Pollution

Worldwide, about 40% of deaths per year are caused by pollutants in the air, water, and soil. Annually, three million people die from air pollutants and two million from unsanitary water (Pimentel et al., 2007). Pollutants contribute to many illnesses including cancer, immune system disorders,  diarrhea, and birth defects (Carpenter et al., 2002).

 

Deaths by Urban Air Pollution in 2000 - World Health Organization 2002

Carpenter, D.O., Arcaro, K.F., & Sprals, D.C. (2002). Understanding the human health effects of chemical mixtures. Environmental Health Perspectives. 110:25-42. 

Pimentel, D., Cooperstein, S., Randell, H., Filiberto, D., Sorrentino, S., Kaye, B., Kicklin, C., Yagi, J., Brian, J., O’Hern, J., Habas, A., & Weinstein, C. (2007). Ecology of increasing diseases: population growth and environmental degradation. Human Ecology. 35:653-668.

 

        

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