研究探讨空气污染的严重性和可预防的效果

AS IT IS 2015-06-30 Study Explores Air Pollution’s Deadly, Preventable Effects 研究探讨空气污染的严重性和可预防的效果

Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in the world, says the World Health Organization.

Part of the problem is particulate¹ matter -- very small particles floating in the air. Particulate matter, also known as PM, may get trapped in the lungs. Scientists have long known about the harmful effects of breathing PM. The particulates² are linked to an increased risk of breathing problems, heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer.

In 2005, the World Health Organization proposed air quality guidelines³ and limits for some air pollutants⁴ that raise health risks. Its guidance showed that by reducing PM levels from 70 to 20 micrograms per cubic meter, we can cut air pollution-related deaths by 15 percent.

A U.S.-based team has been studying the issue. Its members are environmental engineers and public health researchers. The team recently prepared a model to show how much people would be helped if air pollution from PM is cut to the WHO’s suggested limits.

Joshua Apte is an assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Texas, Austin. He led the study.

“About 75 percent of the total number of deaths that could be avoided from cleaner air could come from improving air in some of the most polluted parts of the world, like India and China.”

He adds that improving air quality could bring as many health benefits as when we take steps to deal with major diseases like malaria⁵ or AIDS.

The study estimates that reducing air pollution around the world could save 1.4 million people in places like India and China. But that is not an easy goal.

The report says that even to reduce mortality rates in half, India and China would need to cut pollution levels by almost 70 percent from their 2010 levels.

In places like New Delhi, PM levels are sometimes 10 times higher than the amount set in the WHO’s air quality guidelines.

India and China are home to some of the world’s most polluted cities. Thirteen of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India. The capital, New Delhi, is at the top of the list.

The study also shows that even if the pollution levels stay the same, death rates would jump by over 20 percent in India and China.

Joshua Apte explains that the main reason for this increase is population changes in these countries over time. He notes that as the population gets older over time, the number of people at risk of heart attack or stroke goes up.

But it may be difficult for India and China to improve air quality since both countries still use coal for electricity. Many roads are becoming filled with vehicles owned by the growing middle class.

China has done some work in cleaning the air. But experts believe that air pollution could worsen in India. They worry that India wants to increase the number of coal-powered plants to fuel the country’s economy.

About 100 scientists and academics recently met in New Delhi. The Indian Association for Air Pollution Control organized the gathering⁶. The delegates⁷ expressed regret that Indian officials have taken little action to limit air pollution.

P.K. Dave is an air quality expert. He called for a public campaign to deal with air pollution from industry and traffic.

The latest research shows that countries with cleaner air could also receive help from improving air quality.

Researchers found that places with cleaner air, such as North America and Europe, could save up to 500,000 people a year if they met the WHO’s air quality guidelines.

Words in This Story

premature⁸ deaths – n. deaths that happen earlier than the expected age

benefits – n. good results

mortality – n. the percentage of people dying; the rate of deaths

power plant(s) – n. a buildings in which electricity is produced; a factory

curb⁹ – v. to control, limit

1 particulate   

adj.微小的；n.微粒，粒子

参考例句：

• A special group was organized to dig up the particulate of the case.成立了一个专门小组来查明该案件的各个细节。
• Lungs retain relatively insoluble particulate material.肺脏内留有不溶解的颗粒物质。

2 particulates   

n.微粒，粒子( particulate的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Techniques for controlling particulates include filtering, washing, centrifugal separation, and electrostatic precipitation. 控制颗粒污染物的技术包括过滤、洗涤、离心分离、静电沉降。 来自英汉非文学 - 环境法 - 环境法
• Only micronic particulates penetrate to the depth of the lung. 只有微细粒子穿透到肺深部。 来自辞典例句

3 guidelines   

n.指导方针，准则

参考例句：

• The government has drawn up guidelines on the treatment of the mentally ill. 政府制订了对待精神病人的指导方针。
• Planners seem a little uncomfortable with the current government guidelines. 规划师似乎不太接受现行的政府指道方针。

4 pollutants   

污染物质（尤指工业废物）( pollutant的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Pollutants are constantly being released into the atmosphere. 污染物质正在不断地被排放到大气中去。
• The 1987 Amendments limit 301(g) discharges to a few well-studied nonconventional pollutants. 1987年的修正案把第301条（g）的普通排放限制施加在一些认真研究过的几种非常规污染物上。 来自英汉非文学 - 环境法 - 环境法

5 malaria   

n.疟疾

参考例句：

• He had frequent attacks of malaria.他常患疟疾。
• Malaria is a kind of serious malady.疟疾是一种严重的疾病。

6 gathering   

n.集会，聚会，聚集

参考例句：

• He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
• He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。

7 delegates   

代表，代表团成员( delegate的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The conference was attended by delegates from 56 countries. 此次会议有来自56个国家的代表出席。
• Delegates expressed strong opposition to the plans. 代表强烈反对这些计划。

8 premature   

adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的

参考例句：

• It is yet premature to predict the possible outcome of the dialogue.预言这次对话可能有什么结果为时尚早。
• The premature baby is doing well.那个早产的婴儿很健康。

9 curb   

n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制

参考例句：

• I could not curb my anger.我按捺不住我的愤怒。
• You must curb your daughter when you are in church.你在教堂时必须管住你的女儿。