Air Pollution: A Daily Death Toll

Air pollution is a global health and environmental issue that has existed since humans started burning materials for fuel. It is a combination of indoor and outdoor particulate matter and ozone, which results in strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and more. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution kills 7 million people every year, with 4.2 million dying from outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million from indoor air pollution. Other estimates place the number of deaths at 6.7 million or even 9 million per year. These deaths are often considered avoidable as they would be prevented if air pollution was reduced to levels that do not increase the risk of developing lethal diseases.

Indoor air pollution

Air pollution kills millions of people every year. While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 7 million people die annually from air pollution, with 4.2 million of those 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 at 6.7 million or even 9 million.

The pollutants released by these fuels and technologies contain a range of harmful substances, including small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles, known as particulate matter or PM2.5, are especially detrimental to health due to their tiny size, which allows them to sneak into the respiratory system. The indoor use of such fuels can result in indoor smoke levels of fine particles that are 100 times higher than acceptable levels.

The health effects of indoor air pollution can be severe and range from immediate to long-term. Immediate effects may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Women and children, who typically spend more time near the domestic hearth and are responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood, bear the brunt of the health consequences from indoor air pollution.

To address indoor air pollution, the WHO has developed guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion. These guidelines provide recommendations on the types of fuels and technologies that are considered clean and health-protective. Additionally, the WHO promotes interventions and initiatives for healthy sectoral policies, such as energy, transport, housing, and electrification of healthcare facilities, to mitigate the health risks associated with indoor air pollution.

Outdoor air pollution

The health impacts of outdoor air pollution are far-reaching and contribute to various diseases. One of the most pressing concerns is the link between outdoor air pollution and respiratory health. Fine particulate matter in the air can trigger acute and chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2020, a nine-year-old girl in London, Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, became the first person to have "air pollution" listed on her death certificate, with asthma as the primary cause of death.

Additionally, outdoor air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. The particulate matter can enter the bloodstream, affecting multiple organ systems and increasing the risks for non-communicable diseases in adults. This is particularly concerning for older individuals who are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Furthermore, outdoor air pollution has also been linked to lung cancer, with prolonged exposure to pollutants potentially leading to the development of this deadly disease.

The impact of outdoor air pollution extends beyond physical health, as it has also been identified as the second-leading risk factor for death globally, including for children under five years of age. UNICEF estimates that nearly 2,000 children in this age group die every day due to health issues linked to air pollution. This highlights the urgent need to address outdoor air pollution to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations.

Energy sources

Air pollution is a serious issue that has been affecting human health since humans began burning materials for fuel, starting with wood and biomass and later progressing to fossil fuels. While the number of deaths caused by air pollution each day is unclear, it is estimated that millions of people die prematurely from air pollution annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes approximately 7 million deaths per year, with 4.2 million attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million linked to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. Other estimates range from 6.7 million to 9 million deaths annually.

Residential energy use for cooking and heating, as well as power generation, contribute significantly to outdoor air pollution. The combustion of fossil fuels for electricity production is a major source of NOx emissions, which contribute to the formation of smog and haze in highly polluted cities. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable or nuclear electricity, can help reduce these emissions and improve air quality. Electric cars, industrial electrification, and the use of modern energy sources for heating can also contribute to reducing air pollution levels.

In addition to the health benefits, transitioning to cleaner energy sources can have economic advantages. Countries can experience lower pollution levels while simultaneously growing their economies. By investing in sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, energy-efficient housing, and improved waste management practices, countries can effectively reduce ambient air pollution levels and improve public health.

It is important to note that air pollution-related deaths are preventable, and significant progress has already been made in reducing air pollutant levels globally. Many countries have successfully decreased air pollution, resulting in the prevention of hundreds of thousands of premature deaths. By continuing to prioritize clean energy sources and implementing policies that support sustainable practices, we can further reduce the number of deaths caused by air pollution each day and improve the health and well-being of people worldwide.

Health impacts

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing millions of premature deaths every year. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution kills 7 million people annually, with 4.2 million dying from outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million from indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. Other estimates place the number of deaths at 6.7 million or even higher, with some studies suggesting that at least 9 million people die each year from the air they breathe.

The health impacts of air pollution are far-reaching and affect nearly every organ in the body. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, where pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is of particular concern as these tiny particles (smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) can sneak deep into the lungs and respiratory system, entering the bloodstream and travelling to different organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. This can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, and an increased risk of various diseases, including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Maternal exposure to air pollution is also associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and small for gestational age births.

Ozone, or ground-level ozone, is another significant pollutant. It is a powerful lung irritant that can cause inflammation and damage to the delicate lining of the small airways, impacting multiple body systems. High ozone levels can lead to breathing problems such as chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath, even within hours of exposure. Ozone exposure has also been linked to reduced lung function, asthma, and cardiac problems.

In addition to the physical health impacts, air pollution can also have psychosocial effects. There is increasing evidence that non-physical stressors such as poverty, racial/ethnic discrimination, and residency status can amplify the harmful effects of air pollution. Decision-makers have historically placed sources of pollution, such as power plants, industrial facilities, and highways, in economically disadvantaged communities of colour, resulting in disproportionate exposure for people of colour. This has contributed to higher rates of emergency department visits for asthma and other diseases in these communities. Additionally, people of colour are more likely to have chronic conditions that make them more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution.

While the exact number of deaths attributed to air pollution is debated, it is clear that the problem has existed since humans started burning materials for fuel and continues to be a significant public health concern. However, there is hope, as many countries have successfully reduced air pollution levels and prevented hundreds of thousands of early deaths. By transitioning to clean energy, reducing meat consumption, and implementing policies that support sustainable practices, we can simultaneously improve air quality and public health.

Interventions

While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of deaths caused by air pollution on a daily basis, researchers agree that millions of people die prematurely from air pollution every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 7 million people die annually from air pollution, with 4.2 million of these 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 even higher, with some studies suggesting that at least 9 million people die each year from breathing polluted air.

The high number of deaths caused by air pollution underscores the urgency of implementing interventions to address this public health crisis. Here are some strategies that can be employed to tackle this issue:

• Transition to clean energy sources: Moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable or nuclear energy sources can significantly reduce air pollutants. This includes electrifying transportation, industry, and home heating systems.
• Improve access to clean energy solutions: Ensuring that people worldwide have access to modern, clean energy sources for cooking, heating, and lighting can help reduce indoor air pollution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of premature deaths from air pollution occur.
• Reduce meat consumption: Shifting towards more plant-based diets can help reduce methane and ammonia emissions from livestock production. This not only reduces air pollution but also brings large health benefits.
• Implement sustainable practices: Adopting sustainable land use practices, improving waste management systems, and promoting energy-efficient housing can all contribute to reducing air pollution levels.
• Promote clean technologies: The use of clean technologies in industries can help reduce emissions and improve air quality. For example, capturing methane gas emitted from waste sites instead of incinerating it can help reduce the formation of particulate matter that is harmful to human health.
• Raise awareness: Educating the public about the risks of air pollution and the available solutions can empower individuals to make informed choices that can help reduce their exposure to air pollutants.
• Strengthen policies and regulations: Local, national, and regional policymakers have a crucial role in implementing and enforcing policies that support cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, improved waste management, and better agricultural practices to reduce air pollution.
• International collaboration: Organizations like the WHO play a vital role in coordinating international efforts to address air pollution. By providing technical support, evidence-based guidelines, and capacity-building initiatives, they can help countries tackle air pollution more effectively.

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