Nexus between Air Pollution and Neonatal Deaths: A Case of Asian Countries

Abstract

The rapid economic growth in Asian countries has witnessed a persistent increase in air pollution complementing adverse health challenges for children in these countries. Quantification of health effects attributable to air pollution (PM2.5) is important in policy implications to tackle air pollution and associated health problems. This study aims to explore the nexus between air pollution and neonates’ deaths embedded in acute respiratory infection. We collected panel data from the 12 most vulnerable Asian countries over the period of 2000–2017 and analyzed through the fixed-effect model. Empirical results show a positive relation between air pollution, temperature, and neonates’ deaths in the studied Asian countries. The results have attested negative impacts of income and education while positive effect of population density on neonates’ deaths due to acute respiratory infection. Diagnostic and prognostic measures have checked the pace of the respiratory diseases caused by PM2.5 and resultant deaths in Asian countries; yet alarming factors, like mounting industrial air pollution and rapid expansion of industrial zones in urban areas, need to be addressed in policy implications for long term sustainable solutions.

Is industrial pollution detrimental to public health? Evidence from the world’s most industrialised countries

“…Similarly, Næss et al [ 21 ] identified that the air pollutant indicators (NO 2 , PM 10 , and PM 2.5 ) had a significant effect on all causes of death for both men and women in Oslo, Norway. Similar findings were also identified in the works of Anwar et al [ 18 ] for 12 of the most vulnerable Asian countries, Shan et al [ 23 ] for China, Lehtomäki et al [ 20 ] for Nordic countries, Rajak and Chattopadhyay [ 22 ] for India, and Brito [ 39 ] for Portugal. Clancy et al [ 40 ] maintained that control of the particulate air pollution significantly reduces the death rate from the comparison of pre and post 72 months ban on coal sales in Dublin, Ireland.…”

“…Similar statistics were also been obtained by Alemu [ 8 ] in the case of 33 African countries from 1994 to 2013. However, Farahani et al [ 25 ] and Anwar et al [ 18 ] found no statistically significant impact of education on infant and neonatal mortality for the global panel and the 12 most vulnerable Asian countries, respectively. By critically analysing the research, it has been observed that past studies did not consider the significance of education in determining the death rate in the panel of most industrialised countries.…”

Impact of Air Pollution (PM2.5) on Child Mortality: Evidence from Sixteen Asian Countries

“…Our results are corroborated by the studies of [ 5 , 15 , 16 ], who highlighted a significant relationship between air pollution (PM 2.5 ) and child mortality. The studies in India, China [ 20 , 27 ], and other developing countries [ 3 , 13 , 28 ] have also established a significant relationship between air pollution and health outcomes. Some studies found that the incidence rates of child morbidity and mortality are higher among children living in highly polluted areas [ 29 ].…”

“…The most hazardous of these sources are human activities, such as nitrogen dioxide from vehicles, sulfur dioxide from power plants, and ground-level ozone, as well as particulate matter. The last type is important due to its ability to penetrate into peoples’ lungs and enter their bloodstream [ 3 , 4 ]. Epidemiological researchers have substantiated that these health impacts are induced by continuing ambient PM 2.5 concentrations and the coherent risk factors that vary from country to country [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Studies have rated PM 2.5 as the most lethal of the particulate matters, in association with child mortality [ 7 , 8 ], given that growth-stage of infants (0–1 years) and children under five are more susceptible to poor air quality [ 3 ]. Children are relatively more exposed to air pollution than adults due to longer engagement in outdoor activities and mouth breathing, which increases their intake of air pollutants [ 9 ].…”