Air pollution is responsible for more than two million deaths worldwide every year.
And nearly a half million of these deaths occur due to increases in ozone caused by humans.
Researchers simulated the concentrations of ozone and fine particulate matter air pollution in 18-50 when the industrial era began and again for the year 2000.
They found fine particle matter air pollution–which are tiny air particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause illness–were responsible for more deaths than changes in ozone levels.
The sources of these deaths stem from pollutants caused by cars and factories.
Experts estimate a majority of the deaths will occur in east and south asia—due to their large population and severe air pollution.
Study authors say their estimates make outdoor air pollution among the most important environmental risk factors for health.
Findings appear in the journal Environmental Research Letters.
Reporting on health matters, I’m Lyssa Hansen.