NAKURU, RIFT VALLEY, KENYA - 2022/01/11: Pedestrians and vehicles are seen on a road covered with ...
[+] smog emanating from a nearby Giotto dumpsite. An electricity post is seen in an area covered with smog from a nearby Giotto dumpsite. Open burning of garbage in Nakuru has become a common occurrence.
This activity produces fumes and smoke that are harmful to the environment because the materials release toxic chemicals that pollute the air. Studies show that air pollution would cause diseases and climate change. (Photo by James Wakibia/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) High levels of air pollution could mean cardiovascular diseases overtake infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in Africa, according to a new analysis.
The report by experts from the Universities of Edinburgh and Essex warns more air pollution monitoring and research across Africa is urgently needed to help save lives on the continent. The study reviewed existing research on the links between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases in Africa to establish what is currently known and identify gaps requiring further study. It found that only six academic studies have been completed on the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular disease for the continent.
According to the study, the majority focused on urban populations in South Africa, making it difficult to determine the true health impact of air pollution. Their paper also reveals that just 24 of the 54 African nations are set up to me.