Ayejoto Daniel A, Agbasi Johnson C, Nwazelibe Vincent E, Egbueri Johnbosco C, Alao Joseph O
Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Department of Geology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
J Environ Sci Health C Toxicol Carcinog. 2023;41(3-4):77-120. doi: 10.1080/26896583.2023.2267332. Epub 2023 Dec 13.
Climate change and air pollution are two interconnected global challenges that have profound impacts on human health. In Africa, a continent known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, the adverse effects of climate change and air pollution are particularly concerning. This review study examines the implications of air pollution and climate change for human health and well-being in Africa. It explores the intersection of these two factors and their impact on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, mental health, and vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The study highlights the disproportionate effects of air pollution on vulnerable groups and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policies to protect their health. Furthermore, it discusses the role of climate change in exacerbating air pollution and the potential long-term consequences for public health in Africa. The review also addresses the importance of considering temperature and precipitation changes as modifiers of the health effects of air pollution. By synthesizing existing research, this study aims to shed light on complex relationships and highlight the key findings, knowledge gaps, and potential solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change and air pollution on human health in the region. The insights gained from this review can inform evidence-based policies and interventions to mitigate the adverse effects on human health and promote sustainable development in Africa.
气候变化和空气污染是两个相互关联的全球挑战，对人类健康有着深远影响。在以丰富生物多样性和多样生态系统而闻名的非洲大陆，气候变化和空气污染的不利影响尤其令人担忧。这项综述研究考察了空气污染和气候变化对非洲人类健康与福祉的影响。它探讨了这两个因素的交叉点及其对各种健康结果的影响，包括心血管疾病、呼吸系统疾病、心理健康，以及儿童和老年人等弱势群体。该研究突出了空气污染对弱势群体的不成比例影响，并强调需要有针对性的干预措施和政策来保护他们的健康。此外，它还讨论了气候变化在加剧空气污染方面的作用以及对非洲公共卫生可能产生的长期后果。该综述还论述了将温度和降水变化视为空气污染健康影响调节因素的重要性。通过综合现有研究，本研究旨在阐明复杂关系，突出关键发现、知识空白以及减轻气候变化和空气污染对该地区人类健康影响的潜在解决方案。从这项综述中获得的见解可为基于证据的政策和干预措施提供参考，以减轻对人类健康的不利影响，并促进非洲的可持续发展。
