Regions with Highest Air Pollution-Related Deaths Ranked: Altai Region Leads the List
Pollution-Related Illnesses Spike in 20 Russian Regions
It's a grim reality that 20 regions across Russia are grappling with significantly higher mortality rates from diseases linked to air pollution. In 2024, the Altai Krai made it to the top of Russia's anti-rating of regions with the most pollution-related diseases, as reported by "Talk" based on a report by Rospotrebnadzor of Russia.
Pollution in these areas, primarily from industrial enterprises, transport, and other sources, has led to a higher incidence of both deaths and diagnosed diseases compared to the national average. "The peculiarities of pollution and the regional epidemiological situation result in significant losses of public health," the Rospotrebnadzor report states.
In 2021, air pollution-related mortality ranged from 0.01 to 42.3 cases per 100,000 people in 58 regions. Yet, in 20 territories, the national average was exceeded by 2 to 9 times, including in the Altai Krai.
The Altai Krai also stands out when it comes to diagnosed diseases related to air quality. "Air quality not meeting hygienic standards for carbon oxide, suspended matter, and other chemical impurities resulted in an additional 0.28 (Moscow) to 935.9 (Altai Krai) cases of disease per 100,000 population in 32 Russian subjects," the report says.
Other regions with high numbers of disease cases include the Saratov Oblast, Zabaykalsky Krai, Republic of Khakassia, and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, with the Altai Krai leading the way for bronchitis, emphysema, circulatory, digestive, and nervous system diseases.
## Russia to Begin Children's Reproductive Health Checks at Age Six
In an unexpected move, Russia has announced plans to start children's reproductive health checks from the age of six, starting on May 31, 2025. However, the exact reasons behind this initiative remain unclear.
Russia operates a public healthcare system guaranteeing free universal health care for all citizens, though challenges such as a low fertility rate and significant health issues like obesity and high alcohol consumption persist. With the legal age of consent set at 16, the shift towards early health checks suggests a growing emphasis on preventive care and early detection of potential health issues.
However, the specific motivations for starting checks at age six aren't detailed in the available information. Future announcements or statements from Russian health authorities might shed light on the rationale behind this policy.
In the meantime, this new initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to address long-term health and demographic concerns faced by Russia. Despite the lack of specific information, it signals a proactive approach towards ensuring the wellbeing of children in Russia.
The announcement of children's reproductive health checks starting from age six in Russia, set for May 31, 2025, highlights a focus on preventive care and early detection of potential health issues in the country. Meanwhile, the rise in pollution-related diseases in 20 regions of Russia, particularly in the Altai Krai, necessitates changes in environmental-science policies to promote health-and-wellness and reduce medical-conditions related to pollution.
