Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is one of the world's biggest killers, and it's estimated that millions of people die from it every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution kills 7 million people annually, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution. Other estimates place the number of deaths at 6.7 million, 8 million, 8.1 million, 9 million, and even 12.6 million. The wide range of estimates is due to the different methodologies used in the studies, with more recent studies finding a higher death toll due to a better understanding of the health impacts of pollution. Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, strokes, lung cancer, and other non-communicable diseases. While air pollution is a global issue, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, with children under five being especially vulnerable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths per year due to pollution | 7 million, 8.1 million, 9 million, 12.6 million (estimates vary across sources) |
| Number of deaths in 2021 due to pollution | 8.1 million |
| Number of deaths in 2015 due to pollution | 9 million |
| Number of deaths in 2012 due to pollution | 10.2 million, 12.6 million (estimates vary across sources) |
| Number of deaths in 2019 due to ambient air pollution | 4.5 million |
| Number of deaths that could be avoided by phasing out fossil fuels | 3.6 million |
| Number of deaths of children under five years due to pollution in 2021 | More than 700,000 |
| Number of deaths of children under five years due to household air pollution in 2021 | 500,000 |
| Number of ozone-related COPD deaths in the US in 2021 | 14,000 |
| Number of deaths of children under five years due to pneumonia globally | 1 in 5 |
| Number of deaths of children due to asthma globally | N/A |
| Number of deaths from air pollution in high-income countries | Significantly lower than in low- and middle-income countries |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution kills around 7 million people per year
- Burning fossil fuels causes 3.6 million premature deaths annually
- Ambient air pollution caused 4.5 million deaths in 2019
- Air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death in children under five
- Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases, strokes, and cancers
Air pollution kills around 7 million people per year
Air pollution is one of the world's biggest killers, causing around 7 million deaths per year. This figure has been estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO), which also states that 99% of the global population lives in locations where the air quality exceeds WHO thresholds designed to protect human health.
The two most widely-cited estimates of the number of deaths caused by air pollution are 7 million and 6.7 million, by the WHO and the IHME's Global Burden of Disease study, respectively. These estimates are supported by other sources, which cite a range of figures from 7 to 9 million. The variation in estimates is due to the wide range of published estimates available, with more recent studies tending to find a higher death toll due to a growing understanding of the health impacts of exposure to pollution.
Air pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including the burning of fossil fuels, forest fires, waste burning, industrial activities, and natural factors. The health risks associated with air pollution include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, which can cause pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory issues. 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 linked to household air pollution due to cooking indoors with polluting fuels.
Despite the high number of deaths caused by air pollution, there is hope for improvement. Air pollution levels have been decreasing in many countries due to successful environmental regulation and the development of low-pollution technologies. For example, the UK has seen significant reductions in emissions of local air pollutants, with nitrous oxides down 76% from their peak, black carbon down 94%, volatile organic compounds down 73%, and carbon monoxide down 90%. Similar improvements have been seen in other countries, including the US, Canada, France, and Germany. By implementing policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner energy, and improved waste management, it is possible to effectively reduce key sources of air pollution and improve public health.
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Burning fossil fuels causes 3.6 million premature deaths annually
Burning fossil fuels is a major contributor to air pollution, which has been linked to a range of diseases and health problems. These include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, tissue damage, asthma, and other serious ailments. Recent studies have found that burning fossil fuels in power generation, transportation, and industry is responsible for approximately 3.6 million premature deaths annually. This figure represents the avoidable deaths that could be prevented by reducing air pollution to levels that do not increase the risk of developing lethal diseases.
The impact of burning fossil fuels on human health is significant, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fossil fuel combustion posing the greatest danger. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The health consequences of burning fossil fuels are not limited to physical ailments but also extend to cognitive and immunological functions.
The global death toll attributed to burning fossil fuels is staggering, with recent estimates surpassing previous research. In 2018, more than 8 million people died from fossil fuel pollution, according to a study by Harvard University, the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester, and University College London. This figure represents a significant increase from earlier estimates and underscores the urgency of addressing the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels.
The impact of burning fossil fuels on premature deaths varies geographically. China and India bear the brunt of the toll, with nearly five million premature deaths in those two countries combined. Other regions significantly affected include Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the United States, particularly the Northeast and Midwest. The disparities in death rates are influenced by factors such as population density, industrial activities, and energy sources.
The phasing out of fossil fuels and the adoption of clean energy sources are crucial to mitigating the health impacts of air pollution. By transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives, the excess mortality rate of 3.6 million people per year could be avoided. This figure is significantly higher than the combined annual death toll of murders, war deaths, and terrorist attacks, highlighting the magnitude of the issue.
In conclusion, burning fossil fuels has a profound impact on human health, contributing to approximately 3.6 million premature deaths each year. The transition to cleaner energy sources is not just an environmental imperative but also a public health necessity. By addressing the harmful effects of air pollution, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world and reduce the staggering number of avoidable deaths.
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Ambient air pollution caused 4.5 million deaths in 2019
Air pollution is a major environmental health problem, affecting people in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient (outdoor) air pollution caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. However, the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) estimates that this figure is closer to 4.5 million. These deaths are attributed to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and ground-level ozone, which cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and cancers. The mortality impact of these pollutants is staggering, with 68% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths due to ischaemic heart disease and stroke, 14% due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 14% due to acute lower respiratory infections, and 4% due to lung cancers.
The burden of outdoor air pollution disproportionately affects people in low- and middle-income countries, with 89% of premature deaths occurring in these areas. The greatest burden is found in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. However, it is important to note that the impact of air pollution is not limited to these regions, as nearly every person on Earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution daily, with far-reaching health implications.
The high death toll from air pollution is not simply a result of natural sources, but also of human activity. The burning of fossil fuels and biomass in sectors such as transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires contributes significantly to air pollution and global warming. The most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by both climate hazards and polluted air, and children are especially vulnerable, as their lungs, bodies, and brains are still developing. Exposure to air pollution in young children is linked to pneumonia and asthma, and the air pollution-linked death rate in children under five in Africa is alarmingly high, at 100 times the rate in high-income countries.
To address this global health crisis, the WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit works in three cross-cutting areas: knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress; institutional capacity building and technical support; and leadership and coordination. Additionally, policies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, power generation, industry, and better municipal waste management would significantly reduce outdoor air pollution. Access to clean household energy would also greatly reduce ambient air pollution in some regions. While air pollution is a severe problem, there is hope for improvement through collective efforts and solid governance.
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Air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death in children under five
Air pollution is a leading cause of death and disease worldwide, with an estimated 8.1 million deaths attributed to it in 2021. It is a significant threat to public health, causing a range of diseases and contributing to the worsening of existing health conditions. Among the global population, air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death.
The impact of air pollution on children under five is particularly concerning. In 2021, it was the second-leading cause of death in this age group, after malnutrition, with more than 700,000 children under five dying due to air pollution. This accounts for 15% of all global deaths in children under five. UNICEF estimates that almost 2,000 children under five die every day due to health issues linked to air pollution.
Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution than adults due to several factors. Firstly, children inhale more air per kilogram of body weight, resulting in relatively higher exposure to pollutants. Secondly, their lungs, bodies, and brains are still developing, making them more susceptible to the damaging effects of pollutants. Thirdly, indoor air pollution due to the use of polluting fuels for cooking is a significant contributor to child deaths, especially in Africa and Asia.
The health effects of air pollution on children can be severe and lifelong. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to pneumonia, which is responsible for 1 in 5 child deaths globally, and asthma, the most common chronic respiratory disease in older children. Air pollution has also been associated with an increased risk of childhood cancer, cardiovascular disease, and developmental issues such as low birth weight and neurodevelopmental delays.
The inequities in the impact of air pollution on child health are notable, with the death rate in children under five in Africa being 100 times higher than in high-income countries. However, progress has been made in reducing child deaths due to air pollution, with a 53% decrease in the death rate since 2000 due to improved access to clean energy, healthcare, and nutrition, as well as increased awareness of the dangers of household air pollution.
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Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases, strokes, and cancers
Air pollution is a major global issue, causing an estimated 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021 alone. It is the second-leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years old. The burning of fossil fuels and biomass in transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires are significant contributors to this issue.
Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, strokes, and cancers. Fine particles in the air, known as particulate matter or PM2.5, can be smaller than 1/30th the diameter of a human hair. When inhaled, these particles can bypass the body's natural defenses, entering the lungs and even the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory infections, coughing, and itchy eyes. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution, which can trigger asthma attacks, cause wheezing, coughing, and make it harder to breathe.
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with an elevated risk of early death, primarily from cardiovascular and respiratory causes. Research has linked exposure to fine particle pollution to an increased risk of lung cancer, even in individuals who have never smoked. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases and cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution as a human carcinogen.
The health risks associated with air pollution extend beyond respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and abnormal heartbeats. It can also impair blood vessel function and accelerate the calcification of arteries. In pregnant women, exposure to air pollution has been associated with dangerous changes in blood pressure, leading to pre-term births, low birth weight, and maternal and fetal illnesses. Furthermore, air pollution may contribute to the development of neurological disorders, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.
The impact of air pollution on health is widespread and affects people of all ages, from young children to older adults. Reducing air pollution through regulatory measures and transitioning away from fossil fuels can help mitigate these health risks and improve the overall quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Estimates of the number of people killed by pollution vary. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution kills 7 million people every year, while the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates 6.7 million. However, some sources put the number at 8 million or even 9 million.
Air pollution increases the risk of developing a range of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancers. Particulate matter in the air, especially PM2.5, is a major cause of these health issues. PM2.5 particles are very small and can remain in the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and affect multiple organ systems.
There are both indoor and outdoor sources of air pollution. Indoor sources include household combustion devices, such as open fires or simple stoves for cooking fueled by kerosene, biomass, coal, wood, or charcoal. Outdoor sources include motor vehicles, industrial facilities, residential energy use, agriculture/waste incineration, and power generation.
