Air pollution kills over 5,500 in Israel in 2023, double previous estimates

Air pollution caused 5,510 premature deaths in Israel in 2023, double previous estimates, highlighting the severe health and economic toll; Geographic factors and under-regulation exacerbate the crisis, requiring urgent policy action to reduce pollution and protect public health

In 2023, air pollution claimed 5,510 premature lives in Israel, a staggering rise from prior estimates of approximately 2,500 annual deaths. This alarming figure stems from a new report prepared by senior officials from the Ministry of Health for the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
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Pollution in Tel Aviv
Pollution in Tel Aviv
Pollution in Tel Aviv
(Photo: Moti Kimhi)
The study, conducted by Dr. Ilan Levy of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Dr. Isabella Karakis of the Ministry of Health, used updated World Health Organization (WHO) methodologies. These methods assess risks associated with pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide and ozone and were adapted from similar studies in Europe to fit Israel's specific conditions.
The report, though ready for some time, faced delays in release, with the Ministry of Environmental Protection citing the complexity of inter-ministerial collaboration as the cause. "Such a comprehensive report requires time," the ministry stated, adding that there was no significant delay.
The analysis revealed that, in 2023, 4,699 premature deaths were due to exposure to fine particulate matter, and when nitrogen dioxide and ozone exposure were included, the total reached 5,510. These deaths also resulted in a loss of 66,576 years of life.
Premature deaths refer to fatalities occurring before the anticipated life expectancy, based on natural mortality risks for specific age and gender groups. Such deaths are typically considered preventable if risk factors like pollution are mitigated. The loss of life years is a measure of the total years lost due to early deaths and is calculated based on life expectancy and the number of premature deaths in each demographic.
Despite these grim findings, the Ministry of Environmental Protection noted that Israel's premature mortality rates are relatively lower than in European countries with similar pollution levels. However, this is largely attributed to Israel's younger population. "These findings highlight the urgent need for decisive action to reduce pollution," the ministry emphasized.
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אובך בחיפה
אובך בחיפה
Haifa bay
(Photo: Sharon Tzur)
The report reveals a significant increase in deaths linked to air pollution compared to past estimates. For instance, in 2019, the OECD estimated 2,280 premature deaths due to particulate matter exposure. The new analysis revises this number to 4,832. Additionally, nitrogen dioxide exposure accounted for 545 premature deaths, and ozone exposure for 472, bringing the total for 2019 to 5,686.
Previous estimates by the Ministry of Health were also much lower. A 2015 study suggested between 1,609 and 2,253 annual premature deaths, whereas the current report indicates the actual figure for that year was 5,375.
The impact of premature deaths extends beyond lives lost, with an estimated 46,216 to 65,289 life years lost due to particulate matter exposure in 2023. Nitrogen dioxide exposure accounted for an additional 3,802 to 7,217 life years lost, and ozone exposure contributed to 5,457 to 9,200 lost years. These statistics underscore the severe toll of air pollution on public health and Israel's economy.
The report also identifies factors unique to Israel's geography that exacerbate pollution-related mortality. The country's location exposes its population to desert dust and high concentrations of airborne particles throughout the year. Additionally, strong sunlight and high temperatures contribute to elevated ozone levels. These conditions require greater efforts to mitigate air pollution's harmful effects compared to other nations.
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The economic cost of air pollution is equally concerning. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection's 2023 emissions inventory, air pollution caused an economic loss of about $6.3 billion. This figure is based on current external costs outlined in the "Green Book," which are expected to rise as updated WHO guidelines set stricter target values.
Environmental organization Adam Teva V'Din responded to the report, calling for immediate policy changes. "The data should raise red flags and push for a drastic shift in Israel's environmental policies," stated Dr. Arye Wenger, an air pollution expert with the organization. "Pollution is killing far more people than previously thought – double the earlier estimates – and even these numbers likely underestimate the true impact. Violations of pollution target values occur hundreds of times a year in many areas across Israel."
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A map detailing pollution concentration in Israel
A map detailing pollution concentration in Israel
A map detailing pollution concentration in Israel
Despite these sobering findings, Israel remains far from meeting its green energy transition goals. The waste sector, plagued by widespread illegal burning across the country and the West Bank, suffers from severe underregulation. The new data demands that policymakers take significant and immediate steps to reduce air pollution and prevent its devastating effects on public health and the environment.
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