As proved by research theories carried out in Columbia University, the reduction of air pollution level in New York saved exactly 5,660 livew in 2012 compared to that of 2002.
The particular air pollution substance in question is the fine particulate matter, widely known as PM2.5 - microscopic particulates that lineup from solid and liquid substances. This substance is formed through the burning fuels in the surrounding and some complex reactions of chemicals such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants, industries and automobiles with atmospheric gases.
Exposing to this substance too much and for a long time causes respiratory and cardiovascular problems which of course, have lead to loss of several lives. This is why the government in advanced countries introduced various control measure in congested areas to protect the lives of the citizens. An example of such measure is the London ULEZ zone which was introduced to aid London driverearlier this year.
The study round that the PM2.5 level dropped drastically in New York city by 67%. This shows that the 8,410 premature deaths that occurred in 2002 has reduced to 2750 in 2012 and again, it has continued to reduce over the years.
Xiaomeng Jin, the person who led the study said of the proven findings:
What’s novel about this study is that we use seven different PM2.5 exposure estimates to analyse the long-term change in mortality burden and they all show a consistent decrease in mortality burden
Co-author of the study, Arlene Fiore also added:
Those reviews have sometimes resulted in stricter standards being set, which in turn set in motion the process of emission controls to meet those standards.
The researchers convinced us that the air pollution control campaign which was initiated by Clean Air Act and commenced in 1970 has saved hundreds of thousands of lives across the New York states.