Air pollution kills – thousands of early deaths by 2023 • Disturbing report

(haipo) – Air pollution continues to be one of the main health threats in Israel, with 2023 premature deaths related to exposure to various pollutants recorded in 5,510 alone – according to a report published today, Thursday, 30/1/25, by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health. The report was prepared by Dr. Ilan Levy from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Dr. Isabella Karkis from the Ministry of Health.

The report is based on recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has set risk thresholds for exposure to pollutants that endanger human health. Using the same methodology as that used in European countries, the researchers examined the health impact of air pollution in Israel and found that in 2023 alone, 66,576 years of life were lost as a result of exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3).

Tens of thousands of years of lost life

Of the 5,510 premature deaths in 2023, 4,699 are directly attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), while the combination with nitrogen dioxide and ozone results in an estimate of total mortality. Over the years, there has been a decrease in mortality from exposure to nitrogen dioxide, but on the other hand, there has been an increase in mortality related to exposure to ozone. Air pollution levels in Israel are similar to those in European countries, but premature mortality rates are lower due to a relatively young population.

The report focuses on estimating deaths and years of life lost, but does not include additional health impacts such as morbidity, burden on the health system, or exposure to carcinogens.

Is Israel taking sufficient steps?

Dr. Ilan Levy from the Ministry of Environmental Protection emphasizes that despite progress in reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, it is necessary to continue working to reduce all pollutants. "Air pollution is recognized worldwide as the most significant environmental risk factor for human health and premature mortality. The report emphasizes the importance of continuing to reduce emissions and their positive impact, alongside the need for advanced policies to maintain air quality and public health," said Dr. Levy.

The findings once again raise the question: Are the policy measures currently being taken sufficient to protect the public, or is a more significant government effort needed to reduce air pollution in Israel?

Trends, impacts and international comparison

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes approximately 4.2 million premature deaths per year worldwide. In Israel, between 2015 and 2023, between 4,641 and 6,166 premature deaths were recorded as a result of exposure to air pollution. The majority of cases are attributed to pollution from fine respirable particles (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3).

Compared to European countries, the rate of premature deaths in Israel is relatively low. In 2020, for example, the mortality rate from air pollution in Israel was 44.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, while in countries such as Slovakia, Greece and Italy, with similar concentrations of pollutants, the rate was higher, ranging from 71 to 88 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The explanation for this lies, among other things, in the relatively young age of the population in Israel compared to European countries, where the proportion of the population over the age of 65 is higher.

Age groups at risk

The health effects of air pollution are not uniform across the population. The most vulnerable age groups are: Elderly (65 and over): This population has the highest rates of premature mortality, as air pollution exacerbates chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease. Infants and children: Early exposure to air pollution can cause developmental problems, respiratory diseases, and asthma.

Chronically ill patients: People with respiratory and heart diseases are at increased risk of developing complications due to exposure to pollutants. Pregnant women: Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of premature births and low birth weight babies.

Air pollution in Haifa compared to other cities

Haifa is known to be one of the most polluted cities in Israel due to the high concentration of heavy industry and chemical plants in Haifa Bay. However, in the last decade, there has been a certain decrease in the level of respirable particulate pollution in the area. This trend stems from the reduction of pollutant emissions from industries, the conversion of energy sources to natural gas, and the reduction of refinery activity.

In contrast to Haifa, other urban areas such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem suffer primarily from traffic pollution, especially nitrogen dioxide emissions from diesel engines. In these places, despite the absence of heavy industry, pollution levels remain high due to the density of vehicles and the number of roads.

The main types of infections in Haifa

• Fine Respirable Particles (PM2.5): Their main source is heavy industry, transportation, and fuel combustion. They penetrate the lungs and can cause heart and lung diseases.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Pollutant emitted from vehicles and industries is linked to an increase in respiratory diseases and impaired lung function.
• Ozone (O3): Formed as a result of chemical reactions of other pollutants in the atmosphere, it can cause respiratory irritation and worsen asthma.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): Emitted from chemical plants and refineries, and linked to respiratory problems and an increased risk of cancer.

Although Israel has lower mortality rates from air pollution than Europe, the problem remains significant, especially among vulnerable populations and in the most polluted cities – such as Haifa. Efforts to reduce pollution, including a shift to clean energy, reducing emissions from transportation, and increasing factory oversight, could contribute significantly to improving air quality and public health.