'Brutal' World's in Rwanda - was pollution to blame?

 

Rwanda in Africa was praised for hosting the first UCI World Road Championships, which closed on Sunday with a spectacular lone victory for Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia. The race was described as one of the most brutal riders have taken part in and you have to wonder if that was due to poor air quality. Pollution is much higher than in Western Europe.

Tucked away in news reports on Sunday, was  a report that several riders complained of breathing difficulties.

Apparently, Rwanda, and in particular the capital Kigali, where the World’s was staged, has pollution levels four times greater than World Health Organisation Guidelines.

There is smog, high levels of fine particulate matter and other air quality issues caused by pollution from rapid urbanisation, poor waste management, industrial activity and vehicle emissions.

According to Interactive Country Fiches, which contributes data to the UN Environment Programme Project, there is increased mortality and morbidity in the population caused by cardiovascular and respiratory disease, leading to the second highest cause of death in Rwanda.