Fatal Pollution: Counting The Victims Of Environmental Crimes

Pollution is a serious global issue that claims the lives of millions of people each year. According to various studies, pollution is responsible for approximately 9 million premature deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Air pollution alone accounts for a significant portion of these deaths, with an estimated 7 to 8.34 million people dying from indoor and outdoor air pollution each year. The impact of pollution is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, where 92% of pollution-related deaths occur. The primary sources of pollution-related deaths include air pollution, water pollution, lead exposure, toxic occupational hazards, and chemical pollutants. The health effects of pollution are wide-ranging and include respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses. Addressing pollution and its deadly consequences requires a combination of individual actions, such as wearing masks and installing air filters, and large-scale interventions, with governments and organizations working together to implement solutions and reduce the devastating impact of pollution on human lives.

Air pollution kills 8-9 million people annually

Air pollution is one of the world's biggest killers, and it is a formidable public health crisis with no end in sight. According to a report by Boston College researchers and colleagues from The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, pollution kills approximately 9 million people worldwide every year. This number has remained virtually unchanged since the commission's first analysis in 2015.

Air pollution accounts for the majority of these deaths, with an estimated 7 to 8.1 million people dying annually from indoor and outdoor air pollution. This makes air pollution the second-leading risk factor for death globally, outranked only by smoking, which kills around 8 million people each year. The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die every year from air pollution, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. However, some scientists believe the number of deaths from air pollution could be even higher, with some recent studies estimating at least 9 million deaths per year.

The impact of air pollution on health is significant, as it increases the risk of respiratory diseases, strokes, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to the deaths of more than 700,000 children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death in this age group after malnutrition. Additionally, around 2.4 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution from using polluting open fires or simple stoves for cooking.

The sources of air pollution are diverse and context-specific, including residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industry. However, burning fossil fuels is a key driver of outdoor air pollution, contributing to about 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, transitioning to clean energy sources such as wind and solar power is crucial for tackling air pollution and mitigating climate change.

While air pollution is a global issue, low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected, with 92% of pollution-related deaths occurring in these regions. This deep inequity underscores the need for increased funding and interventions to control pollution and protect public health, especially in less developed countries.

Pollution-related deaths increased by 66% in 2 decades

Pollution is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing more people than war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, drugs, or alcohol. According to a report published in The Lancet Planetary Health, pollution is responsible for approximately 9 million premature deaths each year, or one in six deaths globally. This number has remained unchanged since the commission's first analysis in 2015, with pollution continuing to be the world's largest environmental risk factor for disease and premature death.

The impact of pollution is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, with 92% of pollution-related deaths occurring in these regions. This is due to various factors, including industrial pollution, the absence of adequate national or international chemical policies, and a lack of priority given to addressing pollution. For instance, India recorded the largest number of air pollution-related deaths in 2019, with more than 1.6 million people killed, as the country grapples with a dependency on fossil fuels, particularly coal.

The increase in pollution-related deaths over the past two decades is attributed to several factors, including uncontrolled urbanization, population growth, and a continued dependence on fossil fuels. Despite the alarming rise in pollution-related deaths, donor countries and international organizations have not significantly increased investments in pollution control. The lack of funding for pollution control measures and the inadequate implementation of policies to address the root causes of pollution contribute to the persistence of this global crisis.

To address the issue, experts recommend increased funding for pollution control, improved connections between science and policy, and government-supported interventions that focus on source control and the transition to clean, renewable energy. Lasting solutions to the pollution crisis will require concerted efforts and collaboration between governments, independent organizations, and philanthropic donors. The scale of the problem demands a global response that prioritizes pollution prevention and health protection within countries and internationally.

Pollution kills more than war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, drugs, or alcohol

Pollution is an "existential threat to human health and planetary health" and is the leading cause of several health issues and premature deaths. According to a report by The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, pollution kills approximately 9 million people worldwide every year, accounting for one in every six deaths. This figure has increased by 66% in the past two decades, from 3.8 million deaths in 2000 to 6.3 million in 2019.

Air pollution alone kills an estimated 7 million people annually, with 94% of these deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for 6.67 million deaths worldwide, while water pollution caused 1.36 million premature deaths. Lead poisoning alone contributed to 900,000 deaths, exceeding the number of deaths from malaria and HIV.

The impact of pollution on global health is much greater than that of war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, drugs, and alcohol combined. It is a pervasive issue that affects people globally, including in the United States. Pollution-related deaths disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, with 92% of pollution-related deaths occurring in these regions.

Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing pollution as a critical public health crisis. While face masks and air filters can offer some protection, the most effective solution lies in transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources and implementing interventions at a societal scale to control pollution at its source. The report's lead author, Richard Fuller, underscores the need to raise awareness about the insidious danger of pollution and prioritize pollution prevention and health protection through increased funding and monitoring.

94% of air pollution deaths are due to noncommunicable diseases

Pollution is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, killing more people than war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, drugs, or alcohol. According to a report published in The Lancet Planetary Health, pollution is responsible for around 9 million premature deaths each year, or one in six deaths globally. This figure has remained largely unchanged since the initial analysis in 2015.

Air pollution, in particular, is a significant contributor to the overall death toll from pollution. It is estimated that air pollution accounts for approximately 7 million deaths per year. Of these deaths, 94% are attributed to noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. These noncommunicable diseases are long-lasting or chronic conditions that are not spread from person to person. The pollutants enter the body through the respiratory tract and can cause systemic damage to various organs, including the lungs, brain, and heart.

The impact of air pollution on noncommunicable diseases is influenced by several factors. Firstly, older people are more susceptible to pollution-related noncommunicable diseases due to their age and the likelihood of having multiple health issues. Additionally, indoor air pollution, such as that caused by cooking and heating fuels, contributes significantly to the death toll, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution accounts for 3.8 million deaths, with a range of 10% in low- and middle-income countries to 0.2% in high-income countries.

The sources of air pollution are closely linked to the energy systems that drive our transport, electricity generation, industry, and food production. Burning fossil fuels, for example, is a major contributor to outdoor air pollution, accounting for about 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, traffic and industrial activities contribute to fine particulate matter pollution, with traffic contributing approximately 25% and industrial activities contributing 15%.

Addressing air pollution and reducing pollution exposure at the population level is crucial to preventing premature deaths and improving public health. Implementing cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power, can significantly reduce air pollution and its associated health risks. Additionally, policies and interventions that target the causes of air pollution and protect people during severe air pollution events are essential to mitigating this global health crisis.

99% of the world's population live in locations above WHO health thresholds —more funding is needed

Pollution is the leading environmental cause of premature death and disease worldwide, with approximately 9 million people dying annually from pollution-related causes. This figure has remained largely unchanged since 2015, with air pollution being the primary contributor to these deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 99% of the world's population lives in areas where the air quality exceeds their recommended thresholds for healthy air. This means that almost everyone on the planet is breathing unhealthy air, which threatens their health. In 2022, over 6,000 cities in 117 countries were monitoring air quality, but the inhabitants of these cities were still exposed to unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. People in low- and middle-income countries suffered the highest exposures, with air quality in less than 1% of cities complying with WHO standards.

The burning of fossil fuels, which contributes about 80% of greenhouse gas emissions, is a significant driver of outdoor air pollution. Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is crucial to tackling this issue. However, this requires increased funding and interventions at a societal scale, with governments taking the lead in controlling pollution sources and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy.

The impact of pollution on health is profound, with air pollution causing about 75% of all pollution-related deaths. It is linked to various non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Nine out of ten of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the deep inequity of pollution's impact.

To address this global health crisis, more funding is needed to implement effective pollution control measures and protect human health. This includes improving the connection between science and policy, with pollution prevention and health protection becoming high priorities within countries and internationally. Lasting solutions will require collaborative efforts and a commitment to transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

Frequently asked questions