Breathing Polluted Air: A Global Crisis

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, with almost the entire world's population (99%) breathing polluted air, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that an alarming number of people, approximately 7 million, die prematurely each year due to exposure to harmful particles in the air that penetrate the lungs and cardiovascular system. The problem is more severe in low- and middle-income countries, where people suffer the highest exposures to unhealthy air pollutants, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia. In the United States, nearly half of the population, about 156 million people, are affected by poor air quality, with Latino Americans being the most impacted demographic group. The primary sources of air pollution include fossil fuel combustion, industrial activities, and the use of polluting stoves and fuels in households. These emissions contribute to climate change, biodiversity loss, and adverse health effects such as respiratory problems, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Air pollution's impact on health

Air pollution is a familiar environmental health hazard. It is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract.

The health impacts of air pollution depend on the types and concentrations of pollutants in the air. Fine particulate matter, for example, is a common and critical pollutant of both ambient and household air pollution, leading to negative health impacts. These particles can be inhaled deeply into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, contributing to serious health problems. They can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma from short-term exposure.

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter increases the risk of diseases with a longer onset, such as non-communicable diseases including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Almost every organ in the body can be impacted by air pollution. Other pollutants of concern include ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Ozone gas, for instance, is a powerful lung irritant that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small airways, impacting multiple body systems.

Certain populations are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution. These include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people living with chronic conditions, especially heart and lung disease. Additionally, psychosocial stress, such as poverty, racial/ethnic discrimination, and residency status, can amplify the harmful effects of air pollution. Maternal exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small gestational age births.

Fossil fuels and pollution

Fossil fuels have been the main energy source since the Industrial Revolution. In 2022, fossil fuels made up about 79% of total US primary energy production. Oil, coal, and natural gas have fueled industries and driven economies for centuries, but they also release pollutants that directly impact human health and the planet.

When fossil fuels are burned for energy, they release harmful substances into the air and water. Power plants and oil refineries emit pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which have been linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These pollutants contribute to smog, reduce air quality, and can lead to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.

The impact of fossil fuel pollution is not limited to the point of creation. Many people are exposed to pollutants in their communities and homes, especially those living near highways or in densely populated urban areas, who are frequently exposed to exhaust emissions from vehicles. Fossil fuel pollution also extends beyond air pollution to water systems. Oil spills, coal mining, and fracking contaminate water sources, and toxic substances used in fossil fuel extraction can seep into drinking water supplies, affecting both wildlife and human populations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that almost everyone, around 99% of the world's population, breathes polluted air that exceeds internationally approved limits. The health impacts of air pollution are significant, with an estimated 7 million deaths every year caused by ambient and household air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels has been linked to approximately 8.7 million premature deaths annually, with the highest toll in China and India, totaling nearly 5 million deaths in those two countries alone.

The consequences of burning fossil fuels are severe, and the transition to cleaner energy sources is essential to protect human health and the environment.

Air pollution and social inequality

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, with 99% of the world's population breathing air that exceeds internationally approved limits. This has devastating health consequences, causing around 7 million deaths per year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air. The impact of air pollution goes beyond physical health, affecting livelihoods and well-being, and ultimately exacerbating social inequality.

Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining the extent to which individuals and communities are affected by air pollution. Those from low- and middle-income backgrounds tend to bear the brunt of the burden, with higher exposure to pollutants and increased vulnerability to the detrimental effects of air pollution. This disparity is evident within nations, as well as between developed and developing countries. In the context of the United States, for instance, people of colour, particularly Latino Americans, are more likely to be exposed to unsafe levels of air pollutants, experiencing the health impacts of air pollution on a daily basis.

Several factors contribute to the higher exposure to air pollution among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Firstly, residential patterns influenced by factors such as racism, class bias, and housing market dynamics have led to the location of pollution sources near disadvantaged communities. This results in higher traffic and industrial activity in these areas, increasing the levels of air pollutants. Additionally, lower-income groups often have limited access to prevention services and infrastructure that could help mitigate the impact of air pollution. They may also face challenges such as poorer job opportunities, dirtier workplaces, and inadequate diets, which further increase their vulnerability to the health risks associated with air pollution.

The impact of air pollution on disadvantaged communities goes beyond physical health issues. The resulting health conditions, combined with limited access to healthcare services, can lead to higher medical expenses and a decreased ability to earn an income. This creates a vicious cycle that deepens the inequality gap. Moreover, the psychological stress associated with discrimination and socioeconomic struggles may further exacerbate the health impacts of air pollution on these communities.

Addressing air pollution and social inequality requires conscious government action and collaboration across nations. Sustainable transport solutions, more efficient and renewable energy production, waste management, and urban planning that prioritises vulnerable communities are crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of air pollution on disadvantaged groups. By taking these steps, nations can work towards reducing environmental inequalities and ensuring a fair transition to a more sustainable future.

Government action and inaction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world's population breathes polluted air that exceeds internationally approved limits, with 7 million deaths occurring every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air. Despite this, government action and inaction on air pollution vary across the world.

Government Action

Some governments have taken steps to address air pollution and improve air quality for their citizens. For example, the United States federal government developed the Clean Air Act, first implemented in 1963 and significantly updated in 1970, to lower levels of pollutants known to harm human health, such as particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. The Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish health-based national air quality standards and revisit the science every five years to adjust regulations accordingly. The Act also calls for state, local, federal, and tribal governments to work together to implement the Act and reduce pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also works with various sectors, including transport, energy, urban planning, and rural development, to support countries in tackling air pollution. WHO initiatives such as BreatheLife aim to increase awareness and action on air pollution by governments and individuals.

Government Inaction

Despite some progress, government inaction on air pollution remains a significant issue in many parts of the world. According to the WHO, the majority of cities do not comply with air quality guidelines, and people in low and middle-income countries suffer the highest exposures to unhealthy levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.

In the United States, despite improvements in air quality over the past few decades, nearly half of Americans (approximately 156 million people) still breathe in unhealthy levels of soot or ozone, according to the American Lung Association's State of the Air report. Pollution levels vary across the country, with California cities like Fresno and Bakersfield facing the worst soot pollution and the Los Angeles region experiencing the highest ozone pollution. People of color in the United States are also disproportionately affected by air pollution, being twice as likely to live in areas with high pollution levels as white Americans.

Air pollution and climate change

Air pollution is a global issue, with 9 out of 10 people, or 99% of the world's population, breathing air that contains high levels of pollutants. This has severe health impacts, with around 7 million people dying prematurely each year from exposure to polluted air. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that those in low and middle-income countries experience greater exposure to unhealthy levels of pollutants, with higher rates among women and children. The use of polluting stoves and fuels in homes is a significant contributor, as are emissions from fossil fuels, which are responsible for most harmful emissions linked to acute and chronic illnesses.

The health impacts of air pollution include respiratory and heart diseases, stroke, lung disease, cancer, and pneumonia. Air pollution has also been linked to worsening asthma rates, with certain pollutants acting as irritants that trigger respiratory issues.

Climate change is expected to worsen air quality in many regions, particularly in areas already suffering from poor air quality. Hot, sunny days associated with a warming climate can increase ground-level ozone, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Increased temperatures can also lengthen the pollen season and increase pollen production, affecting those with allergies.

In addition, climate change can increase particulate matter in the air, such as windblown dust from droughts or smoke from wildfires. Wildfires themselves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, and the smoke they produce contains harmful pollutants that negatively impact human health.

Regulatory initiatives, partnership programs, and individual actions can help reduce air pollutants and mitigate their impacts on both human health and the climate. For example, the Clean Air Act in the United States has led to improved air quality and significant health benefits over several decades.

Addressing air pollution can also contribute to climate change mitigation. Reducing ambient and household air pollution can lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and short-lived climate pollutants, such as black carbon particles and methane. Therefore, tackling air pollution offers a "win-win" strategy for improving health and combating climate change.

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