Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a leading cause of death, killing millions of people each year. According to various studies and reports, the annual number of deaths linked to air pollution ranges from 5.5 million to 9 million. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for an estimated 8.1 million deaths globally, including 700,000 children under the age of five. This made it the second-leading risk factor for death, after malnutrition, for young children. The primary sources of air pollution include residential energy use, transportation, power generation, and industrial activities. These activities release harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which have severe health impacts. While the total number of deaths from air pollution has remained relatively stable, there is hope that we are approaching peak pollution deaths as some countries have successfully reduced emissions and improved air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths per year | 8.8 million (including natural sources), 8.1 million (2021), 7 million (WHO estimate), 6.7 million (IHME estimate), 5.5 million (anthropogenic sources only), 4.5 million (ambient air pollution, 2019) |
| Deaths of children under five per year | 700,000 (2021) |
| Deaths due to outdoor air pollution | 4.2 million (WHO estimate), 3.6 million (fossil fuels), 1 million (residential energy use) |
| Deaths due to indoor air pollution | 3.8 million (WHO estimate), 3.54 million (residential energy use), 500,000 (children under five, mostly in Africa and Asia) |
| Deaths due to ambient air pollution | 4.5 million (2019) |
| Deaths due to ozone | 489,518 (globally, 2021), 14,000 (COPD, US, 2021) |
| Deaths due to lead | 900,000 (2019) |
| Countries with the highest exposures | Low- and middle-income countries |
| Risk factors | Heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
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What You'll Learn
Ambient air pollution kills 4.5 million annually
Ambient air pollution is a serious issue that claims the lives of approximately 4.5 million people annually, as reported in 2019. This figure represents a concerning increase from previous years, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to ambient air pollution in 2015 and 2.9 million in 2000. The primary causes of this pollution include the burning of fossil fuels and biomass in transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires.
The impact of ambient air pollution is not limited to mortality but also extends to the deterioration of health and well-being. It increases the risk of various cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. People living in low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt, with 89% of premature deaths occurring in these regions, particularly in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific areas.
The economic implications of ambient air pollution are also significant. The 2017 Lancet Commission on pollution and health valued the economic losses associated with 2015 pollution levels at 6.2% of world GDP, with 82% attributed to ambient and household air pollution. The human capital approach and the value per statistical life method are used to assess these economic losses.
Various strategies can be employed to reduce ambient air pollution and mitigate its adverse effects. These include implementing policies and investments that promote cleaner transportation, energy-efficient homes, improved power generation, and better waste management practices. Additionally, addressing social inequalities and providing access to affordable healthcare services can help alleviate the disproportionate impact of air pollution on marginalized communities.
It is worth noting that the number of deaths from modern forms of pollution, such as ambient air pollution, has been on the rise, increasing by 7% since 2015 and a staggering 66% since 2000. This underscores the urgency of taking meaningful action to combat this issue and protect public health.
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3.6 million deaths from burning fossil fuels
Burning fossil fuels is a significant contributor to air pollution, which has become the second-leading risk factor for premature death worldwide. According to a study by Lelieveld et al. in 2019, 5.5 million people die prematurely each year due to anthropogenic air pollution, which includes sources such as agriculture, residential energy use, non-fossil industrial emissions, and fossil fuel burning.
Among these sources, the burning of fossil fuels in power generation, transportation, and industry stands out as a major culprit, causing approximately 3.6 million deaths annually. This figure underscores the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources. By making this shift, we could prevent an excess mortality rate of 3.6 million people per year, which is a staggering number when compared to the annual death toll of all murders, war deaths, and terrorist attacks combined, estimated at around 545,000 deaths.
The combustion of fossil fuels releases fine particles, known as particulate matter (PM 2.5), that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. These particles are laden with toxins and can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, leading to serious health issues such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and strokes. The impact of fossil fuel pollution is not limited to respiratory and cardiovascular problems but also extends to other health concerns. For instance, in 2021, long-term exposure to ozone, which is driven by the combustion of fossil fuels, contributed to an estimated 489,518 deaths globally, including 14,000 ozone-related COPD deaths in the United States alone.
The consequences of burning fossil fuels are not limited to human health; they also have severe environmental repercussions. The emissions from fossil fuel combustion contribute to the warming of our planet by releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). This, in turn, leads to melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing global temperatures, further exacerbating the ongoing climate crisis.
The impact of fossil fuel air pollution is felt around the globe, with China and India bearing a significant brunt. In 2018, these two countries alone accounted for nearly five million premature deaths due to fossil fuel emissions. However, it is important to note that the mortality rate attributed to fossil fuel emissions has shown a positive decline in China due to tightening air quality measures. This provides a glimmer of hope that taking decisive action to improve air quality can lead to tangible results in mitigating the health impacts of fossil fuel pollution.
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500,000 children die from household air pollution
Air pollution is a leading cause of premature deaths worldwide, with an estimated 8.1 million deaths in 2021. It has surpassed tobacco and poor diet as a risk factor for death. This figure includes 700,000 children under the age of five, making air pollution the second leading risk factor for death in this age group, after malnutrition.
A significant proportion of these child deaths, approximately 500,000, are attributed to household air pollution, primarily from cooking indoors with polluting fuels. This issue is particularly prevalent in Africa and Asia, where families are forced to cook with inefficient and polluting devices due to a lack of access to electricity or clean energy alternatives. The ingestion of kerosene by accident is the leading cause of childhood poisonings, and indoor smoke in poorly ventilated homes can contain fine particle levels 100 times higher than acceptable.
The use of polluting fuels and technologies also disproportionately affects women and children, who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood. They are exposed to harmful smoke and face increased risks of musculoskeletal injuries and violence when gathering fuel. Moreover, the time spent using and preparing fuel limits opportunities for health, education, and development.
The impact of household air pollution extends beyond immediate health risks, contributing to economic losses as well. The welfare economic losses associated with pollution in 2015 were estimated at 6.2% of world GDP, with 82% attributed to ambient and household air pollution.
Addressing household air pollution requires significant policy changes to rapidly increase access to clean fuels and technologies, such as solar, electricity, biogas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These changes are crucial to reducing the health inequities and climate change impacts caused by polluting fuels and technologies.
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14,000 ozone-related COPD deaths in the US
Air pollution is a significant issue that impacts the health and well-being of people worldwide. According to recent estimates, air pollution accounted for approximately 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, making it the second-leading risk factor for premature deaths, including children under five years old. This issue affects people of all ages, from young children to older adults, and has far-reaching health implications.
In the context of ozone-related health issues, it is important to note that ozone (O3) is a dangerous and widespread pollutant, particularly in the United States. Ozone pollution, often referred to as smog, is formed from gases emitted by various sources, including tailpipes, factories, power plants, industrial sites, and vehicles. Warmer temperatures due to climate change contribute to higher levels of ozone, making it an ongoing concern.
Ozone pollution has severe health impacts, and long-term exposure to ozone is linked to increased respiratory illnesses, metabolic disorders, nervous system issues, and reproductive problems. Additionally, it poses a significant risk to individuals with pre-existing lung diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In 2021, long-term exposure to ozone was a contributing factor in an estimated 489,518 deaths worldwide. Notably, the United States experienced 14,000 ozone-related COPD deaths, a higher number compared to other high-income countries. This highlights the significant impact of ozone pollution on vulnerable populations, even in developed nations.
To address this pressing issue, individuals can take proactive measures to protect themselves during periods of high pollution levels. Additionally, advocating for cleaner air practices and supporting research on lung health and pollution mitigation can contribute to a collective effort to reduce the harmful impacts of ozone pollution on human health.
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8.7 million deaths from fossil fuel pollution in 2018
Air pollution is a leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4.2 million people died prematurely in 2016 due to outdoor air pollution. This number increased to 8.1 million in 2021, with 700,000 of those being children under five.
In 2018, 8.7 million deaths were attributed to air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. This number is higher than previously estimated and even exceeds the combined death toll of smoking tobacco and malaria. Fossil fuel emissions alone are responsible for nearly one-fifth of all deaths worldwide, with Eastern North America, Europe, and South-East Asia suffering the highest rates of mortality.
The burning of fossil fuels, especially coal, petrol, and diesel, releases fine particles (PM2.5) that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. These particles are about 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Once inhaled, they can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory ailments, heart disease, and even the loss of eyesight. They can also lead to lung cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes, and early death.
To address this issue, scientists at Harvard developed a new risk assessment model that linked fossil fuel emissions to health outcomes. This model found a higher mortality rate for long-term exposure to fossil fuel emissions, even at lower concentrations. By eliminating fossil fuel combustion, an estimated 1.05 million deaths could have been avoided in 2017.
Phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy sources is crucial to reducing the death toll from air pollution. According to studies, this transition could prevent 3.6 million deaths per year. Additionally, improving housing conditions, reducing outdoor activities during periods of high pollution, and using filters in households can help decrease exposure to air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Estimates vary, but the number of people who die prematurely each year due to pollution is in the millions. The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die every year from air pollution, while other estimates range from 8.1 million to 9 million.
Pollution-related deaths are caused by a variety of factors, including air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change, and ultraviolet radiation. Air pollution is a major contributor, with both indoor and outdoor sources being responsible for a significant number of deaths.
Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden of pollution-related deaths, particularly in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. However, high-income countries also experience significant pollution-related mortality, especially from certain non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
The number of pollution-related deaths has generally increased over the past two decades, with deaths from modern forms of pollution rising substantially. However, there is some evidence that we may be approaching "peak pollution deaths," as the total number of deaths from air pollution globally has remained relatively stable in recent years despite population growth.
Reducing pollution-related deaths requires a combination of policy interventions, technological advancements, and behavioral changes. Policies that support sustainable land use, cleaner energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, and better waste management can help reduce pollution levels. Additionally, transitioning to low-pollution technologies, improving access to clean energy and healthcare, and raising awareness about the harms of pollution can also help mitigate the impact of pollution on human health.
