Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a major global issue that affects billions of people worldwide. It is the leading environmental risk to human health, causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. In 2021, this figure rose to 8.1 million, making air pollution the second leading risk factor for death globally, including for children under five years old. Beyond these fatalities, many millions more suffer from poor health as a result of air pollution, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the highest exposures and the most severe health impacts. However, there is hope, as data suggests that we may be approaching peak pollution deaths and clean air measures have been shown to improve health outcomes within weeks to months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of deaths from air pollution globally in 2021 | 8.1 million |
| Percentage of global air pollution deaths attributed to PM2.5 air pollution | 90% (7.8 million) |
| Number of deaths of children under five years old due to exposure to air pollution | 700,000 |
| Number of child deaths linked to household air pollution | 500,000 |
| Number of ozone-related COPD deaths in the United States | 14,000 |
| Estimated number of deaths from air pollution according to the World Health Organization (WHO) | 7 million |
| Estimated number of deaths from air pollution according to the IHME's Global Burden of Disease study | 6.7 million |
| Estimated number of deaths from outdoor air pollution according to the Global Burden of Disease study | 4.5 million |
| Estimated number of deaths from anthropogenic air pollution according to Lelieveld et al. | 5.5 million |
| Estimated number of deaths from burning fossil fuels according to Lelieveld et al. | 3.6 million |
| Percentage of the global population that breathes air with high levels of pollutants according to WHO | 99% |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution kills 7 million people annually, similar to the death toll from smoking
- Ambient air pollution caused 4.2 million deaths in 2016, while household air pollution caused 3.8 million
- Air pollution disproportionately affects people of colour and people with lower incomes
- Air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and stroke
- Indoor air pollution is often more concentrated than outdoor pollution
Air pollution kills 7 million people annually, similar to the death toll from smoking
Air pollution is a critical risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and is one of the world's biggest killers. It is caused by the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills 7 million people every year, with 4.2 million 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 as high as 9 million annually.
The sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific. Outdoor pollution arises from residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires are common sources of indoor air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, which is smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, poses a significant health risk as it can infiltrate deep into the lungs and respiratory system, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.
The impact of air pollution is disproportionately felt by the poorest and most marginalized communities, with over 3 billion people, mostly women and children, breathing deadly smoke daily due to the use of polluting stoves and fuels in their homes. Low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, suffer the highest exposures to air pollution. In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to the deaths of over 700,000 children under five years old, with 500,000 of these attributed to household air pollution from cooking indoors with polluting fuels.
While air pollution remains a significant issue, there is cause for optimism. Data suggests that we may be approaching "peak pollution deaths," as the total number of deaths from air pollution has remained relatively stable over the past few decades despite population growth. This indicates that the death rate from air pollution has been declining. Additionally, air pollution levels have decreased in many countries due to successful environmental regulations and the development of low-pollution technologies. For example, the UK's Clean Air Act, implemented in 1956, has resulted in significant reductions in local air pollutants, with nitrous oxides down by 76%, black carbon by 94%, volatile organic compounds by 73%, and carbon monoxide by 90%.
To address air pollution, urgent action is required, including the implementation of tighter environmental regulations, the promotion of clean technologies, and raising awareness about the risks of air pollution. By taking these steps, we can reduce the number of people suffering from the harmful effects of air pollution and work towards achieving sustainable development.
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Ambient air pollution caused 4.2 million deaths in 2016, while household air pollution caused 3.8 million
Air pollution is a critical global risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and premature death. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that around 7 million people died prematurely every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air. More recent data from the WHO in 2021 reported that air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, becoming the second leading cause of death, including for children under five years.
The impact of air pollution on human health is far-reaching, with fine particles penetrating deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among the 3.2 million deaths attributed to household air pollution exposure in 2020, 32% were from ischaemic heart disease, 23% from stroke, 21% from lower respiratory infection, and 19% from COPD.
Ambient air pollution, caused by outdoor sources such as residential energy use, transportation, and industrial activities, is a significant contributor to the overall burden of air pollution-related deaths. In 2016, ambient air pollution alone was responsible for approximately 4.2 million deaths. This figure represents the latest WHO estimates of the death toll from ambient air pollution as of November 2021.
Household air pollution, primarily from the use of polluting fuels and technologies for cooking and heating, also poses a substantial risk to human health. In 2016, an estimated 3.8 million deaths were attributed to household air pollution in the same period as the ambient air pollution estimates. The combined effects of ambient and household air pollution are associated with an even higher death toll, estimated at 6.7 million premature deaths annually.
While the number of deaths from air pollution remains alarmingly high, there is some hope that we may be approaching "peak pollution deaths." Despite population growth, the overall death toll from air pollution has remained relatively stable, indicating that the risk for the average person has been declining. This is supported by estimates that death rates from air pollution have halved since 1990.
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Air pollution disproportionately affects people of colour and people with lower incomes
Air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), causing an estimated 24% of all adult deaths from heart disease, 25% from stroke, 43% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 29% from lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills around 7 million people annually, with 4.2 million deaths caused by outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million by indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. While air pollution affects everyone, it disproportionately impacts people of colour and those with lower incomes.
People of colour are more likely to reside in counties with higher levels of pollution. A 2011 analysis revealed that non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics were more likely to live in counties with worse particle and ozone pollution problems. Similarly, a 2012 study found that unemployed individuals, those with low incomes or education levels, and non-Hispanic blacks were more likely to be exposed to higher levels of particle pollution. These disparities persist even with an overall decrease in pollution levels, indicating systemic issues.
Racial and ethnic minorities are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This pollutant can cause serious health issues, including lung and heart problems, for vulnerable populations such as those with chronic diseases, younger and older people. A 2021 study in Science Advances found racial-ethnic disparities in exposure to PM2.5 across various emission source types, including industry, agriculture, vehicles, construction, and residential sources. The authors attributed these inequities to systemic racism and historical housing policies that have pushed people of colour and pollution together.
Low-income communities also face higher exposure to air pollution. A study from the Harvard Chan School found that from 2004 to 2016, areas in the US with lower-income groups were exposed to higher average PM2.5 levels than higher-income areas. Additionally, a study by the American Lung Association found that nearly 5.7 million people living in poverty resided in counties failing all three measures of air pollution. This disparity is evident in the impact of pollution on health, with lower-income groups experiencing higher rates of illness and premature death due to pollution.
The intersection of race and income further exacerbates the impact of air pollution. Studies have shown that African Americans, a demographic that often overlaps with lower-income groups, face a greater risk of premature death and adverse health effects from particle pollution. This is due in part to decades of residential segregation, which has resulted in African Americans living in areas with greater exposure to air pollution. Thus, the combination of racial and income inequalities contributes to the disproportionate burden of air pollution on specific demographic groups.
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Air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and stroke
Air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and is responsible for millions of deaths each year. NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, include cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, as well as cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the second leading risk factor for NCDs, after tobacco use.
In 2021, air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally, making it the second leading risk factor for death overall and for children under five. More than 90% of these deaths are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, which includes ambient and household air pollution. These fine particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can remain in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk for NCDs.
Indoor and outdoor air pollution is responsible for an estimated 6.7 to 7 million deaths annually, with more than 90% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Exposure to indoor air pollution is primarily due to the use of solid fuels for cooking in low-income households. Outdoor air pollution is largely attributed to traffic, industrial activities, electricity generation, and residential fuel burning.
The impact of air pollution on NCDs is particularly evident in the case of cardiovascular diseases. In 2019, WHO estimated that 68% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Additionally, air pollution contributes to the development of metabolic risk factors, such as raised blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids, and obesity, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.
While the number of deaths from air pollution remains high, there is reason for optimism. Data suggests that the global death rate from air pollution has been declining, with some estimates indicating a halving of the death rate since 1990. This positive trend is a result of improving air quality in many regions, driven by the implementation of air quality policies, the adoption of cleaner technologies, and the transition to electric vehicles. As global efforts to address air pollution intensify, it is hoped that the worst impacts of air pollution on NCDs, such as heart disease and stroke, can be mitigated.
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Indoor air pollution is often more concentrated than outdoor pollution
Air pollution is a critical risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and is responsible for an alarming death toll of 7 million people annually. While ambient air pollution caused 4.2 million deaths in 2016, household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies accounted for 3.8 million deaths in the same period.
Indoor air quality can be more harmful than outdoor air pollution. People spend about 87% of their day in homes or buildings and another 6% in enclosed vehicles, so indoor air pollution affects individuals in places where they spend the majority of their time. Outdoor air pollution that enters indoor spaces can accumulate to extremely high concentrations. Several reports by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have demonstrated that indoor air pollution levels in homes, workplaces, and school classrooms are typically 2-5 times higher than outdoor pollution levels and can rapidly become 100 times worse.
Indoor air pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by failing to remove indoor air pollutants. High temperatures and humidity levels can also increase the concentrations of some pollutants. Building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners are continuous sources of indoor air pollution. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants intermittently. These include smoking, the use of malfunctioning stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of cleaning solvents, and the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities. High pollutant concentrations from these activities can remain in the air for extended periods.
Outdoor air pollutants can enter indoor spaces through tiny cracks, openings, and gaps in walls and windows. Older, less energy-efficient homes are more susceptible to leaks of outdoor pollutants due to reduced airtightness. Weatherization measures, such as installing storm windows and weather stripping, can help reduce the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants. However, these measures can also lead to increased concentrations of indoor air pollutants from sources inside the home.
Overall, indoor air pollution is often more concentrated than outdoor pollution due to the accumulation of pollutants in enclosed spaces and the continuous release of pollutants from various indoor sources. The high levels of indoor air pollution can have significant health impacts, especially for individuals who spend a majority of their time indoors.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that 7 to 8.8 million people die prematurely each year due to air pollution. This includes indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by sources such as transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, with almost 2,000 dying daily from pollution-related causes. Children under five years old are at risk of health issues such as premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases. Additionally, older people are at a higher risk of dying from pollution-induced strokes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.
Low- and middle-income countries suffer from higher exposures to air pollution, with 9 out of 10 deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution occurring in these regions. Pollution also exacerbates poverty and inequality in these areas, as those who cannot afford protection bear the brunt of its negative impacts.
