Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing long-term environmental damage and driving climate change. It is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources, such as exhaust fumes, smoke, and gases, which can cause serious health issues. These issues include respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as heart disease, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, air pollution has been linked to systemic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. It also affects vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, more severely. With nine out of ten people now breathing polluted air, understanding the impacts of air pollution on human health is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its harmful effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global deaths caused by air pollution | 6.5 million per year |
| Number of people who breathe polluted air | 9 out of 10 |
| Number of people exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution | 2.6 billion |
| Percentage of the global population that breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits | 99% |
| Number of premature deaths attributed to air pollution in 30 European countries in 2019 | 175,702 |
| Number of years lived with disability due to diabetes mellitus in 31 European countries in 2019 | 175,070 |
| Number of studies that have established an association between short-term exposure to higher levels of outdoor air pollution and reduced lung function | >50 |
| Number of years by which coal-fired electricity must end to limit global warming rises to 1.5 °C | 30 |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution and health
Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard and threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally, a number that has increased over the past two decades. Nine out of ten people now breathe polluted air, which kills 7 million people annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds its guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants.
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Sources of particle pollution include motor vehicles, factories, power plants, equipment, wood burning, and wildfires. Particle pollution refers to a mixture of tiny bits of solids and liquids in the air we breathe. Individual fine particles are too small to be visible, but when pollution levels are high, they can make the air appear thick and hazy.
The health impact of air pollution exposure depends on the duration and concentrations, and the health status of the affected populations. The higher the exposure, the greater the risk of harm. Our bodies' natural defenses help keep coarse particles out of the deepest parts of our lungs, but smaller fine or ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even into the air sacs. Many of these particles get trapped there, while the smallest can pass into the bloodstream and disperse to other organs. Particle pollution can be very dangerous to breathe, especially at higher concentrations.
Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections. Air pollution is also associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which may lay the foundation for chronic diseases and cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution, particularly PM2.5, as a leading cause of cancer. A recent global review found that chronic exposure can affect every organ in the body, exacerbating existing health conditions.
Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable because their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing. Children living in low-income urban areas tend to have more asthma cases. Research published in 2023 tied two air pollutants, ozone and PM2.5, to asthma-related changes in children’s airways. Other vulnerable groups include pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease.
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Pollutants in the air
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and natural gas used to heat homes, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, and fumes from chemical production are the primary sources of human-made air pollution. Natural sources include smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter in soils.
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, indoor and outdoor air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths worldwide. Ninety-nine per cent of human beings currently breathe air that exceeds the WHO's guideline limits for pollutants, with those living in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most.
The effects of air pollution on the human body vary depending on the type of pollutant, the length and level of exposure, and other factors such as age, location, and underlying health. Short-term exposure to higher levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with reduced lung function, asthma, cardiac problems, and hospital admissions. Long-term exposure can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections.
Indoor air pollution is also a significant issue. Common indoor air pollutants include radon, smoke, and lead dust. Carbon monoxide from faulty furnaces, mould from damp walls, and volatile organic compounds from newly painted rooms can also contaminate indoor air. Biological pollutants, such as mould, pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroaches, may trigger breathing problems, allergic symptoms, or asthma attacks. Tobacco smoke contains many known poisons and chemicals that cause cancer.
Climate change further intensifies the problem of air pollution. Increased heat and ultraviolet radiation worsen smog, and climate change increases the production of allergenic air pollutants, including mould and pollen. Wildfires, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, release smoke that can pollute the air with particulate matter over vast areas.
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Climate change
The effects of climate change are far-reaching and impact both the environment and human societies. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and powerful storms, are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to devastating natural disasters and displacement of communities. The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers contributes to rising sea levels, threatening coastal areas with erosion and increased flood risks.
One of the key consequences of climate change is the disruption of natural ecosystems. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns affect the distribution and behavior of plant and animal species, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance. Many species are struggling to adapt to changing conditions, and some may face extinction. For example, coral reefs, which are highly sensitive to temperature changes and ocean acidification caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, are experiencing widespread bleaching and degradation, threatening the diverse marine life that depends on them.
Transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources is essential to mitigate climate change. This includes adopting solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, which produce fewer emissions and reduce our reliance on finite fossil fuel reserves. Improving energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transportation can also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can contribute by conserving energy, using public transportation or electric vehicles, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable practices and policies.
International cooperation and agreements are vital in addressing climate change on a global scale. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement bring nations together to set targets for reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. By working together, countries can share technologies, resources, and best practices to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and build resilience against the effects of a changing climate.
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Health risks
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity and is responsible for millions of deaths each year. It is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, but some pollutants are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs and circulate throughout the body.
Some people are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than others. These groups include children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease. People in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods may be more vulnerable to air pollution due to proximity to industrial sources of pollution, underlying health problems, poor nutrition, and stress. Genetics, comorbidities, nutrition, and sociodemographic factors also influence susceptibility to air pollution.
Air pollution has been linked to a wide range of diseases and health issues. It can cause systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. It has been associated with respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, mucus production, and bronchospasm. Living in areas with high levels of pollution can cause lung damage. Air pollution has also been linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is considered the air pollutant driving the most significant health problems and premature mortality. Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births. There is also growing evidence that air pollution may affect neurological development in children and increase the risk of cognitive and emotional problems later in life.
In addition to the health risks of outdoor air pollution, household air pollution poses additional safety and health risks. The use of certain fuels and technologies in the home, such as kerosene, can lead to burns, poisonings, and physical injuries related to fuel collection.
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Environmental health hazards
Air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard, posing risks to both human health and the planet. It is caused by a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources, such as dirty emissions from engines, coal-fired electricity, and open fires or simple stoves used for cooking. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of ten people breathe polluted air, leading to approximately 6.5 to 7 million deaths annually.
The health impacts of air pollution depend on various factors, including the duration and concentration of exposure, as well as the types, sources, and specific pollutants involved. Short-term exposure to high levels of outdoor air pollution is linked to reduced lung function, asthma, and cardiac problems. Long-term exposure can lead to a range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, lower respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), in particular, is a leading cause of cancer, as it can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and damage tissues and cells throughout the body.
Children, adolescents, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution. Research has also linked air pollution to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and small gestational age. Additionally, air pollution affects lung development and is implicated in the development of emphysema, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.
The impact of air pollution extends beyond human health, driving climate change and causing long-term environmental damage. The combustion of low-quality solid fuels, such as coal and wood, contributes to higher levels of PM2.5, particularly in regions with lower GDP per capita. This pattern has been observed in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, where higher PM2.5 exposure has resulted in increased premature deaths and morbidity due to diseases like COPD and type 2 diabetes.
Addressing air pollution is crucial not only for safeguarding public health but also for mitigating climate change and preserving the health of natural ecosystems. Strategies to reduce emissions from energy production, transport, waste management, housing, and industrial sectors can have multiple benefits, including improved health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. These pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout our bodies, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs, and ultimately leading to disease.
Air pollution is linked to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections. There is also evidence of links to type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
Air pollution affects people in different ways. Older people, children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more sensitive to the health impacts of air pollution. Children living in low-income urban areas tend to have more asthma cases than others.
Air pollution comes from a variety of sources, including dirty emissions from engines, the combustion of low-quality solid fuels (e.g. coal and wood) for domestic heating, open fires or simple stoves used for cooking, and industrial activities. Wildfires also contribute significantly to air pollution and can lead to increased hospital visits due to respiratory issues and more severe cases of COVID-19.
