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PHL posts 2nd highest number of household air pollution deaths in Western Pacific Region
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday shared that 90 percent of the global population is breathing in high levels of pollutants and this data includes "household air pollutants."
This includes the use of kerosene and solid fuels such as wood in polluting stoves, open fires and lamps. The WHO data shows that women and children are most at risk of household air pollution.
“Air pollution threatens us all, but the poorest and most marginalized people bear the brunt of the burden,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.
The estimated number of air pollution deaths in the Western Pacific Region has come down from 2.8 million in 2012 to 2.2 million in 2016, but deaths related to household air pollution remains high — especially in the Philippines, which ranked second only to Laos.
In an interview with GMA News' Jam Sisante-Cayco, Lola Editha shared that she still prefers using wood to cook. "Mas masarap ang lutuin ng apoy ng kalan, kaya ito ang ginagamit namin," she said.
Lola Editha said that it's easier to gather wood from her backyard, instead of spending money on LPG or an induction cooker.
While there have been improvements in the air quality in the Western Pacific Region, the population still has a high risk of suffering from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and pneumonia.
Data from WHO's breathelife2030.org page shows that over 122,500 die in Manila every year due to air pollution. More than 4,900 children die every year due to exposure to indoor air pollution, which typically result in acute lower respiratory infection.
Later this year, WHO will convene the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, bringing together governments and partners in a global effort to improve air quality and combat climate change. — with a report from WHO / Aya Tantiangco, GMA News
