China's Pollution: A Deadly Issue

Air pollution is a major public health issue in China, causing premature deaths and reducing life expectancy. Research suggests that air pollution in China causes an estimated 1.24 million deaths annually, with the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, being a significant contributor. China's rapid development has led to excessive greenhouse gas emissions, and its waste production has increased without adequate recycling systems in place. While China has made efforts to improve air quality and has seen some success, it remains one of the most polluted countries, and the ageing population is particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.

Air pollution from fossil fuels

China has experienced rapid development over the past few decades, resulting in excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. This has had a notable impact on air quality, with 40% of its major cities exceeding the country's own standards for air pollutant concentrations. Northern China, in particular, has been affected by air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels, with residents dying on average 5.5 years sooner than they would have otherwise. According to a 2015 study, an estimated 1.6 million people in China die each year from heart, lung, and stroke problems due to polluted air.

The air pollution from fossil fuels is caused by the release of various pollutants, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and mercury. These pollutants contribute to climate change, with rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, and increasing sea levels. They also have direct impacts on human health, causing respiratory issues, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. According to a recent study, air pollution from fossil fuels is responsible for nearly one in five deaths worldwide, with an estimated 8.7 million premature deaths each year. China and India bear the brunt of these deaths, with nearly five million premature deaths in these two countries alone.

The Chinese government has recognized the severity of the problem and has implemented a series of air pollution control actions. As a result, China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution in recent years. Between 1990 and 2017, the age-standardized death rate attributable to air pollution decreased by 60.6% in China. This was driven by an 85.4% decline in household air pollution and a 12% decline in ambient particulate matter pollution. However, despite these improvements, the absolute levels of long-term average air pollution remain high across China, and 81% of people live in regions exceeding the WHO Air Quality Guidelines.

The transition to clean energy sources is crucial to addressing the issue of air pollution from fossil fuels. The costs of solar and wind power have decreased significantly, making them more accessible and affordable. Additionally, countries like the United States have set ambitious targets for reducing emissions, demonstrating a global commitment to mitigating the impacts of air pollution and climate change.

Poor water quality

One of the primary concerns regarding water quality in China is the presence of heavy metals and toxic substances in the water supply. These contaminants, which include mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, pose significant risks to human health. Arsenic poisoning and fluorosis due to drinking water are prevalent issues, impacting the lives of millions of Chinese residents.

In addition, water pollution in China is closely linked to the rise in cancer mortality rates. Areas with heavily polluted water sources have witnessed a significant increase in digestive-system cancer deaths, with rates in certain provinces several times higher than the national average.

The inadequate treatment of water and outdated water purification technologies further contribute to the problem. Many companies lack proper water treatment measures, and the aging water supply networks pose a secondary pollution risk. Moreover, the complex and fragmented system for managing water resources hinders effective coordination between environmental and public health objectives.

China has recognized the urgency of addressing water pollution and has taken steps toward improvement. The Ministry of Environment has set ambitious water quality targets and is working toward enhancing water monitoring and transparency. Efforts to consolidate and improve drinking water safety, particularly in remote rural areas, are also underway. While challenges remain, China is committed to tackling water pollution and mitigating its impact on its citizens' health and well-being.

Health impact on the ageing population

Air pollution has had a significant impact on the health of China's ageing population. It is estimated that air pollution causes about 2 million deaths in China each year, with 1 million attributed to ambient air pollution and 1 million to household air pollution. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by air pollution, and it is a major risk factor for chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which are more prevalent in older adults.

Several studies have examined the relationship between air pollution and the health of older adults in China. For example, Bu et al. found that older adults globally have been disproportionately affected by DAPP (deaths attributable to PM2.5 air pollution) from 1990 to 2019. Wang et al. attributed the growth in DAPP in China by 2020 and 2030 mainly to population ageing. Population ageing is expected to be the leading contributor to increased deaths from PM2.5 air pollution in China by 2035, despite improvements in air quality and healthcare.

The impact of air pollution on the ageing population is influenced by various factors, including age structure, total population, PM2.5 concentration, and disease mortality. Climate change and socioeconomic changes impact these factors. For instance, climate conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure can affect the diffusion of PM2.5, increasing atmospheric concentration. Socio-economic development affects the emission of pollutants and PM2.5 concentration, as well as demographic characteristics and healthcare access, which impact the proportion of older adults and disease mortality rates.

Air pollution has also been linked to cancer, which is a leading cause of death in China, according to the Chinese Ministry of Health. The burning of fossil fuels, consumer goods, and vehicles contributes to smog, which poses a significant threat to the health of Chinese citizens, particularly the elderly. Fine particles in the air can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which are more common in older adults.

Overall, air pollution has had a detrimental impact on the health of China's ageing population, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and premature deaths. The vulnerable position of the elderly in the face of air pollution highlights the importance of sustainable development policies and continued environmental reforms to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Poor indoor air quality

The health effects of poor indoor air quality are well-established and include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer and chronic lung diseases like asthma. It is also a concern for children, who are more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution and may experience asthma and other respiratory issues as a result.

In China, indoor air pollution has contributed to premature deaths, with an estimated 300,000 people dying annually due to poor indoor air quality. The country has made efforts to improve air quality, with a focus on reducing ambient PM2.5 pollution, which has shown positive results in heavily polluted areas like Beijing. However, long-term average air pollution levels remain high across China, and it continues to be a major public health issue.

The impact of indoor air pollution on health is not limited to physical ailments. Research has indicated a link between indoor air quality and cognitive function, with studies showing that students perform better in classrooms with improved air quality. Similarly, office workers have demonstrated higher productivity and better cognitive abilities in "green" environments with low indoor pollutants and carbon dioxide levels.

Addressing indoor air pollution is crucial for improving public health and reducing the burden of diseases associated with poor indoor air quality. This can be achieved through various measures, including improving building ventilation, using air purifiers, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals and combustion sources indoors.

Heavy metals in contaminated soil

Air pollution is a significant issue in China, causing hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annually. According to various sources and studies, the number of premature deaths caused by air pollution in China ranges from 760,000 to 1.6 million per year. The main causes of air pollution in China are the burning of fossil fuels, coal combustion, and vehicle emissions.

Now, turning to the issue of heavy metals in contaminated soil in China, this is also a pressing environmental and public health concern. Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, nickel, chromium, and zinc have been found in contaminated soil across the country, posing risks to human health. A national soil pollution survey conducted in 2014 revealed that approximately 15% of China's agricultural land is polluted with heavy metals. This is particularly problematic given that China relies heavily on rice production, and rice is efficient in assimilating heavy metals from the soil.

The sources of heavy metal contamination in soil are diverse. They can be naturally introduced through parent materials, but the primary contributors are anthropogenic activities. These include wastewater irrigation, the use of unqualified fertilizers, deposition of airborne metals through smelting, and fossil fuel combustion. The elevated levels of heavy metals in farmland soil have drawn international attention due to their potential risks to the environment and crop production.

One region that has been extensively studied is the Jin-Qu Basin. In this area, Cd (cadmium) and Pb (lead) were found to be the main contributors to the potential health risks associated with non-carcinogenic effects for the local population. The consumption of contaminated rice has been linked to Itai-Itai symptoms and adverse effects on intelligence quotient. The Huanghuaihai Plain has also been identified as one of the most polluted regions in China, with increasing trends of Cd, Hg (mercury), Pb, Cu (copper), and Zn (zinc) from 1990 to 2021.

The presence of heavy metals in contaminated soil can have detrimental effects on human health through various exposure routes. These include ingestion, skin contact, dietary intake through the soil-food chain, respiratory intake, and oral intake. As China's waste production continues to rise, insufficient recycling systems and a lack of environmental awareness have been contributing factors to the heavy metal contamination in soils.

Frequently asked questions