Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to human health and is responsible for a significant number of deaths worldwide. In 2021, air pollution accounted for approximately 8.1 million deaths globally, making it the second leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years of age. The primary sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industry. These activities release various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), which consists of small particles such as sulfate, nitrates, and black carbon that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Indoor air pollution, caused by solid fuel burning and poor energy sources, also contributes significantly to the overall pollution levels and subsequent health risks. While the number of deaths from air pollution is concerning, there is some optimism as certain countries have shown improvements in reducing pollution levels and associated death rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of deaths from air pollution globally in 2021 | 8.1 million |
| Number of deaths of children under five years old in 2021 | 700,000 |
| Number of deaths of children under five years old per day | Almost 2,000 |
| Percentage of child deaths linked to pneumonia | 20% |
| Number of deaths attributed to PM2.5 air pollution | 7.8 million |
| Number of infant deaths in Africa in 2015 | 449,000 |
| Percentage of infant deaths in Africa caused by PM2.5 exposure | 22% |
| Number of deaths from road accidents per year | 1.3 million |
| Number of deaths from smoking per year | 8 million |
| Number of deaths from natural disasters per year | N/A |
| Number of deaths from terrorism or war per year | N/A |
| Number of people exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution | 2.4 billion |
| Nitrous oxide emissions reduction in the UK | 76% |
| Black carbon emissions reduction in the UK | 94% |
| Volatile organic compound emissions reduction in the UK | 73% |
| Carbon monoxide emissions reduction in the UK | 90% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel pollution
The health risks associated with exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5, from burning fossil fuels are significant. These tiny particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and respiratory system, causing a range of respiratory conditions such as asthma and more severe health issues like lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and strokes. The impact of fossil fuel pollution on children's health is particularly concerning, with thousands of children under the age of five dying each year from respiratory infections attributed to it.
The recent Environmental Research study, conducted by a team from Harvard University, the University of Birmingham, and the University of Leicester, revealed alarming findings. The estimated 8.7 million premature deaths each year do not even include those caused by long-term exposure to ozone air pollution or smog, which are also driven by fossil fuel combustion. The study's calculations for fatal lower-respiratory infections in children under five are also limited to higher-income countries, where such cases are less common. China and India were the hardest hit by this type of pollution, with nearly five million premature deaths in those two countries alone.
The good news is that transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources can have immediate health benefits, preventing these premature deaths. As air quality measures improve, the mortality rate associated with fossil fuel pollution decreases. For example, tightening air quality measures in China led to a reduction in the percentage of total deaths attributed to fossil fuel pollution from 21.5% in 2012 to 18% in 2018. Similarly, successful environmental regulations in the UK, US, Canada, France, and Germany have resulted in significant reductions in local air pollutants.
Overall, the high death toll associated with fossil fuel pollution underscores the urgent need to switch to alternative energy sources and prevent further needless deaths.
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Indoor air pollution
The health consequences of indoor air pollution are dire, with links to various diseases. Ischemic heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and lung cancer are among the leading causes of premature deaths attributed to indoor air pollution. In 2019, indoor air pollution was responsible for an estimated loss of 86 million healthy life years, with the highest burden falling on individuals in low- and middle-income countries.
Furthermore, indoor air pollution disproportionately affects those in energy poverty, who rely on solid fuels and kerosene for their daily energy needs. This issue is particularly acute in developing nations, where access to clean fuels and technologies is limited. The use of polluting fuels and inefficient technologies exacerbates the problem, leading to increased exposure to harmful pollutants and adverse health outcomes.
Addressing indoor air pollution requires significant policy changes and interventions. The transition to clean fuels and technologies, such as solar, electricity, biogas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is essential to mitigate the health risks associated with indoor air pollution. Additionally, initiatives promoting sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, energy-efficient housing, and improved municipal waste management can effectively reduce indoor air pollution sources.
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Outdoor air pollution
The health effects of outdoor air pollution are significant. Fine particulate matter, often referred to as PM2.5, is of particular concern. These particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 and other pollutants can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, contributing to premature deaths. In 2018, new research revealed that air pollution from burning fossil fuels was responsible for about one in five deaths worldwide, a significantly higher proportion than previously estimated.
While the number of deaths from outdoor air pollution is high, there is reason for optimism. Global death rates from total air pollution have declined in recent decades, with improvements driven by reductions in indoor air pollution. Successful environmental regulations and the development of low-pollution technologies have contributed to this positive trend. For example, the implementation of Clean Air Acts in the UK and the US has resulted in substantial reductions in local air pollutants. Additionally, the removal of sulphur from coal-burning, the ban on leaded petrol, and the production of more fuel-efficient vehicles have all played a role in reducing pollution levels.
Addressing outdoor air pollution is crucial for protecting public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of pollution is more significant. Implementing policies and investments that support cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, improved power generation, and better waste management can help reduce outdoor air pollution. Additionally, providing access to clean household energy can significantly reduce ambient air pollution in certain regions. While challenges remain, continued efforts and collaboration at the local, national, and regional levels can help mitigate the health impacts of outdoor air pollution.
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Chemical pollution
Agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers have adverse effects, most of which end up in water bodies through infiltration. If released into water, these chemicals can pollute drinking water sources, harm aquatic organisms, and endanger human health. For example, glyphosate, used in many herbicides, has been linked to cancer dangers, and some pesticides may harm brain development.
Household products such as cleansers and cigarettes also contribute to interior pollutants, while exterior pollutants come from industry chimneys, automobiles, and suspended particles. Lead pollution, in particular, has been linked to almost 900,000 premature deaths, with children outside of most industrialized nations being especially vulnerable.
Overall, deaths from modern pollution have increased by 66% in the past two decades, from 3.8 million deaths in 2000 to 6.3 million deaths in 2019. Hazardous chemical pollutants specifically caused 1.8 million deaths in 2019, up from 900,000 in 2000. These deaths disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, with 92% of pollution-related deaths occurring in these regions.
To address chemical pollution, increasing production legislation, enhancing waste disposal methods, and creating non-hazardous chemicals are crucial. Minimizing the use of chemicals is vital for environmental and human health conservation, as some chemicals can persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain, leading to cancer, immune system issues, and developmental abnormalities.
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Natural air pollution
While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of human deaths caused by pollution each day, air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard and a leading cause of mortality. The impact of air pollution on human health has been extensively studied, with fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) being a primary concern. These particles, released during the combustion of gasoline and natural gas, as well as through industrial processes, are extremely small, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. This allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to an increased risk of serious health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and asthma.
Natural sources of air pollution include airborne dust, particularly in desert regions, which poses a significant threat to the health of people living in arid areas. Smoke from wildfires in forests and grasslands is another major contributor to natural air pollution. Additionally, sea spray, pollen, and volcanic activity can also lead to natural air pollution.
The health effects of air pollution are not limited to outdoor exposure. Indoor air pollution, often caused by the burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating, can have severe consequences, especially in energy-poor households. In many parts of Africa, high exposure to PM2.5 due to solid fuel usage and desert dust has been associated with increased infant mortality, accounting for a significant number of deaths.
While the number of deaths from air pollution is difficult to pinpoint, it is estimated to be similar to the death toll from smoking, which is around 8 million. Air pollution kills far more people than road accidents, terrorism, or war, and its impact is often underestimated. However, there is hope, as data suggests that we may be approaching "peak pollution deaths." Improvements in air quality have been observed in many growing economies, and successful environmental regulations in countries like the UK and the US have led to significant reductions in air pollution over the years.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) Report, air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. This means that air pollution is responsible for approximately 22,000 deaths per day.
Outdoor air pollution is caused by a variety of human activities, including the production of electricity, burning solid fuels for cooking and heating, agriculture, industry, and road transport. The largest source of natural air pollution is airborne dust from deserts, with smoke from wildfires being the second major source. Indoor air pollution is caused by household combustion devices, such as open fires or simple stoves for cooking.
Air pollution is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. It is also linked to developmental neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and immunotoxicity. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, with exposure to PM2.5 being responsible for 22% of infant deaths in certain countries.
