Ambient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa : current evidence, perspectives and a call to action

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dc.contributor.authorKatoto, Patrick D. M. C.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorByamungu, Lilianeen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorBrand, Amanda S.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorMokaya, Jolynneen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorStrijdom, Hansen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorGoswami, Nanduen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorDe Boever, Patricken_ZA
dc.contributor.authorNawrot, Tim S.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorNemery, Benoiten_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2021-11-08T09:32:58Z
dc.date.available2021-11-08T09:32:58Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.descriptionCITATION: 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.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/
dc.description.abstractBackground: 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.en_ZA
dc.description.urihttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935119301574?via%3Dihub
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent12 pages ; illustrations
dc.identifier.citationKatoto, 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
dc.identifier.issn0013-9351 (online)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.029
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/123379
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectUrban health -- Africa, Sub-Saharanen_ZA
dc.subjectAir -- Pollution -- Health aspects -- Africa, Sub-Saharanen_ZA
dc.titleAmbient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa : current evidence, perspectives and a call to actionen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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