A landmark settlement with the United Kingdom government has drawn attention to the deadly consequences of air pollution.
What's happening?
As reported by The Washington Post, the family of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah has secured a settlement after her 2013 asthma-related death. Ella was the first person in the world whose death was legally attributed to air pollution. This tragic case revealed how exposure to illegal levels of dangerous air near her London home triggered fatal asthma attacks.
Ella, who lived in southeast London, was diagnosed with asthma when she was six, and she died when she was nine years old. She went to the hospital 30 times during those three years with breathing problems.
The lawyers in the case argued that her death violated British human rights laws.
Ella's case catalyzed the call for stronger air quality measures. Ella's mother, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, wants more people to be aware of the issue.
"It won't bring my daughter back," she told the Post, but she continues to advocate for a better future.
Why is air pollution important?
Air pollution can have significant harmful effects on people's health. It encompasses a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can enter our bodies through the air we breathe, leading to heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems like asthma. Air pollution can also impact mental health. Research has linked high levels of air pollution to increased mental health challenges, including elevated suicide rates.
The World Health Organization estimates air pollution contributes to 7 million premature deaths globally each year. Ella's case underscores how densely populated cities with poor regulations put vulnerable individuals, especially children, at higher risk.
What's being done about air pollution?
The UK government has pledged to meet WHO-recommended air quality targets by 2040. Globally, cities are adopting clean energy initiatives, enhancing public transportation, and incentivizing electric vehicles.
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Individuals can also contribute by supporting renewable energy policies, using eco-friendly transportation, and reducing energy consumption — all of which can contribute to cleaner air.
Ella's case is a reminder of air pollution's toll but also a catalyst for progress toward a healthier, safer future.
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