Study links fire-related air pollution to 1.5 million annual deaths worldwide

A new study reveals that air pollution from fires is linked to over 1.5 million deaths annually, primarily in developing countries. This figure is expected to rise due to increasing wildfires driven by climate change. The research highlights that around 450,000 deaths from heart disease and 220,000 from respiratory issues were attributed to fire-related air pollution between 2000 and 2019. Most deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, with significant numbers in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries like China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria report the highest death tolls. The study emphasizes the need for financial and technological support for affected regions, particularly as climate change exacerbates the situation.