Pollution's Deadly Impact: More Deaths Than You Think

Air pollution is a silent killer that claims millions of lives each year. It is a significant public health problem, causing various diseases and premature deaths worldwide. While the number of deaths from air pollution remains staggeringly high, there is some hope in the data. This article will explore the impact of pollution on mortality rates, the efforts to address this issue, and the potential for reducing pollution-related deaths in the future.

Air pollution is a silent killer

The sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific. Outdoor air pollution in both cities and rural areas causes fine particulate matter which results in strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Indoor air pollution, on the other hand, is caused by the use of polluting open fires or simple stoves for cooking fueled by biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), kerosene, and coal. It is responsible for 3.8 million deaths annually, according to the WHO.

The impact of air pollution on health remains much greater than that of war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, drugs, and alcohol. It kills around 500 times more people annually than all natural disasters combined. The economic cost of the health impacts of air pollution alone amounted to US$8.1 trillion in 2019, equivalent to 6.1% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Despite the bleak picture painted by these statistics, there is hope. The total number of deaths from air pollution globally has remained about the same for decades, indicating that we could be at the peak of air pollution-related deaths. In fact, death rates from indoor and outdoor air pollution are declining, even in the most polluted countries. Cities worldwide are taking action to counter air pollution, with initiatives such as vehicle-access restrictions, electrification of public bus fleets, and waste-reduction initiatives. For example, London has expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), resulting in a significant decline in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.

While air pollution remains a critical issue, these efforts provide hope that, with strong policies, regulations, and monitoring systems in place, we can effectively tackle this silent killer and improve the health and well-being of people worldwide.

Fossil fuels cause the most harm

Fossil fuels are a leading cause of pollution, which kills millions of people every year. Fossil fuel air pollution is responsible for about one in five deaths worldwide, with regions with the highest concentrations of fossil fuel-related air pollution, including Eastern North America, Europe, and South-East Asia, having the highest mortality rates.

In 2018, fossil fuel emissions alone accounted for 8.7 million deaths globally, according to research by the Guardian. This number is much higher than previously thought, as previous research relied on satellite and surface observations that could not distinguish between particles from fossil fuel emissions and those from other sources, such as dust or wildfire smoke.

The combustion of fossil fuels releases pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which have detrimental impacts on human health. These toxins are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravating respiratory conditions like asthma and leading to lung cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes, and early death.

In India, fossil fuel pollution was responsible for nearly 2.5 million deaths in 2018 among people over the age of 14, representing over 30% of total deaths in that age group. Additionally, thousands of children under the age of five die each year from respiratory infections attributed to fossil fuel pollution.

The health benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels are significant. Researchers estimate that phasing out fossil fuels could save millions of lives, reduce the burden of major diseases, and lead to healthier and longer lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes interventions and initiatives for healthy sectoral policies, such as energy, transport, and housing, to address the health risks posed by air pollution.

While the number of deaths from air pollution is high, there is hope that we are approaching "peak pollution deaths." Death rates from indoor and outdoor air pollution are falling, even in the most polluted countries, thanks to the implementation of cleaner technologies and improved air quality measures.

Water pollution is more deadly for women and children

Water pollution is a significant issue that affects people worldwide, particularly women and children. While pollution in general is a major cause of concern, with millions of people dying from air pollution alone, water pollution also takes a heavy toll, especially on vulnerable populations.

Women and children are disproportionately affected by water pollution and often bear the brunt of the water crisis. In many parts of the world, women and girls are primarily responsible for fetching water for their households. This task can be time-consuming and physically demanding, requiring long journeys by foot, often more than once a day. As a result, women and girls may be unable to attend school or work, losing opportunities for education and income.

The lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities further exacerbates the issue. Inadequate sanitation compromises the privacy, dignity, and safety of women and girls. They may feel unsafe using shared or outdoor facilities, putting them at an increased risk of abuse and assault. Additionally, women and girls in rural areas often lack access to menstrual hygiene products and services, which can negatively impact their health and well-being.

The consequences of water pollution extend beyond health risks. Women who spend significant time collecting water have less time to care for their families, start small businesses, or engage in other income-generating activities. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder community development.

Water pollution disproportionately affects women and children, impacting their health, education, safety, and economic opportunities. It is crucial to address this issue by providing safe and accessible water sources, improving sanitation facilities, and involving women and girls in decision-making processes related to water management. By doing so, we can empower women and children, protect their health, and promote gender equity.

Household combustion devices are a common source

Air pollution is a major cause of premature death, with millions of people dying annually from inhaling pollutants. Household combustion devices, such as stoves, heaters, and ovens, are a common source of this deadly pollution. These devices, when fuelled by wood, kerosene, coal, or natural gas, emit harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The impact of these pollutants on human health is severe and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and even death.

Household combustion devices are prevalent globally, with 2.4 billion people exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution. This exposure is particularly high among women and children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth, using inefficient and polluting devices for cooking, space heating, and lighting. The reliance on such devices and fuels can also constrain opportunities for health and development, as time is spent gathering and preparing fuel.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the severity of this issue and has issued guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on the types of fuels and technologies that are cleaner and healthier. For example, the WHO discourages the use of kerosene and unprocessed coal and emphasizes the importance of addressing all household energy uses, especially cooking, space heating, and lighting.

In addition to the direct health impacts, household combustion devices contribute to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. The pollutants emitted by these devices can affect indoor and outdoor air quality, with outdoor pollution causing strokes, heart diseases, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Thus, addressing household combustion devices is crucial not only for reducing indoor air pollution but also for improving overall air quality and public health.

Furthermore, the combustion of fossil fuels, a common fuel type for household combustion devices, is a source of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, implementing policies to reduce air pollution from household combustion devices can offer a dual benefit of improving public health and contributing to climate change mitigation. This win-win strategy is promoted by the WHO, which provides technical support and capacity-building assistance to countries to transition to healthier and more sustainable household fuels and technologies.

Air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to health

The impact of air pollution on health is far-reaching, causing respiratory and other diseases and contributing to morbidity and mortality. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is of particular concern. These tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can sneak deep into our lungs and respiratory system, increasing the risk of various non-communicable diseases. Outdoor air pollution in both cities and rural areas leads to strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

Indoor air pollution, often caused by the use of polluting open fires or simple stoves for cooking with fuels like kerosene, biomass, and coal, is also a significant issue. Around 2.4 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution, and it is responsible for a large number of deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In 2021, indoor air pollution was linked to the deaths of over 500,000 children under five, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group.

The sources of air pollution are diverse and context-specific, including residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industry. Fossil fuel combustion is a major contributor to outdoor air pollution, with research suggesting that it caused approximately 8 million deaths in 2018 and 3.6 million premature deaths annually. However, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce these numbers and provide immediate health benefits.

While the number of deaths from air pollution is tragically high, there is hope. Global death rates from air pollution are falling, and with global population growth slowing down and the rollout of clean technologies, the world may soon pass the peak of air pollution deaths. Addressing air pollution through policies, interventions, and initiatives can improve health outcomes and contribute to climate change mitigation, creating a healthier and more sustainable world.

Frequently asked questions