Air Pollution from Fires Linked to 1.5 Million Deaths Annually
Air Pollution from Fires Linked to 1.5 Million Deaths Annually
IN · Published Sep 29, 2026
• A recent study published in The Lancet has revealed that air pollution caused by landscape fires is responsible for 1.53 million deaths annually worldwide.
• The majority of these deaths, over 90%, occur in low and middle-income countries, with nearly 40% concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa.

Impact & Risks

The study underscores the severe health risks posed by air pollution from landscape fires, particularly in low and middle-income countries. In India, the illegal burning of agricultural fields has led to toxic smog, which poses significant health risks to millions of residents, especially in urban areas like New Delhi. Prolonged exposure to such pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The findings also highlight the broader issue of climate injustice, as the countries least responsible for global warming often bear the brunt of its consequences.

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