Air Pollution's Human Impact: Counting Victims Of Contamination

Air pollution is a major global health and environmental problem. It is the second-leading risk factor for death, causing 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. It is also responsible for many cases of debilitating chronic diseases, putting a strain on healthcare systems, economies, and societies. Air pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, which releases harmful pollutants such as black carbon and tropospheric ozone, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of the burden.

Air pollution kills 7 million people annually

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people worldwide, from those in megacities to small villages. It is a significant environmental and health concern, causing an estimated seven million deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed air pollution the "single biggest environmental threat to human health". This issue demands urgent attention and collective action to mitigate its detrimental impact on human lives and the planet.

Air pollution is caused by a combination of indoor and outdoor pollutants. Indoor air pollution, also known as household air pollution, arises from sources such as cooking with polluting open fires, simple stoves, or dirty indoor fuels like kerosene, biomass, coal, wood, animal dung, and crop waste. Outdoor air pollution, or ambient air pollution, is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, forest fires, waste incineration, industrial activities, and vehicles. These sources release harmful particles into the air, which, when inhaled, can penetrate deep into our lungs and cause severe health issues.

The health impacts of air pollution are far-reaching. It is a key risk factor for many leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, air pollution can exacerbate existing health conditions, such as asthma, and contribute to long-term health problems. Vulnerable communities, such as communities of color, and low-income communities, bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse effects of air pollution. They are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy air and suffer from pre-existing health conditions that increase their vulnerability to air pollution.

The magnitude of the problem is evident, with nearly half of Americans living in areas with failing grades for unhealthy air quality. This issue is not limited to a specific region or country but is a global crisis. According to WHO data, a staggering 99% of the world's population breathes air that exceeds the organization's recommended guidelines. This means that the vast majority of people worldwide are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution, underscoring the urgency to address this issue.

To combat air pollution, comprehensive actions are necessary. This includes implementing policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner energy sources, improved waste management, and energy-efficient practices across various sectors, including transport, industry, and power generation. Additionally, there is a need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy alternatives, such as wind and solar power. By taking these steps, we can significantly reduce air pollution, improve public health, and contribute to mitigating climate change.

99% of people breathe polluted air

Air pollution is a pressing health and environmental issue worldwide, with 99% of people breathing polluted air, according to a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) report. This figure represents an increase from the already alarming 9 out of 10 people (90%) reported by the WHO in 2018. The report highlights the urgent need to address air pollution, which claims the lives of over seven million people annually.

The burden of air pollution is disproportionately borne by marginalized communities, with over three billion women and children inhaling deadly smoke daily due to the use of polluting stoves and fuels in their homes. Low and middle-income countries experience higher exposures to unhealthy air, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Africa. These regions have annual mean pollution levels that exceed WHO limits by more than five times.

In the United States, the "State of the Air" 2025 report revealed that 46% of Americans, or approximately 156.1 million people, reside in areas with failing grades for unhealthy ozone or particle pollution levels. This issue is exacerbated by extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, which further deteriorate air quality. Communities of color are disproportionately impacted, with Hispanic individuals being nearly three times more likely to live in areas with failing air quality.

The primary sources of outdoor air pollution include residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Indoor air pollution, a problem as old as humanity, is driven by the use of polluting open fires or simple stoves fueled by kerosene, biomass, and coal. Around 2.4 billion people are exposed to hazardous levels of indoor air pollution, endangering their health and contributing to the global disease burden.

To address this global crisis, the WHO promotes interventions and initiatives for healthy sectoral policies. These include improvements in energy, transport, housing, and urban development. Additionally, the transition to clean, modern, and sustainable renewable energy sources is imperative to protect public health and mitigate climate change. Achieving cleaner air is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and there is a growing momentum for better air quality, with more cities actively monitoring and addressing this issue.

People of colour are disproportionately affected

Air pollution is a significant health and environmental issue worldwide, causing an estimated seven million deaths annually. While it affects people across the globe, it is evident that people of colour are disproportionately impacted by its harmful effects. This disparity is particularly evident in the United States, where people of colour, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, face higher exposure to particulate air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Research has revealed that communities of colour in the US are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air. Despite constituting 41.2% of the overall US population, people of colour account for 50.2% of those living in counties with failing air quality grades. This disparity persists regardless of income levels or region, indicating that racial and ethnic factors play a significant role in exposure to air pollution.

Several factors contribute to the disproportionate impact of air pollution on people of colour. One key factor is the legacy of housing policies and market dynamics that have resulted in people of colour being pushed towards areas with higher pollution levels. Pollution sources, such as industrial sites and major roadways, are often located near disadvantaged communities, increasing exposure to harmful pollutants for residents. Additionally, people of colour may have limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and good job opportunities, further exacerbating the impact of air pollution on their health and well-being.

The health consequences of air pollution are severe for people of colour. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to lung and heart problems, especially for those with pre-existing chronic conditions. Communities of colour are more likely to suffer from asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. The intersection of social and environmental factors creates a cycle where people of colour face both higher exposure to pollution and increased susceptibility to its adverse health effects.

Addressing this environmental injustice requires targeted policies and interventions. Organizations like the NAACP and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) are working to rectify past injustices and create a more sustainable and equitable future for communities of colour. By advocating for policy changes and holding major polluters accountable, these organizations strive to reduce the disproportionate impact of air pollution on marginalized communities.

265 million people live in areas with air pollution data

Air pollution is one of the world's most pressing health and environmental issues, affecting people in both indoor and outdoor settings. It is a leading risk factor for death, contributing to about one in ten deaths worldwide annually, or approximately seven million deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.

In the United States, air pollution disproportionately impacts certain communities. The "State of the Air" report for 2025 highlights that 46% of Americans, or about 156.1 million people, reside in areas with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. This is an increase of nearly 25 million people compared to the previous year's report. Notably, communities of color are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy air and face higher vulnerabilities due to pre-existing chronic conditions.

Among the 156.1 million Americans at risk, specific populations are more susceptible to the adverse health effects of air pollution. This includes more than 34.6 million children under 18 and 25.2 million adults over 65, as well as individuals with asthma, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Additionally, air pollution poses risks during pregnancy, with over 1.7 million pregnancies recorded in counties with failing grades for air pollution in 2023.

The impact of air pollution extends beyond physical health. It also influences quality of life, contributing to the global disease burden by reducing life expectancy and causing poor health. Low- and middle-income countries often bear a more significant burden of air pollution due to higher indoor pollution rates from solid fuel use for cooking and increasing outdoor pollution during industrialization.

Air pollution is a public health emergency

The magnitude of the damage that air pollution is causing to people everywhere is profound. WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants, and updated estimations reveal an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. According to WHO's Dr Maria Neira, this makes air pollution one of the biggest public health issues we face today.

The sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific. The major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. The most damaging but best-understood pollutants are tiny particles that not only damage the lungs but also enter the bloodstream and reach vital organs, including the brain, liver, spleen, kidneys, and testes. These particles are often made of black carbon, nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, or mineral dust, and are mostly produced by burning fossil fuels or wood for driving, heating, power plants, and industry.

Despite great progress in air quality improvement, approximately 140 million people in the United States lived in counties with pollution levels above the primary NAAQS in 2023. In 2022, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in the United States, contributing to the formation of ozone and particles, the deposition of acids, and visibility impairment. However, it is important to note that some countries are taking action to combat air pollution. For instance, some Dutch and Danish towns have turned their backs on cars, and Seoul, South Korea, has demolished 15 expressways in favor of bus lanes and a new river. Additionally, the Paris Agreement, signed by approximately 200 countries, aims to combat climate change and invest in better air quality.

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