Forbidden to postpone actions for adequate air control management (ACM) in Latin America.

 

This is your brain on air pollution | María Neira https://youtu.be/utiLrnvawQQ

Air pollution knows no borders -- even in your own body, says public health expert María Neira. In this startling TED video, she describes how the microscopic particles and chemicals you breathe affect all your major organs (including your brain) and calls on both the public and those in power to take action to stop the sources of pollution.

It is happening in Costa Rica, the government by decree has already delayed the European regulation Euro 6 arguing that it made imported refined oil fuels more expensive. 

Air pollution is now recognised by governments, international institutions and civil society as a major global public health risk factor except in Costa Rica Ministry of Health. 

The health burden of air pollution is large: 509. 000 premature deaths every year in Europe and serious aggravations of heart and lung diseases that affect millions of patients, both children and adults. The European Environmental Agency estimated that in 2018 there were 417. 000 premature deaths attributable to particulate matter with diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), 55 000 to NO2, and 20 600 to O3 in Europe. In addition, 4 805 800 years of life lost could be attributed to PM2.5, 623 600 to NO2, and 246 700 to O3. 

This “silent killer” is one the most important determinants of health, surpassed only by high blood pressure, tobacco use and poor diet. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns about whether air pollution can increase the severity of disease and risk of death after infection, as well as facilitate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 

Chronic lung disease patients are at the epicenter of the current crisis, as they are more vulnerable to both the adverse effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection and air pollution exposure, as well as their possible interactions. At the same time, the lockdown measures to control the spread of COVID-19 brought historical short-term reductions in air pollution levels around the globe, and increased general public interest and demand for clean air policies. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, an emerging infectious disease probably caused by a spill over from animals, and its possible interactions with air pollution, is an existential reminder that we are a part of a larger ecosystem, and that human health is closely connected with the health of our environment and planet. 

Please help me to forbidden to postpone actions for adequate air control management (ACM) in Latin America.  Rafael A. Vilagut-Vega.