Paolo Saldiva counterpoints the economic gains from polluting activities and the losses that result
As if the negative effects of air pollution on health were not enough, this is an evil that also affects the economy. An article published last June in a specialized international journal measured the loss of life expectancy due to current levels of air pollution. More than 5,000 Brazilian cities participated in this study. Professor Paulo Saldiva says: “What we have seen is that an increased risk of various outcomes has been confirmed, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and that if we reach the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization, we will have an increase in life expectancy, On average, in the country, it’s zero to eight years, that’s almost another year of life. That’s to some extent what pollution does today”, even with all the reduction offered thanks to measures to improve vehicle technology and the energy matrix.
The fact is that the sources that produce pollution lead to increased revenue, but at the same time, they are paid not only by lost years of useful life, but also by economic losses. “And we are all paying for something we have no control over and are dependent on public policy.” For the columnist, there is no other way out, other than the formulation of environmental policies, “which are weakened in these years, at the expense of a rather hostile dialogue between production and health.” Moreover, the role of science is to provide the basis for the public policies to be implemented.
health and environment
column health and environmentwith Professor Paulo Saldiva, broadcasts every Monday at 9:30 a.m. on Rádio USP (São Paulo 93.7 FM; Ribeirao Preto 107.9 FM) and also on YoutubeProduced by Jornal da USP and TV USP.
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