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Global Health

This page has a list of publications and news articles related to Global Health. Find more information about our research on Global Health issues.

HEI publishes report on household air pollution and noncommunicable disease

July 31, 2018

HEI has published Communication 18, a critical assessment of the state of the science examining the linkages between household air pollution formed by the burning of solid fuels and noncommunicable diseases. The report updates previous systematic reviews with the most recent studies. It answers fundamental questions on the scientific basis for estimating health burden and what the evidence suggests about the exposure reductions necessary to achieve improved health outcomes. The Summary for Policy Makers, based on Communication 18, presents the main conclusions about exposures to household air pollution and about its contribution to noncommunicable diseases globally.

Spring 2018 Update now available

May 30, 2018

This issue of Update highlights the report of a major new HEI study, Impacts of Regulations on Air Quality and Emergency Department Visits in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, 1999–2013, led by Armistead (Ted) Russell of the Georgia Institute of Technology; the public release of data from HEI’s major ozone study, the Multicenter Ozone Study in oldEr Subjects (MOSES); a new HEI panel conducting a literature review on the health effects of traffic-related air pollution; the publication of State of Global Air 2018; appointment of two new members to the Institute’s Board of Directors; a new chair of the HEI Research Committee; and more.

State of Global Air 2018: Over 7 billion people face unsafe air

April 17, 2018

HEI has issued State of Global Air 2018 with the latest trends in air quality and its impact on human health around the world. For the first time, the 2018 report and website include worldwide estimates of exposure and health burdens from burning of solid fuels inside people’s homes.

Update Winter 2018 now available

February 28, 2018

This issue of Update highlights a major new HEI Special Report, Burden of Disease Attributable to Major Air Pollution Sources in India; three studies now underway to assess exposure to and health effects of traffic-related air pollution, and a new HEI Research Report on “Street Canyon” air pollution exposure modeling. Also in this edition, read about our upcoming Annual Conference; a recent meeting of diverse stakeholders hosted by HEI’s Energy Research Program; President Dan Greenbaum lending expertise to a National Academies “Grand Challenges” project; and more.

Developing a dynamic 3D exposure model for air pollution in Hong Kong

February 9, 2018

HEI’s Research Report 194, A Dynamic Three-Dimensional Air Pollution Exposure Model for Hong Kong, describes a study led by Benjamin Barratt of King’s College London, United Kingdom, that developed a dynamic three-dimensional land-use regression model for Hong Kong and used it to estimate exposure to traffic-related air pollution.

Workshop on major air pollution sources in India

January 25, 2018

In January 2018, HEI held a workshop in new Delhi, India to present the new HEI Special Report 21, Burden of Disease Attributable to Major Air Pollution Sources in India. The workshop agenda and presentations are now available. 

Estimating the burden of disease from air pollution in India

January 10, 2018

India has some of the highest levels of outdoor air pollution in the world. HEI Special Report 21, Burden of Disease Attributable to Major Air Pollution Sources in India, provides the first comprehensive analysis of the levels of fine particulate matter air pollution in India by source, and their impact on health. Read more..

Spring 2017 Update now available

June 8, 2017

In the Spring 2017 Update, read about HEI’s forthcoming publication of a major report, Multicenter Ozone Study in Older Subjects; the briefing of key legislators and stakeholders on HEI’s Accountability Research Program; and a forthcoming study examining potential links between air pollution and dementia in older women. This issue also highlights worldwide media coverage of HEI’s State of Global Air Report 2017.

Lancet reports Global Burden of Disease 2015 PM2.5 results

April 13, 2017

The April 10 issue of the Lancet reports that exposure to ambient particulate matter was the fifth-ranking mortality risk factor in 2015, causing 4.2 million deaths and loss of 103.1 million disability-adjusted life-years worldwide.