Study on the effects of air pollution in mortality rate

Table of Contents

Chapter 1- Introduction......................................................................................................................2

1.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................2

1.2 Background..........................................................................................................................3

1.3 Research Aim.......................................................................................................................3

1.4 Research Objectives.............................................................................................................4

1.5 Research Questions..............................................................................................................4

1.6 Significance of This Study...................................................................................................4

1.7 Overview of Research Methodology...................................................................................5

1.8 Research Outline..................................................................................................................5

References............................................................................................................................................6
 Chapter 1- Introduction
1.1 Introduction
In recent decades, air pollution has emerged as a significant global health concern, with far-
reaching implications for human well-being. The negative effects of air pollution on
respiratory and cardiovascular health are well-known, but its impact on mortality rates
remains a topic of intense research and debate (Pope et al., 2020). As the world grapples with
the consequences of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change, understanding
the relationship between air pollution and mortality is crucial for informing public health
policies and interventions aimed at mitigating its adverse effects (Manisalidis et al. 2020).

Numerous epidemiological studies have provided sufficient evidence for the relationship
between exposure to air pollution with an increased risk of mortality across diverse
populations and geographic regions. Ambient air pollution, characterized by a complex
mixture of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide
(SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO), has been associated with elevated mortality
rates from various causes, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and
certain types of cancer (Pope et al., 2020).

1.2 Background
Air pollution represents the biggest environmental risk to human health and also a marker of
sustainable development. Air pollution affects regions, socioeconomic groups and age
groups. As per different studies it is clear that when all people living in a given area breathe
same air, there are nevertheless important exposure of air pollution (WHO, 2016). Studies
shown an association between the particulate air pollution and not only exacerbations of
illness in people but also rises in numbers of deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases among older people (Seaton et al, 1995). In 2004, the American Heart Association
(AHA) concluded that short term exposure to pollutants causes acute cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality and they also found that relative risk level is higher in areas of
higher particulate matter (Rober D Brook et al 2010).

The particulate matter exposure is higher in eastern Mediterranean region, southeast Asia
and western pacific region which is not exactly originated from human activity but can also
be generate by dust storms. (WHO, 2016) The reproducibility of positive association
between air pollutants and mortality in different places differ with lack of clear biological
explanation for how small increase in some pollutants may cause death (J sunyer et al,
1996). Therefore, prevention air pollution is immensely important to reduce the effects on
health as well as socially and economically. (Richard et al, 2022)

1.3 Research Aim

Aim of the research is to study the effects of air pollution in mortality rate.

1.4 Research Objectives

Main objectives of the present research study are the following:
1. To investigate and identify the various causes of air pollution.

2. To compare the rate of mortality in pollutant and non- pollutant areas.

3. To assess global effects of air pollution.

4. To assess the environmental and health risk factors associated with air pollution.

5. To analyse the mortality rate caused by air pollution.

1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the various causes of air pollution?
2. What is the difference in the rate of mortality in pollutant and non-pollutant area?
3. What are the global effects of air pollution?
4. What are the environmental and health risk factors associated with air pollution?
5. What is the rate of deaths caused by air pollution?

1.6 Significance of This Study

The mechanisms underlying the association between air pollution and mortality are
multifaceted and involve both short-term and long-term exposures (Wei et al.2020). Short-
term exposure to high levels of air pollutants, particularly PM2.5 and O3, can trigger acute
health events such as exacerbation of asthma, myocardial infarction, and stroke, leading to
increased mortality in vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with
pre-existing health conditions (Khomenko et al. 2021). Long-term exposure to chronic air
pollution has been linked to the development and progression of chronic diseases, such as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases, which
contribute significantly to overall mortality rates (Manisalidis et al. 2020).

Furthermore, emerging research suggests that certain demographic and socioeconomic

factors, including age, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare, may affect the
relationship between air pollution exposure and mortality risk, highlighting the need for a
detailed understanding of the underlying determinants of vulnerability to air pollution-
related health issues.

While considerable progress has been made in examining the adverse health effects of air
pollution, several knowledge gaps persist, necessitating further research. Key areas for
future research include analysing the relationship between air pollution exposure and
mortality, assessing the cumulative effects of multiple air pollutants on mortality rates, and
evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing air pollution-related
mortality.

In light of the growing need to address the public health implications of air pollution, this
research study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by conducting a
comprehensive analysis of the effect of air pollution on mortality rates. This research tries to
improve our understanding of the complex interplay between air pollution and mortality,
ultimately guiding policy efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting
environmental sustainability in an increasingly polluted world.

1.7 Overview of Research Methodology

This study adopts a qualitative research design to gain in-depth insights about the effects of
air pollution in mortality rate. Qualitative research design focuses on exploring and
understanding phenomena from multiple perspectives, by collecting and analyzing non-
numerical data, such as interviews, observations, documents, and textual materials, to
generate in-depth insights and rich descriptions of the research topic. Qualitative research
design aims to uncover the meanings, motivations, beliefs, and social contexts surrounding
a particular phenomenon. It is particularly useful when the research objective is to gain a
deeper understanding of complex social phenomena, subjective experiences, or cultural
contexts.

The present research is planned to be done using secondary data and hence it involves
finding out the already published data on air pollution and its effects on mortality rate.
Relevant data on the topic will be collected from the official websites of environment
ministries, health department, WHO and from surveys conducted on the topic. Scholarly
articles, research papers, and dissertations in the field of air pollution and mortality will also
be analysed for data collection.
1.8 Research Outline
The first chapter of this research study is introduction, which provides basic information
about the research topic. The main objective of the study is to analyse the effects of air
pollution in mortality rate. Introduction chapter gives a clear picture about the research by
stating the study’s aims and research questions.

Next chapter literature review analyses the existing knowledge and studies about the topic.
It examines the various causes of air pollution and analyses various studies on topics such as
the rate of mortality in pollutant and non- pollutant areas, global effects of air pollution,
environmental and health risk factors associated with air pollution and to find out the
present mortality rate caused by air pollution.

The third chapter is research methodology. It states the methods and techniques used in the
study. This chapter includes theoretical background, research design, research approach,
data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis, research quality, and ethical
considerations that are integral to the study.

Moving on to the fourth chapter, it focuses on the findings and analysis. Here, the collected
data and information are analysed to derive meaningful insights.

Finally, the conclusion and recommendation chapter provide a concise summary of the
study's key findings. It highlights the implications of the research and offers
recommendations. This chapter serves as the concise of the study, offering valuable insights
and potential areas for future research.
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