Pollution is humanity’s biggest killer

Health in a Heartbeat

This serial killer’s body count surpasses the toll of all the world’s wars, terrorism, alcoholism, drugs and a litany of diseases combined. One doesn’t need to visit a remote corner of the planet to be threatened. Looking over your shoulder won’t protect you.

This menace is in the air, water and even the light that leaks through a window at night and interrupts sleep.

A new study by an international team of researchers says that pollution in all its forms kills more people than all other threats to humanity combined. Researchers estimate at least 9 million people die prematurely because of environmental pollution, especially from cardiovascular disease.

The investigation notes the threat isn’t just in the air we breathe. We’re exposed to toxic chemicals in our homes, from the soil and from the nighttime light and noise endemic to modern life.

Lost sleep and stress are thought by scientists to contribute to higher risk of heart disease and shortened lifespans.

The study points to the role of climate change in increasing the risk. Ever more common wildfires, for example, are a threat to air quality. And soaring temperatures often increase smog.

They also note that tens of thousands of chemicals we encounter in our daily lives have not been tested for toxicity.

Investigators urge a call to action. Steps that can help reduce the threat include planting more trees, less reliance on vehicles and greater investment in renewal energy sources like wind and solar.

Pollution isn’t some far-away problem for dwellers of the world’s largest and most polluted cities. Scientists warn this killer is in our own neighborhoods.

There is no place to hide.