Air Pollution's Deadly Impact: Counting Fatalities

Air pollution is a major threat to human health and the planet, causing millions of premature deaths annually. Particulate matter, or PM, is a primary concern, with particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres capable of penetrating the lung barrier and entering the bloodstream. While air pollution has plagued humanity since the burning of wood and biomass for fuel, progress is being made. Many countries have successfully reduced air pollutants, and the implementation of pollution control standards, clean energy transitions, and improved access to cleaner technologies offer hope for a healthier future.

Fossil fuels and biomass are the root source of air pollution particles

Air pollution is a pressing issue that has existed since humans began burning materials for fuel, starting with wood and biomass and then fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels and biomass is the primary source of air pollution particles, which cause millions of premature deaths annually.

The combustion of fossil fuels releases various harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and black carbon. These pollutants have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.

Particulate matter, or PM, refers to inhalable particles composed of various substances such as sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, black carbon, and mineral dust. The size of these particles is crucial, with smaller particles like PM2.5 being able to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing the most significant health risks. These fine particles are derived from primary sources, such as the combustion of fuels in power generation and vehicles, and secondary sources like chemical reactions between gases.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas released during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. It affects the body's ability to bind to oxygen, damaging tissues and cells. Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to breathing difficulties, exhaustion, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced when fossil fuels are burned, contributing to smog formation and acid rain. They are a significant component of particulate matter and have negative health impacts, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Black carbon, a component of PM2.5, is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. It is released from anthropogenic sources, such as diesel vehicles, and natural sources like wildfires. Black carbon has been associated with cardiovascular health issues and premature mortality.

The transition to clean and renewable energy sources, such as renewable or nuclear electricity, electric vehicles, and sustainable industry practices, is essential to reducing air pollution and the associated health risks. Additionally, reducing meat production and consumption can lower methane and ammonia emissions, further contributing to improved air quality.

The death rate from air pollution has been declining

Air pollution is a combination of indoor and outdoor particulate matter and ozone. These particles are made up of sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. They can be as small as one-thirtieth of the diameter of a human hair and can enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that air pollution poses a major threat to health and the climate. It is a global issue, with indoor pollution being more prominent in low-income countries and outdoor pollution increasing in industrializing countries.

While air pollution continues to be a significant problem, the death rate from air pollution has been declining. This is a success story that is often overlooked. Data scientist Hannah Ritchie, in her book "Not the End of the World," argues that we are approaching "peak pollution deaths" globally. She notes that the air we breathe today is cleaner than it has been for centuries. This is supported by personal accounts of individuals who have experienced cleaner air than their parents and grandparents.

Many countries, particularly those with high levels of air pollution, are actively tackling the issue. They are implementing measures such as installing air pollution monitoring networks, adopting stricter air quality policies, and promoting the use of hybrid or electric vehicles. These efforts are having a positive impact on pollution levels and public health. For example, the United Kingdom has seen significant reductions in emissions, with nitrous oxides down by 76% from their peak, black carbon down by 94%, volatile organic compounds down by 73%carbon monoxide down by 90%.

The decline in air pollution death rates can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there has been a global shift towards cleaner energy sources, such as renewable or nuclear electricity, and the electrification of transportation, industry, and home heating. This transition away from fossil fuels has led to a substantial decline in emissions, particularly in power generation and road transport. Additionally, setting pollution control standards for automakers has been crucial in reducing emissions from vehicles.

Furthermore, initiatives such as the World Health Organization's (WHO) strategy for raising awareness about the risks of air pollution and providing solutions have played a significant role. Through digital outreach and partnerships, WHO has influenced governments, city administrations, and stakeholders from high-emission sectors to address air pollution effectively. These collective efforts give hope that we can continue to reduce air pollution death rates and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Air pollution is a major contributor to climate change

Air pollution is a pressing issue that has severe consequences for human health and the environment. It is a major contributor to climate change, with far-reaching impacts on global temperatures, weather patterns, and public health.

The primary sources of air pollution include the combustion of fossil fuels, residential energy use, industrial emissions, and agricultural practices. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gasoline, releases harmful chemicals and gases into the atmosphere, contributing to both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, act as a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat and leading to global warming. As a result, we are witnessing rising temperatures, increasing ground-level ozone, and more extreme weather events, including flooding, droughts, and wildfires.

Additionally, air pollution and climate change are interconnected in a vicious cycle. As climate change intensifies, it exacerbates air quality issues. For instance, higher temperatures and carbon dioxide levels contribute to increased pollen production, affecting individuals with allergies and respiratory conditions. Wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, release smoke and particulate matter that further degrade air quality. Climate-driven changes in weather patterns, such as droughts, also increase windblown dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Moreover, air pollution has devastating health consequences, causing approximately 6.4 million deaths annually. These deaths are primarily attributed to diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. The fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that billions of people, particularly in developing countries, are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, far exceeding the established guidelines.

Addressing air pollution is crucial not only for improving public health but also for mitigating climate change. By transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, such as renewable or nuclear electricity, electric vehicles, and sustainable agricultural practices, we can significantly reduce air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This dual approach offers a "win-win" strategy, improving air quality and public health while simultaneously contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.

In conclusion, air pollution is a significant contributor to climate change, and tackling it requires a comprehensive approach. By understanding the sources of air pollution, implementing policies for cleaner energy and transport, and raising awareness about the risks, we can make substantial progress in reducing air pollution and its impact on our planet and our health.

Poor air quality has a detrimental impact on economies

One of the main ways poor air quality affects economies is through lost productivity. In 2018, air pollution was responsible for 1.8 billion work absences worldwide, and this number is projected to increase to 3.8 billion days by 2060. Poor air quality can also make it more difficult to recruit talent, as people may be less willing to relocate to cities with severe air pollution. Additionally, companies may have to offer incentives or additional compensation to employees who are willing to work in these areas.

Another way that poor air quality impacts economies is by reducing tourism. Tourists may be concerned about the potential health impacts of air pollution, which may affect their travel plans and willingness to revisit certain destinations. A study on India found that international tourism declined by 1%, resulting in a loss of USD 2 billion and 820,000 jobs in the tourism sector. Clean air, on the other hand, can enhance the tourist experience and encourage repeat visits.

The costs of air pollution go beyond healthcare and productivity losses. The burning of fossil fuels, a major contributor to air pollution, has significant economic costs. Exposure to air pollution from fossil fuels results in additional medical bills for individuals and increased healthcare costs for societies. For example, in the United States, ozone pollution caused by higher temperatures and fossil fuel emissions leads to $7.9 billion in annual health costs due to worsened asthma and other health issues.

However, addressing air pollution can have significant economic benefits. Research has shown that the economic gains from air pollution mitigation can outweigh the costs by a factor of 30. For example, the EU economy has benefited from an additional €50-60 billion each year since 2014 due to improved air quality. Additionally, businesses can enhance their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact and performance by taking a comprehensive approach to climate and air quality.

Household air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths annually

Air pollution has been a significant problem since humans began burning materials for fuel, and it continues to be a pressing issue today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide annually. This figure represents the combined effects of ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution.

Household air pollution alone is responsible for a substantial number of premature deaths each year. In 2024, WHO reported that approximately 6.7 million premature deaths could be attributed to household air pollution. Another source estimates this figure to be 3.2 million deaths per year. The discrepancy in these figures may be due to the dynamic nature of the data and the ongoing efforts to address air pollution.

Household air pollution exposure leads to various non-communicable diseases, including stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. In addition, it significantly contributes to acute lower respiratory infections in both children and adults. The risk of childhood lower respiratory infections is almost doubled due to household air pollution, and it accounts for 44% of all pneumonia-related deaths in children under five years old.

Women and children, typically responsible for household chores like cooking and collecting firewood, bear the brunt of the health consequences from using polluting fuels and technologies in the home. Solid fuels like wood, crop waste, charcoal, coal, and dung, as well as kerosene used in open fires and inefficient stoves, are major contributors to household air pollution. These fuels release particulate matter, known as soot, which contains harmful substances such as sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, black carbon, and mineral dust. These particles, especially those with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing severe health issues.

Frequently asked questions