Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people dying prematurely each year as a result. Outdoor and indoor air pollution, caused by sources such as residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, and industry, contribute to the problem. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths globally, including more than 700,000 children under five years old. While progress has been made in reducing indoor air pollution, the death toll from outdoor air pollution remains high, with little overall progress made in addressing this enormous public health issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths linked to pollution | 7 million to 9 million per year |
| Number of deaths linked to outdoor air pollution | 3 million to 4.2 million per year |
| Number of deaths linked to indoor air pollution | 3.8 million per year |
| Number of deaths linked to air pollution in children under 5 | 700,000 in 2021 |
| Number of deaths linked to air pollution in children under 5 due to household air pollution | 500,000 |
| Number of deaths linked to air pollution in children under 5 due to pneumonia | 1 in 5 child deaths globally |
| Number of deaths linked to air pollution in children under 5 in Africa, West Asia, Central and Southern Asia | 100 times higher than in high-income countries |
| Number of deaths linked to air pollution in low-income countries | 1 in 10 deaths |
| Number of deaths linked to ambient air pollution and toxic chemical pollution since 2015 | Increased by 7% |
| Number of deaths linked to ambient air pollution and toxic chemical pollution since 2000 | Increased by 66% |
| Number of deaths linked to lead and other chemicals | 1.8 million per year |
| Number of deaths linked to ozone | Hundreds of thousands per year |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution kills 7 million people annually
Air pollution is a pressing issue that claims the lives of millions of people annually and significantly impacts the health of many more. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills approximately 7 million people each year. This figure comprises 4.2 million deaths from outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million deaths from indoor air pollution, such as the burning of wood and charcoal.
The health implications of air pollution are far-reaching. Particulate matter, known as PM2.5, poses a significant threat to human health. These tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can infiltrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting multiple organ systems. The presence of PM2.5 in the body increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The impact of air pollution on children's health is particularly concerning. UNICEF reports that in 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to over 700,000 deaths among children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group, after malnutrition. Pneumonia, asthma, and lung diseases are among the health issues faced by children due to air pollution. The inequities are stark, with the air pollution-linked death rate in children under five in Africa being 100 times higher than in high-income countries.
While the situation is dire, there is reason for hope. Since 2000, the death rate linked to children under five due to air pollution has decreased by 53%. This improvement is largely attributed to efforts to expand access to clean energy for cooking, improvements in healthcare and nutrition, and increased awareness about the dangers of household air pollution. Additionally, regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia are taking significant steps to address air quality, such as installing air pollution monitoring networks and transitioning to hybrid or electric vehicles.
Addressing air pollution is crucial not only for improving human health but also for tackling the interconnected challenges of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. To combat this global emergency, individuals, businesses, and governments must work together to implement solutions that reduce pollution and mitigate its impact on human lives and the planet.
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4.2 million deaths from outdoor air pollution
Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem, affecting individuals in low-, middle-, and high-income countries alike. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. This figure represents the mortality impact of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and ground-level ozone.
The health effects of outdoor air pollution are far-reaching and significant. In 2019, WHO estimates that 68% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to ischaemic heart disease and stroke, 14% were due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 14% were due to acute lower respiratory infections, and 4% were due to lung cancers. These noncommunicable diseases are a result of the tiny particulate matter remaining in the lungs and entering the bloodstream, affecting multiple organ systems.
Outdoor air pollution is a global issue, but it disproportionately affects people in low- and middle-income countries. Of the 4.2 million premature deaths, 89% occurred in these areas, with the greatest burden found in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. This disparity highlights the urgent need for action by local, national, and regional policymakers to implement measures that reduce outdoor air pollution and protect public health.
While the number of deaths from outdoor air pollution is alarmingly high, there is some cause for optimism. Firstly, death rates from outdoor air pollution are falling, even in the most polluted countries. This decrease can be attributed to various factors, including the expansion of access to clean energy, improvements in healthcare and nutrition, and enhanced awareness of the dangers of exposure to household air pollution. Additionally, the number of deaths from outdoor air pollution is considered an "avoidable" figure, as these deaths would be avoided if air pollution levels were reduced.
To reduce outdoor air pollution and prevent premature deaths, several measures can be implemented. These include supporting cleaner transport, promoting energy-efficient homes and power generation, improving waste management practices, and providing access to clean household energy. By addressing these key sources of outdoor air pollution, we can significantly improve public health and reduce the number of premature deaths worldwide.
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3.8 million deaths from indoor air pollution
Air pollution is a leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 8.1 million deaths linked to it in 2021 alone. It is a silent killer, often not cited as a cause of death on death certificates, but the numbers speak for themselves. While outdoor air pollution accounts for a large number of these deaths, indoor air pollution is also a significant contributor, with an estimated 3.8 million deaths attributed to it annually.
Indoor air pollution, also known as household air pollution, is caused by the use of polluting fuels and technologies within homes. Solid fuels, such as wood and charcoal, and kerosene are commonly used for cooking and lighting in many parts of the world, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants include particulate matter, such as black carbon (sooty particles), and other toxins like methane and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
The health effects of indoor air pollution are far-reaching. The pollutants inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. This increases the risk of developing various diseases, including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower respiratory infections, which can be fatal. Women and children, who typically bear the responsibility of household chores involving these fuels, are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution.
The impact of indoor air pollution is particularly devastating in low- and middle-income countries, where access to clean fuels and technologies is limited. In 2022, an estimated 923 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacked access to clean cooking fuels, putting them at risk of exposure to harmful indoor air pollutants. However, it is important to note that indoor air pollution is not just a problem in developing regions. Even in high-income countries, indoor air pollution contributes to health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Addressing indoor air pollution requires a global effort. Strategies to improve access to clean household energy, such as financial support for cleaner technologies, improved ventilation, and communication campaigns, are crucial. Additionally, stronger policies and initiatives to reduce air pollution at the local and international levels are necessary. While the numbers are staggering, there is hope. With increased awareness, targeted actions, and a commitment to improving air quality, we can reduce the number of deaths attributed to indoor air pollution and create a healthier future for millions.
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Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death
Air pollution is a significant global health and environmental concern, impacting countries worldwide with varying severity. In 2021, it was responsible for approximately 8.1 million deaths worldwide, making it the second leading risk factor for death. This figure includes children under five years old, with over 700,000 deaths attributed to this age group due to air pollution. UNICEF's SoGA report highlights the vulnerability of young children, with health effects including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, pneumonia, and lung diseases. The report also underscores the inequities linked to the impact of air pollution, with a 100 times higher death rate in children under five in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa compared to high-income countries.
The primary contributors to air pollution vary depending on the context and location. Major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture or waste incineration, and industry. Indoor or household air pollution, particularly in low-income countries, is often caused by the use of solid fuels, such as wood, biomass, and coal, for cooking and heating. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient or outdoor air pollution is responsible for about 4.2 million deaths annually, while indoor air pollution accounts for 3.8 million deaths.
The health consequences of air pollution are extensive and affect people of all ages. Exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of developing a range of diseases, including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, poses a significant risk as these tiny particles can remain in the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and impact multiple organ systems. More than 90% of global air pollution deaths are attributed to PM2.5 pollution, including ambient and household sources.
Despite the alarming impact of air pollution, there is reason for optimism. Data scientist Hannah Ritchie argues that we may be approaching "peak pollution deaths" globally. In recent decades, death rates from total air pollution have declined, with indoor air pollution showing impressive improvements. This progress is attributed to various factors, including the expansion of access to clean energy for cooking, improvements in healthcare and nutrition, and increased awareness about the harms of household air pollution. Additionally, some countries are actively tackling air pollution through monitoring networks, stricter air quality policies, and the adoption of hybrid or electric vehicles.
However, it is important to recognize that overall progress in reducing air pollution has been limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries where pollution is most severe. While high-income countries have successfully addressed their worst forms of pollution, often linking it to climate change mitigation, many low- and middle-income countries struggle to prioritize and devote resources to pollution control. Urgent attention and action are needed to control pollution, particularly in these vulnerable regions, to prevent pollution-related diseases and protect public health.
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Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to health
The impact of air pollution on health is significant, contributing to a range of diseases and health issues. Outdoor air pollution, particularly in cities and rural areas, leads to fine particulate matter that can result in strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Indoor air pollution, such as from cooking with polluting fuels or using open fires, also poses a major threat. About 2.4 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution, which can cause premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases.
Young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, with exposure linked to pneumonia and asthma. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, with 500,000 of these linked to household air pollution, mainly in Africa and Asia. The death rate from air pollution in children under five in Africa is 100 times higher than in high-income countries.
While progress has been made in reducing air pollution, particularly in growing economies, it continues to be a significant issue. Air pollution has been identified as one of the key pillars of the UN Environment Programme's 2022-25 strategy, and the WHO has tightened its global air quality guidelines. Efforts to improve air quality include implementing stricter air quality policies, transitioning to electric vehicles, and expanding access to clean energy for cooking.
Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a leading risk factor for death, and it is imperative that governments and businesses take action to reduce air pollution and protect public health. With the health impacts of air pollution now better understood, future research may reveal an even greater number of deaths attributed to this environmental risk factor.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that around 7 million people die each year due to air pollution, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution is often caused by the use of polluting open fires or simple stoves for cooking fuelled by kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal.
Air pollution increases the risk of developing a range of diseases, including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Yes, children under five years old are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, which can include premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, pneumonia, and lung diseases. In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old.
While it is challenging to determine the exact number of deaths attributed to pollution, data suggests that death rates from total air pollution have declined in recent decades, with a significant decrease in indoor air pollution-related deaths. However, deaths due to outdoor air pollution have shown more modest improvements. Additionally, efforts to reduce pollution and the rollout of clean technologies are expected to further decrease pollution-related deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
