The World Health Organization (WHO) named air pollution “the world’s invisible killer”, for causing thousands of deaths worldwide.
Air pollution is responsible for 36% of lung cancer deaths and 35% of those linked to respiratory obstruction.
In addition, it has caused 34% of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases and 27% of those associated with heart disease.
In total, air pollution causes 1 in 8 deaths worldwide and it gets its weapons, the particles in the air, from the gases produced by the transport sector, several industries and fires.
According to the latest WHO report, 9 out of 10 people worldwide are exposed to air pollution. That is, what we breathe does not meet the quality limits set by the authorities.
Costa Rica does not escape this reality. A recent study at the National University (UNA), shows that the rates of air pollution are growing between 11% and 15%.
Staying away from places where traffic congestion is recorded in peak hours or using masks will not help you fight this killer.
The best protection is to think about the medium and long term and the effect of collective and political action to help reduce pollution.
There are solutions, such as sustainable transport in cities, the management of solid waste and the use of clean stoves and fuels, as well as renewable energy and the reduction of industrial emissions,”
said Dr. María Neira, director of Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health from WHO.
For now, beware of long periods of asthma, cough, phlegm color and presence of blood in the respiratory tracks, since they could be symptoms caused by the “invisible killer”.