Americans Pollute: The Ugly Truth

Despite progress made in the latter half of the 20th century, air pollution in the United States is worsening. In 2020, Carnegie Mellon researchers found that pollution levels were rising across the country. This is in part due to the Trump Administration's rollback of environmental regulations, including National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The effects of air pollution are disproportionately felt by communities of colour and low-income communities. A Yale University study found that Hispanics were exposed to 10 out of 14 pollutants, and African Americans were exposed to 13 out of 14 pollutants. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular diseases, with the latter killing a person every 40 seconds in the United States.

Greenhouse gas emissions from transport, industry, and commercial/residential sectors

The United States has made significant progress in improving air quality over the years, with a 74% reduction in air toxic emissions between 1990 and 2017. However, greenhouse gas emissions from transport, industry, and commercial/residential sectors continue to contribute to pollution.

Transport Sector

The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to US greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, transportation accounted for 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions. This includes emissions from cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, railroads, and other sources. The increase in vehicle miles traveled, which rose by 194% between 1970 and 2023, has contributed to the high emissions from the transport sector.

Industry Sector

Industrial emissions are the third-largest source of direct emissions in the US. These emissions primarily arise from burning fossil fuels for energy and specific chemical reactions necessary for producing goods from raw materials. If indirect emissions from electricity use are considered, the industrial sector accounts for a much larger share of US greenhouse gas emissions.

Commercial/Residential Sector

The commercial and residential sector emissions are also significant. These emissions result from burning fossil fuels for heat and using gases for refrigeration and cooling in buildings. When indirect emissions from electricity use are included, the emissions from this sector increase substantially. This is because buildings in the US consume 75% of the electricity generated, primarily for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and appliances.

Overall US Emissions

In 2022, total US greenhouse gas emissions were 6,343.2 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. While gross US greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by just over 3% since 1990, there was a slight increase of 0.2% in 2022 compared to 2021 levels. This increase was driven by a rebound in economic activity after the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in emissions in 2020.

EPA's role in protecting Americans from air pollution

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in protecting Americans from air pollution. The EPA was created in 1970 and has since been dedicated to improving the nation's air quality and safeguarding public health and the environment.

One of the EPA's primary responsibilities is enforcing the Clean Air Act, which aims to address various air pollution problems and emerging threats. The Act calls for collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal governments to reduce air pollution. The EPA provides flexibility to industries in controlling emissions while holding them accountable for achieving reductions. The EPA also sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common air pollutants, known as criteria air pollutants, which can have detrimental effects on human health, the environment, and property.

The EPA has made significant progress in reducing air pollution over the years. From 1970 to 2023, despite increases in economic activity and population, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 78%. The EPA has also successfully phased out leaded gasoline, resulting in a 98% decrease in airborne lead concentrations between 1980 and 2005.

However, challenges remain, and some communities continue to be disproportionately affected by hazardous air pollution. The EPA has faced criticism for its handling of environmental justice issues, with allegations that it has ignored the harms caused by pollution in certain areas. In 2022, the EPA received additional funding to address environmental justice concerns and established a new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to focus on these issues.

The EPA also works with state and local agencies to track and regulate emissions from vehicles, factories, and other sources. It develops national programs and policies to control air pollution and radiation exposure, such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which addresses water pollution. Overall, the EPA plays a vital role in protecting Americans from air pollution through regulation, enforcement, and the development of standards and programs aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions.

Air pollution and its impact on cardiovascular health

Despite improvements in air quality in the United States, approximately 140 million people lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS in 2023. Air pollution has been linked to a wide range of detrimental health effects, including respiratory and pulmonary issues, infections, and even cancer. However, the focus of this discussion is on the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term encompassing conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in artery walls, is a significant factor in heart disease, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. CVD is the leading cause of death in the United States, particularly among those over 65. Traditional risk factors include male sex, older age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. However, air pollution exposure has also been identified as a contributing factor.

Airborne particulate matter (PM), especially fine particles (PM2.5), has been associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the cardiovascular system, causing damage and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A study found that PM2.5 exposure increased the risk of CVDs by 13%. Additionally, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and lead have been linked to increased hospitalizations and mortality due to CVDs.

Indoor air pollution, caused by sources such as kerosene heaters, cooking fumes, secondhand smoke, and wall paints, also contributes to the risk of CVDs. This disproportionately affects certain demographic groups, with higher exposure rates among African Americans and low-income populations. Furthermore, a study found that individuals living within 1.86 miles of toxic waste facilities in the United States are more likely to be people of color, exposing them to additional air pollution and health risks.

The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health has prompted calls to action from cardiovascular societies and health organizations. These groups urge collaboration between the medical community, health regulators, and global policymakers to address this pressing issue. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize the significance of air pollution's impact on cardiovascular health and incorporate this knowledge into clinical practice and education.

Air pollution and its impact on respiratory health

Air pollution is a pressing issue in the United States, with a range of sources contributing to the degradation of air quality. While there has been progress in reducing certain types of emissions, air pollution continues to have significant impacts on the respiratory health of Americans.

One of the key sources of air pollution in the US is vehicle emissions. As the number of vehicle miles travelled has increased, so has the level of pollutants emitted by these vehicles. These emissions include harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), which are known to have detrimental effects on respiratory health. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to a range of respiratory issues, including increased risk of lung cancer, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the onset of asthma.

Industrial emissions also play a significant role in air pollution and its impact on respiratory health. High concentrations of pollutants from industrial sources, such as factories, can be found in urban areas, posing a higher health risk to those populations. Certain racial and socioeconomic groups are disproportionately affected by industrial air pollution. A study by Yale University found that Hispanics and African Americans were exposed to higher levels of pollutants, with African Americans having a 43% higher exposure to zinc and a 25% higher exposure to vanadium. Additionally, people of color are more likely to live within close proximity to toxic waste facilities, further contributing to air pollution and health concerns.

The impact of air pollution on respiratory health is far-reaching. Particulate matter, such as nanosized particles, can easily enter the respiratory tract and induce inflammation. This inflammation increases the airways' responsiveness to irritants, leading to potential reductions in lung function. Air pollution has also been linked to a range of respiratory symptoms, including cough, phlegm, wheezing, and bronchial hyperreactivity. In children, exposure to air pollution can result in decreased lung function growth and an increased risk of respiratory infections. For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, air pollution can exacerbate their symptoms and increase the risk of respiratory emergencies and hospitalizations.

While there have been efforts to improve air quality, such as the implementation of regulations and technological advancements, air pollution remains a persistent issue. The complex relationship between air pollution and climate change further exacerbates the challenges in mitigating its impact on respiratory health. As economic growth and population expansion continue, it is projected that air pollution levels will rise, leading to an increased burden of respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to continue addressing air pollution and its impact on respiratory health through research, policy interventions, and public health initiatives.

Air pollution and its impact on communities of colour

While there has been great progress in air quality improvement in the United States, about 140 million people lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS in 2023. Air pollution has a disproportionately harmful impact on racial minorities and low-income communities. A 2021 study by the EPA found that people of color in the United States are exposed to higher levels of particulate air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause lung and heart problems. This disparity holds across income levels and regions, indicating that race and ethnicity are key factors in exposure to air pollution.

In the United States, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians are more likely to be exposed to multiple pollutants, according to a Yale University study. For example, African Americans are exposed to higher levels of zinc and vanadium, which are associated with increased hospitalization and mortality due to cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues. In Bronx, New York, individuals living near hazardous industrial facilities and waste sites, predominantly people of color, are more likely to be hospitalized for asthma.

Additionally, minority and low-income neighborhoods are often targeted by industries when deciding where to locate hazardous waste sites and polluting facilities. This phenomenon, known as "environmental racism," has resulted in communities of color being concentrated in areas adjacent to industrial facilities and highways, exposing them to higher levels of pollution. For example, Black communities have historically been disproportionately affected by the construction of highways and industrial zones in their neighborhoods, leading to increased exposure to diesel emissions and other pollutants.

The impact of air pollution on communities of color is not limited to physical health issues. Studies have shown that air pollution is linked to increased stress levels, particularly in minority communities, which can have negative mental health consequences. Additionally, low-income communities of color are more likely to use kerosene space heaters, cook with certain fuels, and be exposed to secondhand smoke, which contributes to indoor air pollution and further exacerbates cardiovascular health risks.

Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach. The EPA is working to understand the air quality concerns in overburdened communities and develop solutions that ensure equal access to a healthy environment. Additionally, there is a need for regulations that effectively address environmental injustice and reduce emissions across sectors to decrease the disproportionate exposure of people of color to air pollution.

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