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[00:00.41] A new environmental report says rising air pollution across South Asia can cut life expectancy rates by up to five years.

[00:13.96] South Asia includes the world’s most polluted countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.

[00:25.64] The area accounts for more than half of the total lives lost worldwide to pollution, the Energy Policy Institute said in its latest Air Quality Life Index.

[00:41.32] The institute is part of the University of Chicago.

[00:46.63] The report blames the air pollution dangers on fast industrialization and population growth across South Asia.

[00:58.32] Researchers estimate the area currently has particle pollution rates that are 50 percent higher than at the start of the century.

[01:10.53] Individuals living in Bangladesh, the world's most polluted country, stand to lose 6.8 years of life on average per person, the report found.

[01:25.41] This compares to 3.6 months in the United States.

[01:32.32] The information is based on satellite data used to estimate the effects of increased airborne fine particles on life expectancy.

[01:45.86] The report said India has been responsible for about 59 percent of the world's increase in pollution since 2013.

[01:58.35] In densely populated New Delhi, the world's most polluted large city, the average life expectancy had dropped by more than 10 years.

[02:10.04] The report called for cuts in worldwide levels of lung-harming airborne particles to levels sought by the World Health Organization (WHO).

[02:24.64] If these cuts were reached, it could raise average life expectancy rates by 2.3 years.

[02:34.47] A person living in Pakistan would gain 3.9 years from meeting WHO pollution guidelines, the report added.

[02:46.69] And in Nepal, a person would live 4.6 years longer if the guidelines were met.

[02:55.46] The report noted that China has worked to reduce pollution by 42.3 percent between 2013 and 2021.

[03:08.74] The researchers said this shows the need for governments to produce and share air quality data to help reduce inequalities in getting tools to fight pollution.