Ambient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa : current evidence, perspectives and a call to action
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background: People from low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by the global burden
of adverse health effects caused by ambient air pollution (AAP). However, data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
are still scarce. We systematically reviewed the literature to describe the existing knowledge on AAP and health
outcomes in SSA.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Medline-OVID, EMBASE and Scopus databases to identify studies of AAP and
health outcomes published up to November 15, 2017. We used a systematic review approach to critically analyze
and summarize levels of outdoor air pollutants, and data on health effects associated with AAP. We excluded
occupational and indoor exposure studies.
Results: We identified 60 articles, with 37 only describing levels of AAP and 23 assessing the association between
air pollution and health outcomes. Most studies (75%) addressing the relation between AAP and disease were
cross-sectional. In general, exposure data were only obtained for selected cities in the framework of temporary
international collaborative research initiatives without structural long-term continuation. Measurements of AAP
revealed 10–20 fold higher levels than WHO standards. Of the 23 studies reporting health effects, 14 originated
from South Africa, and most countries within SSA contributed no data at all. No studies, except from South
Africa, were based on reliable morbidity or mortality statistics at regional or country level. The majority of
studies investigated self-reported respiratory symptoms. Children and the elderly were found to be more susceptible
to AAP.
Conclusion: AAP and its negative health effects have been understudied in SSA compared with other continents.
The limited direct measurements of air pollutants indicate that AAP in SAA cities is high compared with international
standards. Efforts are needed to monitor AAP in African cities, to identify its main sources, and to
reduce adverse health effects by enforcing legislation.
Description
CITATION: Katoto, P. D. M. C., et al. 2019. Ambient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa : current evidence, perspectives and a call to action. Environmental Research, 173:174-188, doi:10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.029.
The original publication is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/
The original publication is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/
Keywords
Urban health -- Africa, Sub-Saharan, Air -- Pollution -- Health aspects -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
Citation
Katoto, P. D. M. C., et al. 2019. Ambient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa : current evidence, perspectives and a call to action. Environmental Research, 173:174-188, doi:10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.029