Air Pollution In Asia: A Deadly Premature Killer

Air pollution is a major health and environmental problem worldwide, and it is the second leading risk factor for death globally. It is responsible for millions of premature deaths every year, with the number of deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution ranging from 3 million to almost 9 million annually. While the impact of air pollution is felt in all countries, low- and middle-income countries suffer the most due to higher exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution. In Asia, the burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating, industrial activities, and road transport are significant contributors to air pollution, leading to premature deaths in the region.

Outdoor air pollution in Asia

Outdoor air pollution is a major health risk in Asia, threatening the lives of millions of people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 7 million people die prematurely from air pollution each year worldwide. While this figure includes both indoor and outdoor air pollution, outdoor pollution sources such as residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, and industry contribute significantly to this toll.

In Asia, the problem of air pollution is especially acute. About 4 billion people, or 92% of the population in the Asia-Pacific region, are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution that pose a significant risk to their health. The sources of outdoor air pollution in Asia are diverse and include a mix of natural and anthropogenic factors. Residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicle emissions, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industrial activities are among the major contributors.

The impact of outdoor air pollution on health is severe. Fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are among the pollutants of major public health concern. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases, strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and other acute and chronic conditions. Newborns and children under five are especially vulnerable, with health effects including premature birth, low birth weight, delayed brain development, asthma, and childhood cancers.

To address outdoor air pollution in Asia, a range of measures and policies have been proposed and implemented. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition's (CCAC) report, "Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-Based Solutions," outlines 25 policy actions that could significantly improve air quality in the region. These actions include introducing advanced emission standards for industries, strengthening vehicle emission standards, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land use practices.

The benefits of reducing outdoor air pollution in Asia are significant. Not only would it improve the health and well-being of millions of people, but it would also positively impact economic growth, the environment, and agricultural crop yields. Continued efforts and collaboration between governments, industries, and organizations are necessary to bring about lasting improvements in air quality and protect the health of those living in Asia.

Household air pollution in Asia

Air pollution is a significant issue in Asia, causing millions of premature deaths annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly everyone in East and Southeast Asia breathes polluted air, with nine countries in the region ranked among the world's 40 most polluted nations in 2023. This is supported by data showing that, on a typical day in mid-August 2023, over 98% of people in China, Japan, Laos, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam were exposed to air pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines.

The State of Global Air Asia report analysed the health risks posed by air pollution in 23 Asian countries sandwiched between Russia and Australia. In 2021, this region saw over 3.4 million deaths attributable to air pollution, accounting for 40% of global air pollution deaths. Notably, India, China, and Indonesia have some of the highest numbers of premature deaths related to air pollution, with other countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania also experiencing high rates.

Sources of Household Air Pollution in Asia

Household air pollution is a significant contributor to the overall issue of air pollution in Asia. The burning of solid fuels, such as coal, wood, and biomass (including animal dung and crop waste) for cooking, heating, and lighting, is a major source of indoor air pollution. This is particularly prevalent in South Asia and has severe health impacts on nearby communities. For example, a study in northern India found that living in an area with a high number of fires per day was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of acute respiratory infections.

In addition to the extensive burning of crop stubble in South Asia, the use of coal and other biomass for heating homes in countries like Tajikistan and Kazakhstan has also been identified as a source of indoor air pollution. This issue previously affected Beijing until the Chinese government implemented measures to address it.

Health Impacts on Children

Children are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of household air pollution, which can have both immediate and long-term health consequences. UNICEF reports that in 2021, 100 children under five died every day in the East Asia and Pacific region due to air pollution-linked causes. In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths in children under five globally, with 500,000 of these linked to household air pollution, primarily in South Asia and Africa.

Interventions and Solutions

Several interventions and solutions have been proposed to address the issue of household air pollution in Asia. These include:

• India's Ujjwala scheme, which provides free or subsidised cooking gas to poor households, has been successful in reducing the use of solid fuels.
• Tighter emission controls for vehicles have been implemented in several Asian countries.
• Southeast and Central Asian countries are cooperating to tackle the issue of waste burning.
• Investing in renewable energy and imposing stricter vehicle emission standards can help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Promoting the transition to clean energy and technologies in industries, transport, and household cooking and heating.
• Embedding environmental education and health into school programmes.
• Strengthening the healthcare sector's capacity to prevent, detect, and treat air pollution-related health problems.

Fossil fuel burning in Asia

Fossil fuel burning is a major contributor to air pollution, which is now the second-leading risk factor for death worldwide. According to the HEI's 2024 Global Air Report, air pollution accounts for 8.1 million deaths globally each year. While the number of people in Asia who die prematurely from air pollution specifically caused by fossil fuel burning is not readily available, it is clear that fossil fuel burning has a significant impact on the region's air quality and health.

Southeast Asian countries, in particular, have experienced a rapid increase in energy demands due to population growth and fast-growing economies. This has led to a corresponding rise in fossil fuel consumption, with coal expected to be the primary source of energy in the region. Fossil fuel burning aerosols have been found to be responsible for 82% of low visibility days in Southeast Asia, indicating the severity of the air quality issues.

The combustion of fossil fuels releases various pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants have been linked to a range of respiratory and other diseases, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory illnesses. The impact of fossil fuel burning on air quality and public health is especially pronounced in major cities in the region, such as Hanoi, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Kolkata, where high levels of CO mixing ratios have been detected.

To address the issue of air pollution from fossil fuel burning in Asia, there have been calls for a transition to cleaner sources of energy, such as natural gas. Replacing coal with natural gas in the power generation and industry sectors, for example, could reduce sulfate levels by 25% in Southeast Asia. Additionally, replacing biofuel with natural gas in the residential sector could lead to a 42% reduction in black carbon concentration. However, it is important to note that natural gas is still a fossil fuel and contributes to global carbon emissions.

Overall, the burning of fossil fuels in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, has significant impacts on air quality and public health. Addressing this issue requires a transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, as well as the implementation of policies and initiatives that promote energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Air pollution and children's health in Asia

Air pollution is a serious issue in Asia, and it is having a significant impact on the health of children in the region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds the recommended limits for pollutant levels. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries, which suffer from the highest exposures.

In East Asia and the Pacific, hundreds of millions of children are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution daily. This has resulted in over 100 deaths in children under five every day in the region, with more than 500,000 deaths in children under five linked to household air pollution in 2021. The main sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Indoor air pollution is also a major concern, caused by the use of solid fuels such as coal, wood, and other biomass for cooking and heating, as well as second-hand cigarette smoke.

The impact of air pollution on children's health in Asia is widespread and devastating. Short-term health effects include respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, while long-term effects can include cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, diabetes, and more. Air pollution has also been linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and delayed brain development in newborns and young children. The economic costs of air pollution are also significant, with the World Bank estimating that in 2019, the economic cost of air pollution in East Asia and the Pacific amounted to $2.5 trillion, or 9.3% of the region's GDP.

To address the issue of air pollution and its impact on children's health in Asia, various organizations, including UNICEF, are collaborating with governments, businesses, and communities to implement initiatives and policies for cleaner air. These include advocating for stronger environmental regulations, improving air quality monitoring, implementing programs to reduce household air pollution, such as providing cleaner cooking stoves and better ventilation, and strengthening healthcare systems to better diagnose and treat pollution-related illnesses.

Overall, air pollution poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of children in Asia, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact and protect the region's most vulnerable populations.

Air pollution and morbidity in Asia

Air pollution is a major health and environmental issue across all countries, with significant impacts on morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in Asia. It is a combination of outdoor and indoor particulate matter and ozone pollution, leading to various diseases and health complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds the recommended limits and contains high levels of harmful pollutants. This issue is especially prominent in low- and middle-income countries, where exposures to air pollution are the highest.

Asia, being home to many low- and middle-income countries, is particularly affected by air pollution. The sources of air pollution in Asia vary, but some common contributors include residential energy use, vehicle emissions, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industrial activities. These sources release pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, posing significant health risks to the population.

The health effects of air pollution in Asia are widespread and severe. It is estimated that millions of people in Asia die prematurely each year due to air pollution. The State of Global Air 2024 Report revealed that air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, making it the second leading risk factor for death. The impact is even more pronounced in children under five years old, with exposure to air pollution linked to more than 700,000 deaths in this age group in 2021, 500,000 of which were attributed to household air pollution in South Asia and Africa.

The morbidity associated with air pollution in Asia is also significant. Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, lung diseases, and childhood cancers. Additionally, it can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and delayed brain development in newborns. The burden of disease due to air pollution is particularly high in low-income countries, where it is often the leading risk factor for death and contributes to a substantial number of years lived in poor health.

Addressing air pollution in Asia is crucial to mitigate its impact on morbidity and mortality. Implementing policies and interventions that promote sustainable land use, cleaner energy sources, improved waste management, and energy-efficient practices can effectively reduce air pollution levels. By tackling air pollution, Asia can improve the health and quality of life of its population, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for the region.

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