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Air Pollution and Health in Africa: The Burden Falls on Children

Author

Listed:
  • Courage Mlambo

    (Faculty of Management Sciences, Mangosuthu University, Durban 4301, South Africa)

  • Phillip Ngonisa

    (Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, East London 5700, South Africa)

  • Bhekabantu Ntshangase

    (Faculty of Management Sciences, Mangosuthu University, Durban 4301, South Africa)

  • Nomusa Ndlovu

    (Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, East London 5700, South Africa)

  • Bongekile Mvuyana

    (Faculty of Management Sciences, Mangosuthu University, Durban 4301, South Africa)

Abstract

This study sought to examine the impact of air pollution on health in Africa. Air pollution is a major public health concern around the world. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to a slew of negative health consequences, ranging from subclinical effects, physiological changes in pulmonary functions and the cardiovascular system, to clinical symptoms, outpatient and emergency-room visits, hospital admissions, and finally to premature death. Health impact assessments indicate that sub-Saharan Africa suffers a high burden of disease and premature deaths, attributable to environmental pollution in the world. The health and economic repercussions of rapid pollution increases could jeopardize African efforts to enhance economic development, establish human capital, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite all these, literature on pollution and health is still scanty in the case of Africa. This study was quantitative in nature, and it used a difference GMM approach to estimate its model. The GMM results showed that children are negatively affected by pollution. Children under the age of five are especially at risk, and the effects are believed to be most severe in developing countries, where exposure to high levels of ambient air pollution throughout childhood is thought to lower total life expectancy by an average of 4–5 years. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that African countries must not overlook the pollution problem. They must promote and use low carbon technologies and services. In the absence of active intervention, pollution will soon raise morbidity and death.

Suggested Citation

  • Courage Mlambo & Phillip Ngonisa & Bhekabantu Ntshangase & Nomusa Ndlovu & Bongekile Mvuyana, 2023. "Air Pollution and Health in Africa: The Burden Falls on Children," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:11:y:2023:i:7:p:196-:d:1197001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Bichaka Fayissa & Paulos Gutema, 2005. "Estimating a health production function for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(2), pages 155-164.
    3. Qian Zhao & Chi-Wei Su, 2023. "The Nexus Between Air Pollution and Outward Foreign Direct Investment," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(1), pages 21582440221, January.
    4. Maria Cristina Zhunio & Sharmila Vishwasrao & Eric P. Chiang, 2012. "The influence of remittances on education and health outcomes: a cross country study," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(35), pages 4605-4616, December.
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