Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a global health and environmental issue, and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths globally, according to the State of Global Air report. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4.2 million people die prematurely each year due to outdoor air pollution, and millions more are affected by debilitating chronic diseases caused by air pollution. While the death toll from air pollution remains high, there is some evidence that air quality is improving, with death rates from air pollution halving since 1990. As the world continues to address the impacts of climate change, it is imperative that governments and businesses take action to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths per year | 4.2 million (WHO estimate for outdoor air pollution) to 9 million (The Lancet estimate) |
| Risk factors | Heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
| Recent trend | Downward |
| Top sources of air pollution | Burning of fossil fuels, biomass, solid fuels for domestic purposes, transportation, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, wildfires, open fires for cooking |
| Top sources of water pollution | Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, pesticides |
| Global Burden of Disease study estimate for 2019 | 4.5 million |
| UNICEF estimate for 2021 | 8.1 million |
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What You'll Learn
Outdoor air pollution kills 4.2-4.5 million people annually
Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem, affecting individuals in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution kills 4.2 million people prematurely every year. This figure refers to the year 2016 and is based on exposure to fine particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5). However, it is important to note that the WHO does not include deaths caused by other air pollutants such as ozone, so the actual number of deaths may be higher.
Other estimates place the number of deaths from outdoor air pollution even higher. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study estimated that 4.5 million people died prematurely from outdoor air pollution in 2019 due to exposure to PM2.5 and ground-level ozone. This estimate is supported by the State of Global Air report, which is published annually by the Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).
The impact of outdoor air pollution is felt disproportionately by people living in low- and middle-income countries, with 89% of premature deaths occurring in these regions, particularly in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. The main sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry.
While the death toll from air pollution remains high, there is some evidence that the risk for the average person has been declining. Death rates from air pollution have halved since 1990, and in some countries, emissions of local air pollutants have significantly decreased. For example, in the UK, nitrous oxides are down 76% from their peak, black carbon is down 94%, volatile organic compounds are down 73%, and carbon monoxide is down 90%.
Despite these improvements, air pollution remains a significant risk factor for death, surpassing tobacco and poor diet. It is imperative that governments and businesses take action to reduce air pollution and protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
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Indoor air pollution kills 3.8 million people annually
Air pollution is a leading risk factor for death, with an estimated global death toll of 8.1 million in 2021. This figure includes deaths from both indoor and outdoor air pollution. While the global death toll from air pollution is high, it's important to note that the risk for the average person has been declining. Death rates from air pollution have decreased even in the most polluted countries, and they have halved since 1990 by some estimates.
Indoor air pollution, in particular, is a significant contributor to the overall death toll. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.8 million people die prematurely each year due to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. This figure is supported by other research, which estimates that indoor air pollution causes 3.54 million deaths per year.
Household air pollution arises from the use of polluting fuels and technologies, such as solid fuels, kerosene, and inefficient stoves, for cooking and lighting. These fuels and technologies emit harmful pollutants such as black carbon, methane, and fine particulate matter. Women and children, who typically carry out household chores, bear the greatest health burden from exposure to these pollutants.
The health effects of indoor air pollution are significant. Particulate matter and other pollutants can inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, including stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Additionally, indoor air pollution almost doubles the risk of childhood lower respiratory infections and contributes to a high percentage of pneumonia deaths in children under five years old.
Addressing indoor air pollution is crucial for protecting health and reducing premature deaths. This can be achieved by expanding access to clean fuels and technologies, such as solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas. Improving ventilation and housing design, as well as raising awareness about the harms of indoor air pollution, are also essential strategies to reduce its impact on global health.
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Air pollution is the second leading cause of death globally
Air pollution is a major global issue that poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills approximately 7 million people annually, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. Other estimates place the number of deaths as high as 9 million per year. Air pollution has now surpassed tobacco and poor diet as a risk factor for death, and it is the leading environmental risk factor for disease and premature death.
In 2021, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths globally, becoming the second leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years old. The State of Global Air report, produced in collaboration with UNICEF, highlights the devastating impact of air pollution on human health, with nearly 2000 children under five dying daily due to air pollution-related causes. The report also underscores the disproportionate effects of air pollution on vulnerable populations, such as those in low- and middle-income countries.
Outdoor air pollution, also known as ambient air pollution, is caused by a variety of sources, including the combustion of fossil fuels, transportation, industrial activities, and wildfires. It consists of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, which have been linked to strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that in 2019, 4.5 million people died prematurely from outdoor air pollution, a number that has been increasing over the years.
Indoor air pollution, or household air pollution, affects around 2.4 billion people worldwide. It is 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. Indoor air pollution contributes to premature deaths and the development of various diseases, particularly in low-income countries where access to clean fuels and improved ventilation may be limited.
While the death toll from air pollution remains high, there is reason for optimism. Global death rates from air pollution have been declining, and in some countries, air quality has improved significantly. Policies and interventions that address sustainable land use, cleaner energy sources, efficient waste management, and raising awareness about the risks of air pollution are crucial steps towards mitigating the health and environmental impacts of air pollution.
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Air pollution increases the risk of developing diseases
Air pollution is a major global issue that poses significant risks to human health and increases the likelihood of developing various diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for approximately 4.2 million premature deaths annually due to outdoor air pollution, with an additional 3.8 million deaths attributed to indoor air pollution from sources such as burning wood and charcoal. These numbers are conservative estimates, and the true death toll may be even higher. Air pollution has become the second-leading risk factor for death globally, surpassing tobacco and poor diet.
The health impacts of air pollution are far-reaching and affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Certain populations are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution, including children under five years old, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants can trigger asthma attacks, cause respiratory issues such as coughing and wheezing, and increase the risk of developing serious diseases.
The types, sources, and concentrations of pollutants in the air play a crucial role in determining the specific health risks and disease pathways associated with air pollution exposure. Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are among the pollutants of greatest concern for public health. Outdoor air pollution, or ambient air pollution, arises from both natural and anthropogenic sources, including the burning of fossil fuels, biomass, industrial activities, and wildfires.
Indoor air pollution, often overlooked, can also have detrimental health effects. Pollutants such as radon, smoke, lead dust, carbon monoxide, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can accumulate in homes, offices, and other buildings, reaching concentrations two to five times higher than outdoor levels. This is particularly concerning given that individuals spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Biological pollutants, such as mold, pollen, animal dander, and cockroaches, can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory conditions.
The impact of air pollution extends beyond immediate health concerns. It contributes to the greenhouse gases warming the planet and has economic and social repercussions. As air pollution levels improve in many countries, there is a growing awareness that we are breathing cleaner air than previous generations. This provides a glimmer of hope that, with continued efforts and the adoption of clean technologies, we can significantly reduce pollution-related deaths and mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution.
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Air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations
Air pollution is a significant global issue, with estimates of the number of deaths attributed to it ranging from 4.2 million to 8.1 million per year. While air pollution poses health risks to everyone, it disproportionately affects certain vulnerable populations.
Socioeconomic status is a key factor in determining vulnerability to air pollution. Multiple studies have shown that low-income communities are more likely to be exposed to air pollution and suffer from adverse health impacts. People with lower incomes often live closer to major sources of pollution, such as industrial facilities or areas with high traffic. They may also have less access to healthcare services, healthy food options, and good jobs, which can exacerbate the health risks associated with air pollution.
Racial and ethnic minorities are also disproportionately affected by air pollution. Research has consistently found that non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and other people of color are exposed to higher levels of particulate air pollution, regardless of income level or region. This disparity is a result of systemic racism and housing policies that have historically pushed people of color and pollution sources together. The health impacts of air pollution are particularly severe for these communities, with higher rates of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer observed.
In addition to socioeconomic and racial disparities, other vulnerable populations include children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Children, especially those under five years old, are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, as their respiratory and immune systems are still developing. The elderly are also at a higher risk due to age-related health issues, and people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or lung disease may experience worsened symptoms or complications due to air pollution exposure.
While the overall death toll from air pollution may be declining due to improvements in some regions, it is important to recognize that certain vulnerable populations continue to bear the brunt of this global health crisis. Addressing air pollution and its disproportionate impacts requires a multifaceted approach that includes regulatory changes, environmental justice considerations, and targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4.2 million people die prematurely every year due to outdoor air pollution. However, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates a higher number of 4.5 million.
Outdoor air pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, which also releases greenhouse gases. Other sources include transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires.
Air pollution is a risk factor for many leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also contributes to an increased risk of developing diseases such as asthma.
