Antibiotic resistance, another major health issue, is linked to approximately 1.3 million deaths per year, with predictions of the number soaring to 10 million. Although resistance is a natural process in the microbial world, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated this problem.
A research study led by Professor Hong Chen of Zhejiang University discovered a correlation between air pollution and antibiotic resistance. The study analyzed rates of PM 2.5 (particles of 2.5 microns or less) and test results for various bacterial species and antibiotic types. It concluded that each 1 percent increase in particulate matter was associated with a 0.5 to 1.9 percent increase in antibiotic resistance.
Professor Chen's study suggests that air pollution contributes significantly to the rise in antibiotic resistance, more than health care expenditure, drinking water services, and the frequency of antibiotic use. This effect is especially pronounced in heavily polluted regions such as North Africa.
The mechanism behind this correlation remains unclear, but one hypothesis suggests that air pollution particles could facilitate the propagation of resistant bacteria and enhance horizontal gene transfer. Furthermore, air pollution could dampen human immune responses, providing an advantage to resistant bacteria.
The study, published in Lancet Planetary Health, projects that without effective interventions, pollution-related mortality could increase to 840,000 per year by 2050.
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