Let's Get Serious: Fossil Fuel Pollution's Impact on Health and Mortality Rate
Science for the Public: Contemporary Science Issues & Innovations
October 29, 2024 (recording) Belmont Media Center
Joel Schwartz, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Epidemiologist Joel Schwartz is noted for his work on the acute and chronic health effects of fossil fuel air pollution. One of his recent collaborative studies revealed that exposure to fine combustion particles in the air at concentrations well below current standards is associated with a range of conditions, including dementia, asthma, heart attacks, and lung cancer. The study also indicated that the death rate from fossil fuel pollution is almost 1 in 5 deaths worldwide, about twice the previous mortality estimate. Not surprisingly, the pollution impact falls disproportionately on poorer communities. This research is finally leading to tighter U.S. air quality standards.
Dr. Schwartz discusses the wide health effects of fossil fuel pollution and why restrictions have been so lax. In a comment on his recent revelatory study, he says: “We hope that by quantifying the health consequences of fossil fuel combustion, we can send a clear message to policymakers and stakeholders of the benefits of a transition to alternative energy sources.”
HSPH article about the Scwartz et al study
Fossil Fuel Air Pollution Responsible for 1 in 5 Deaths Worldwide