life, pollution being one of the most important aspects because it does not only hurt the world's atmosphere and nature but it also badly hurts humanity. 

Air pollution already kills about seven million people every year, the WHO says.

What this article has taught me is not integrated within the statistical studies made which are important, of course, but it helped me reflect upon what needs to be done after this pandemic is gone. Are we going to our past habits or are we going to rise from the ashes and do our part in taking care of the earth? In turn, the earth will take care of us. If we are not going to try and erase our ancestor's mistakes for over abusing the earth's natural resources, our generation is going to give the final hit to earth. Globally, humanity needs a complete shift in mindset and actions in order for change to emerge. 

If we are not going to be the ones that start to change the world we live in, everything will continue to go downhill. It does not matter how much the world has been modernised because of technology and science. If we can sustain what keeps us alive - earth, then everything we do is simply a waste of time because future generations will not benefit from anything if what will remain for them is a world in need.

If you would like to read the original article, please find the URL link below:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-52351290