Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Svetla STOYKOVA, Diyana DERMENDZHIEVA, Gergana KOSTADINOVA, Miroslava IVANOVA, Milen STOYANOV, Georgi PETKOV, Lilko DOSPATLIEV, Georgi BEEV
Air pollution is a significant environmental and public health threat, contributing to approximately 7 million deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Major pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are linked to severe health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, respiratory illnesses, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. Vulnerable populations - the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions - face the highest risks. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with a tenfold increase in health complications compared to short term exposure. While research has clarified many of the biological pathways through which pollutants affect human health, ongoing studies continue to explore the full extent of these effects. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest data on the health effects of ambient air pollution, with a particular focus on Bulgaria. It identifies key trends, examines policy gaps, and evaluates the effectiveness of existing air quality regulations. By incorporating a comparative analysis of WHO, EU, and Bulgarian air quality standards, this research underscores the pressing need for stricter regulatory measures and enhanced mitigation strategies to curb pollution-related morbidity and mortality. The findings highlight the urgency of aligning national air quality policies with WHO guidelines to safeguard public health and drive sustainable environmental initiatives.
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