Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a major threat to health and climate, causing an estimated 7 million deaths worldwide every year. In 2021, this number rose to 8.1 million, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally, including for children under five years old. The primary sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Indoor air pollution, caused by inefficient cooking methods and residential energy use, is also a significant contributor to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. The health impacts of air pollution include respiratory disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer, with certain populations such as women and children bearing the greatest health burden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution worldwide in 2021 | 8.1 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution in India in 2019 | 1.67 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution according to WHO | 7 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution from anthropogenic sources | 5.5 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution from burning fossil fuels | 3.6 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution from outdoor PM2.5 and ground-level ozone | 4.5 million |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution according to the authors of a comprehensive study | 8.8 million |
| Number of deaths caused by outdoor air pollution according to WHO | 4.2 million |
| Number of children under five who die daily due to health impacts linked to air pollution | 2000 |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution is the second-leading cause of death globally, killing 8.1 million in 2021
- million deaths are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, causing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung cancer
- ,000 children under five die annually from indoor cooking pollution, mostly in Africa and Asia
- Fossil fuel burning in power generation, transport, and industry causes 3.6 million deaths per year
- India had the highest number of air pollution deaths in 2019, with 1.67 million
Air pollution is the second-leading cause of death globally, killing 8.1 million in 2021
Air pollution is a major threat to health, killing an estimated 8.1 million people worldwide in 2021. This makes it the second-leading cause of death globally, a silent killer that often flies under the radar.
The primary sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industry. Indoor air pollution, caused by inefficient cooking methods and poor ventilation, also contributes significantly to the overall problem. These indoor pollutants can seep outside, creating a toxic mix of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds its recommended guidelines, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures. The impact of air pollution on health is profound, causing strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and other noncommunicable diseases.
Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, with health impacts including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, lung diseases, and developmental issues. UNICEF estimates that nearly 2000 children under five die daily due to air pollution, with 500,000 deaths attributed to household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels, predominantly in Africa and Asia.
Addressing air pollution is crucial for both health and the environment. Phasing out fossil fuels, adopting cleaner energy sources, and implementing policies for sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, and improved waste management can effectively reduce air pollution and its deadly consequences.
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7 million deaths are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, causing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung cancer
Air pollution is a major threat to health, with an estimated seven million deaths attributed to it annually. While this is a global issue, low- and middle-income countries suffer the highest exposures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds the recommended guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants.
PM2.5 air pollution is a significant contributor to this health crisis, causing around 7.8 million deaths per year. These tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can remain in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health complications. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a leading risk factor for death, especially among children under five years old, with over 700,000 deaths attributed to it in this age group in 2021.
The health impacts of PM2.5 air pollution are extensive. Heart disease, including heart failure and heart attacks, is a significant concern. PM2.5 particles can cause inflammation, impair the coagulation process, and damage blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Additionally, the pollution can cause respiratory problems such as COPD and lower-respiratory infections like pneumonia.
Lung cancer is another severe consequence of PM2.5 pollution. The particles can enter the bloodstream, affecting multiple organ systems and increasing the risk of various cancers. Exposure to these particles has been identified as the most consistent and accurate predictor of poor health outcomes worldwide.
The impact of PM2.5 air pollution is not limited to physical health. It also has economic implications, as it contributes to a decrease in mean life expectancy. According to estimates, the average loss of life expectancy globally due to air pollution is 2.9 years. This highlights the far-reaching consequences of PM2.5 pollution, affecting individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide.
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500,000 children under five die annually from indoor cooking pollution, mostly in Africa and Asia
Air pollution is a major threat to health and climate, causing an estimated 8.1 million deaths worldwide every year. It has become the second-leading risk factor for death in terms of the total global population, as well as in children under five years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
Indoor air pollution, largely caused by the inefficient combustion of fuelwood, charcoal, and other biomass for cooking, is a significant contributor to this global health crisis. Household air pollution, mostly from cooking smoke, is linked to around 3.7 million premature deaths annually. In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, with 500,000 of these deaths attributed to indoor cooking pollution, predominantly in Africa and Asia.
The use of polluting fuels for cooking, such as wood, charcoal, and biomass, has severe health impacts, particularly on women and children. In Africa, the lack of access to clean cooking solutions is pervasive, with 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa having access rates below 20%. The situation is similar in developing Asia, where 50% of the global population without access to clean cooking solutions resides, with India, China, and Indonesia making significant strides in recent years.
The health consequences of indoor cooking pollution are dire, especially for children under five. Exposure to air pollution at a young age increases the risk of pneumonia, asthma, premature birth, low birth weight, and lung diseases. The death rate linked to children under five due to air pollution has decreased by 53% since 2000, largely due to expanded access to clean energy for cooking, improved healthcare and nutrition, and increased awareness of the dangers of household air pollution.
Addressing indoor cooking pollution requires a multifaceted approach. Incentivizing the use of clean energy sources, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and improved biomass cookstoves, is essential. Additionally, implementing clean air policies, providing access to electricity, and promoting biogas or ethanol alternatives can help mitigate the health and environmental impacts of indoor cooking pollution, particularly in Africa and Asia, where the burden of this issue is most severe.
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Fossil fuel burning in power generation, transport, and industry causes 3.6 million deaths per year
Air pollution is a major threat to health, causing an estimated seven million deaths worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO also reports that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds its guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
Burning fossil fuels is a significant contributor to air pollution and has been linked to a high number of deaths. A recent study by Lelieveld et al (2019) found that 5.5 million people die prematurely every year due to air pollution from all anthropogenic sources, including agriculture, residential energy use, non-fossil industrial emissions, and fossil fuel burning.
The study further broke down the impact of burning fossil fuels in particular, finding that fossil fuel combustion in power generation, transportation, and industry causes 3.6 million premature deaths annually. This means that transitioning to clean energy sources and phasing out fossil fuels could prevent an excess mortality rate of 3.6 million per year.
The health impacts of air pollution from fossil fuel burning are significant. Exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, from burning fossil fuels has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These tiny particles can remain in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Addressing air pollution from fossil fuel burning is not just a health issue but also a climate issue. Many of the drivers of air pollution, such as the combustion of fossil fuels, are sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing policies and interventions that reduce air pollution, such as supporting sustainable land use, cleaner energy, and improved waste management, can provide a dual benefit of improving health outcomes and mitigating climate change.
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India had the highest number of air pollution deaths in 2019, with 1.67 million
Air pollution is a major threat to health and climate, causing an estimated seven million deaths worldwide every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds its guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants. Low- and middle-income countries suffer the highest exposures.
In 2019, India experienced the highest number of air pollution-related deaths in the world, with 1.67 million people losing their lives prematurely due to toxic air. This accounted for 17.8% to 18% of all fatalities in the country that year and resulted in economic losses of $36.8 billion, or 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP). The states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experienced the highest economic losses.
The air pollution in India is largely caused by the use of poorly ventilated stoves and open fires for cooking, as well as industrial emissions, fossil fuel burning, and agricultural practices. The country's cities, including New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, are among the most polluted in the world. New Delhi, in particular, suffers from high levels of air pollution, with its winter skies often obscured by smog.
The health consequences of air pollution in India are severe, with exposure increasing the future risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, lung cancer, stroke, neonatal disorders, and cataracts. It also affects children's IQ and increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases. The impact of air pollution extends beyond physical health, impeding India's social and economic progress and affecting the next generation's well-being.
Addressing air pollution in India is crucial not only for the health of its population but also for its economy. Reducing air pollution can bring substantial benefits and contribute to India's aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024. This includes implementing strategies that address poverty and energy needs, such as providing access to clean fuels and improving energy efficiency in households.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that around 8 million people die prematurely every year due to air pollution.
Air pollution deaths are caused by particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. These particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter and can enter the bloodstream, causing noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death, responsible for more deaths than smoking, road accidents, terrorism, war, and natural disasters combined.
India has the highest number of pollution-related deaths in the world, with 1.67 million deaths in 2019.
Phasing out fossil fuels and replacing them with clean sources of energy could prevent up to 3.6 million deaths per year. Providing access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking and improving access to healthcare and nutrition can also help reduce air pollution deaths.
