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<div id='article-page'><div id='article-content' data-media-url='//news-app-staging.s3.amazonaws.com' data-base-url='//news-app-staging.herokuapp.com' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/pollution_audio.m4a' data-capture-url='//staging.analytics.lingraphica.com/events/capture_news' data-article-title='Study Explores Air Pollution's Deadly, Preventable Effects' data-article-id='529'><script src='//news-app-staging.herokuapp.com/javascripts/getscripts.js'></script><link rel='stylesheet' href='//news-app-staging.herokuapp.com/stylesheets/article.css' type='text/css' /><div class='article'><p><span data-start-time='0' data-end-time='8333'>Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in the world, says the World Health Organization.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='8333' data-end-time='15729'>Part of the problem is particulate matter -- very small particles floating in the air. </span> <span data-start-time='15729' data-end-time='22958'>Particulate matter, also known as PM, may get trapped in the lungs. </span> <span data-start-time='22958' data-end-time='28813'>Scientists have long known about the harmful effects of breathing PM. </span> <span data-start-time='28813' data-end-time='38333'>The particulates are linked to an increased risk of breathing problems, heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='38333' data-end-time='49292'>In 2005, the World Health Organization proposed air quality guidelines and limits for some air pollutants that raise health risks. </span> <span data-start-time='49292' data-end-time='62354'>Its guidance showed that by reducing PM levels from 70 to 20 micrograms per cubic meter, we can cut air pollution-related deaths by 15 percent.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='62354' data-end-time='66417'>A U.S.-based team has been studying the issue. </span> <span data-start-time='66417' data-end-time='71792'>Its members are environmental engineers and public health researchers. </span> <span data-start-time='71792' data-end-time='84479'>The team recently prepared a model to show how much people would be helped if air pollution from PM is cut to the WHO’s suggested limits.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='84479' data-end-time='92729'>Joshua Apte is an assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Texas, Austin. </span> <span data-start-time='92729' data-end-time='94396'>He led the study.</span> <span data-start-time='94396' data-end-time='107063'>“About 75 percent of the total number of deaths that could be avoided from cleaner air could come from improving air in some of the most polluted parts of the world, like India and China.”</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='107063' data-end-time='118604'>He adds that improving air quality could bring as many health benefits as when we take steps to deal with major diseases like malaria or AIDS.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='118604' data-end-time='129438'>The study estimates that reducing air pollution around the world could save 1.4 million people in places like India and China. </span> <span data-start-time='129438' data-end-time='132813'>But that is not an easy goal.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='132813' data-end-time='147229'>The report says that even to reduce mortality rates in half, India and China would need to cut pollution levels by almost 70 percent from their 2010 levels.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='147229' data-end-time='158771'>In places like New Delhi, PM levels are sometimes 10 times higher than the amount set in the WHO’s air quality guidelines.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='158771' data-end-time='164729'>India and China are home to some of the world’s most polluted cities. </span> <span data-start-time='164729' data-end-time='170292'>Thirteen of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India. </span> <span data-start-time='170292' data-end-time='175188'>The capital, New Delhi, is at the top of the list.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='175188' data-end-time='186875'>The study also shows that even if the pollution levels stay the same, death rates would jump by over 20 percent in India and China.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='186875' data-end-time='195813'>Joshua Apte explains that the main reason for this increase is population changes in these countries over time. </span> <span data-start-time='195813' data-end-time='205688'>He notes that as the population gets older over time, the number of people at risk of heart attack or stroke goes up.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='205688' data-end-time='215458'>But it may be difficult for India and China to improve air quality since both countries still use coal for electricity. </span> <span data-start-time='215458' data-end-time='221792'>Many roads are becoming filled with vehicles owned by the growing middle class.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='221792' data-end-time='225917'>China has done some work in cleaning the air. </span> <span data-start-time='225917' data-end-time='231000'>But experts believe that air pollution could worsen in India.</span> <span data-start-time='231000' data-end-time='238750'>They worry that India wants to increase the number of coal-powered plants to fuel the country’s economy.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='238750' data-end-time='245271'>About 100 scientists and academics recently met in New Delhi. </span> <span data-start-time='245271' data-end-time='251354'>The Indian Association for Air Pollution Control organized the gathering. </span> <span data-start-time='251354' data-end-time='260083'>The delegates expressed regret that Indian officials have taken little action to limit air pollution.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='260083' data-end-time='264396'>P.K. Dave is an air quality expert. </span> <span data-start-time='264396' data-end-time='270625'>He called for a public campaign to deal with air pollution from industry and traffic.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='270625' data-end-time='279000'>The latest research shows that countries with cleaner air could also receive help from improving air quality.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='279000' data-end-time='293313'>Researchers found that places with cleaner air, such as North America and Europe, could save up to 500,000 people a year if they met the WHO’s air quality guidelines.</span> </p><p><span data-start-time='293313' data-end-time='295833'>I’m Anna Matteo.</span> </p></div><div class='control-buttons-sticky' style='display:none;'><div class='control-buttons'><button title='Back' class='back' disabled='disabled'></button><button title='Play' class='play' disabled='disabled'></button><button title='Pause' class='pause' style='display:none;'></button><button title='Forward' class='forward' disabled='disabled'></button><button class='finished-reading' style='display:none;'>Done</button></div></div></div><div id='article-media'><div id='media-image'><img src='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/factory_image.jpg'/></div></div><div id='question-content' style='display:none;'><div class='vocabulary_question question-container' data-question-id=3023 data-hint-location='231000' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/what_does_power_plant_mean.m4a'>What does <strong>power plant</strong> mean?</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='buildings in which electricity is produced'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_main_idea.m4a'><span>the main idea</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/buildings_in_which_electricity_is_produced.m4a'><span>buildings in which electricity is produced</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_rate_of_deaths.m4a'><span>the rate of deaths</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/good_results.m4a'><span>good results</span></div></div></div><div class='vocabulary_question question-container' data-question-id=3024 data-hint-location='132813' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/what_does_mortality_mean.m4a'>What does <strong>mortality</strong> mean?</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='the rate of deaths'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_main_idea.m4a'><span>the main idea</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/to_control.m4a'><span>to control</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_rate_of_deaths.m4a'><span>the rate of deaths</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/good_results.m4a'><span>good results</span></div></div></div><div class='vocabulary_question question-container' data-question-id=3025 data-hint-location='107063' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/what_does_benefits_mean.m4a'>What does <strong>benefits</strong> mean?</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='good results'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_main_idea.m4a'><span>the main idea</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/to_control.m4a'><span>to control</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_rate_of_deaths.m4a'><span>the rate of deaths</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/good_results.m4a'><span>good results</span></div></div></div><div class='multiple_choice_question question-container' data-question-id=3026 data-hint-location='28813' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/what_condition_is_particulate_matter_not_linked_to.m4a'>What condition is particulate matter NOT linked to?</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='diabetes'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/lung_cancer.m4a'><span>lung cancer</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/strokes_.m4a'><span>strokes </span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/diabetes.m4a'><span>diabetes</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/heart_attacks.m4a'><span>heart attacks</span></div></div></div><div class='multiple_choice_question question-container' data-question-id=3027 data-hint-location='15729' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/what_can_get_trapped_in_your_lungs.m4a'>What can get trapped in your lungs?</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='particulate matter'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/acid_rain.m4a'><span>acid rain</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/particulate_matter.m4a'><span>particulate matter</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/smoke.m4a'><span>smoke</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/water.m4a'><span>water</span></div></div></div><div class='multiple_choice_question question-container' data-question-id=3028 data-hint-location='0' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/what_is_one_of_the_biggest_environmental_risks_in_the_world.m4a'>What is one of the biggest environmental risks in the world?</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='air pollution'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/air_pollution.m4a'><span>air pollution</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/overpopulation.m4a'><span>overpopulation</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/littering.m4a'><span>littering</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/smog.m4a'><span>smog</span></div></div></div><div class='sentence_completion_question question-container' data-question-id=3029 data-hint-location='164729' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/thirteen_of_the_worlds_20_most_polluted_cities_are_in__blank__.m4a'>Thirteen of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in <span class='blank'>India</span>. </div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='India'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/cambodia.m4a'><span>Cambodia</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/france.m4a'><span>France</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/india.m4a'><span>India</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/mexico.m4a'><span>Mexico</span></div></div></div><div class='sentence_completion_question question-container' data-question-id=3030 data-hint-location='38333' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/the_who_proposed__blank__for_some_air_pollutants_that_raise_health_risks.m4a'>The WHO proposed <span class='blank'>guidelines</span> for some air pollutants that raise health risks.</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='guidelines'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/laws.m4a'><span>laws</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/bans.m4a'><span>bans</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/alternatives.m4a'><span>alternatives</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/guidelines.m4a'><span>guidelines</span></div></div></div><div class='sentence_completion_question question-container' data-question-id=3031 data-hint-location='22958' style='display:none;'><div class='question' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/there_are_very_harmful_effects_of__blank__particulate_matter.m4a'>There are very harmful effects of <span class='blank'>breathing</span> particulate matter.</div><div class='choices' data-correct-choice='breathing'><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/feeling.m4a'><span>feeling</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/touching.m4a'><span>touching</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/smelling.m4a'><span>smelling</span></div><div class='choice' data-sound-name='https://news-app-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/262/breathing.m4a'><span>breathing</span></div></div></div><div class='question-buttons'><button class='skip-button'></button><button class='hint-button'></button><button class='speak-button'></button></div></div></div>
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