iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
A new study highlights the growing health and economic costs of air pollution, specifically in elderly populations.
The research, led by the University of Tokyo in Japan, focuses on how fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5, harms health and creates significant economic challenges in regions with aging populations and limited medical resources.
PM2.5 consists of tiny particles that are small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious respiratory and heart diseases. Because these particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses, such as the nose and throat, they are difficult to avoid. This issue becomes even more problematic for older adults.
Lead author Associate Professor Yin Long explained that as people age, their immune systems weaken, making it harder for their bodies to defend against pollutants. Even moderate exposure to PM2.5 can worsen existing health conditions, leading to more hospitalizations and premature deaths.
The study specifically looks at Japan, where nearly 30% of the population is over 65. It shows that elderly people living in rural areas are especially vulnerable to PM2.5 because they have less access to medical care compared to those in urban areas, which have better-equipped hospitals and more healthcare professionals. This disparity results in higher economic costs for rural regions.
Professor Long pointed out that rural areas often lack specialized hospitals and skilled professionals needed to treat illnesses worsened by PM2.5, such as strokes and heart attacks. The exposure also leads to many elderly people having to leave the workforce earlier than expected, which not only affects their financial independence but also puts more pressure on younger generations to support them.
The economic analysis in the study shows that PM2.5-related deaths and illnesses can contribute to rising socioeconomic costs, sometimes exceeding 2% of the GDP in certain regions.
The researchers argue that this intergenerational inequality presents a major challenge for policymakers, who must ensure economic stability and fair access to healthcare.
They also noted that these problems are not limited to Japan. Countries with aging populations and high pollution levels, such as China and parts of Europe, are likely to face similar challenges. Long emphasized the importance of governments identifying the most vulnerable regions and populations, and allocating resources more efficiently.
To tackle these issues, the team suggests stronger pollution controls, investments in healthcare infrastructure, and international cooperation to address cross-border pollution. They also recommend expanding green infrastructure in cities and improving access to telemedicine to help reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
(Photo courtesy: Unsplash)
