Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a major global health concern, causing millions of premature deaths each year. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for an estimated 8.1 million deaths worldwide, making it the second leading risk factor for premature death, including for children under five. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution kills approximately 7 million people annually, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. Indoor air pollution alone caused an estimated 3.2 million deaths in 2020, with over 237,000 of those being children under the age of five. The effects of air pollution are far-reaching, impacting both the young and the old and causing various debilitating chronic diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people killed by pollution yearly | 7 million (WHO estimate) to 9 million (The Lancet Commission on pollution and health estimate) |
| Number of people killed by outdoor air pollution yearly | 4.2 million (WHO estimate) to 4.5 million (Global Burden of Disease study estimate) |
| Number of people killed by indoor air pollution yearly | 3.8 million (WHO estimate) to 3.2 million (WHO 2020 estimate) |
| Number of children under 5 killed by household air pollution yearly | 237,000 (WHO 2020 estimate) to 500,000 (UNICEF estimate) |
| Number of people killed by air pollution from burning fossil fuels yearly | 3.6 million (Lelieveld et al. estimate) |
| Number of people killed by air pollution from all anthropogenic sources yearly | 5.5 million (Lelieveld et al. estimate) |
| Number of people killed by air pollution in 2021 | 8.1 million (Health Effects Institute estimate) |
| Comparison with other causes of death | Six or seven times higher than deaths from road accidents (1.3 million) |
| Comparison with other causes of death | Hundreds of times higher than deaths from terrorism or war |
| Comparison with other causes of death | Similar to deaths from smoking (8 million) |
| Comparison with other causes of death | Higher than deaths from natural disasters |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution kills around 500 times more people than natural disasters each year
- The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die from air pollution annually
- million people die from outdoor air pollution each year
- million people die from indoor air pollution annually
- million people die prematurely each year from illnesses attributable to household air pollution
Air pollution kills around 500 times more people than natural disasters each year
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. It is responsible for millions of deaths each year, with estimates ranging from 7 million to 9 million. In 2021, air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally, becoming the second leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years old. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4.2 million deaths are due to outdoor air pollution, and 3.8 million are due to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal.
Indoor air pollution, caused by the use of polluting fuels and technologies in homes, disproportionately affects women and children, who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood. In 2020, an estimated 3.2 million deaths were caused by household air pollution, including over 237,000 children under the age of five. The incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene used for cooking, as well as the ingestion of kerosene by accident, are significant contributors to household air pollution-related deaths.
Outdoor air pollution, or ambient air pollution, is also a major concern. It is caused by various sources, including residential energy use, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industry. In 2019, 4.5 million people died prematurely from outdoor air pollution, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The burning of fossil fuels and biomass in transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, and industrial activities contributes to both ambient air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, impacting public health and the climate.
While the number of deaths from air pollution is staggeringly high, there is some hope. Air pollution deaths may be peaking in some countries, and new technologies are helping to accelerate the transition to cleaner air. Policies that address air pollution and climate change simultaneously can have synergistic benefits, improving air quality and mitigating climate change. Additionally, initiatives such as the UN Environment Programme's 2022-25 strategy and WHO's tightened air quality guidelines demonstrate a growing international commitment to tackling air pollution.
Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a significant problem. It kills around 500 times more people annually than all natural disasters combined. The impact of air pollution is often less shocking to people than images of natural disasters, but it is a silent killer that deserves more attention and action.
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The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die from air pollution annually
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people every year. This includes 4.2 million deaths from outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million from indoor air pollution caused by burning wood and charcoal. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) provides a similar estimate of 6.7 million deaths per year. However, some scientists believe the number could be even higher, with recent studies suggesting that at least 9 million people die annually from air pollution.
Outdoor air pollution, also known as ambient air pollution, is caused by various sources, including residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture, waste incineration, and industrial activities. These activities release fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which has severe health impacts. PM2.5 particles are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, small enough to remain in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) Report, PM2.5 air pollution accounted for 7.8 million deaths out of the total 8.1 million global air pollution-related deaths in 2021.
Indoor air pollution, on the other hand, is caused by the use of polluting open fires or simple stoves for cooking with fuel sources such as kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal. Around 2.4 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution. The WHO estimates that 3.8 million people die annually from indoor air pollution, highlighting the significant health risks associated with it.
While the number of deaths from air pollution remains high, there is some hope for improvement. In recent years, air pollution levels have been decreasing in many countries, and the death rate from air pollution (the risk for the average person) has been declining as well. This decline is attributed to the implementation of policies and interventions that promote sustainable land use, cleaner energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, improved waste management, and sectoral policies that address health risks from indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, the rollout of clean technologies is expected to significantly reduce pollution-related deaths in the coming decades.
Despite the progress made, air pollution remains a significant concern, and it is crucial to continue implementing measures to reduce pollution levels and protect public health. The WHO and other organizations play a vital role in providing guidance, initiatives, and technical support to address the adverse health effects of air pollution and mitigate its impact on global health.
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4.2 million people die from outdoor air pollution each year
Outdoor air pollution is a significant environmental health problem, affecting people in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4.2 million people die prematurely each year due to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of 2.5 microns or less in diameter. This figure refers to the year 2016 and is based on two specific pollutants: particulate matter and ground-level ozone. It is important to note that the WHO does not include deaths caused by other air pollutants, so the actual number of deaths may be higher.
The sources of outdoor air pollution vary and are context-specific. Major contributors include residential energy use for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture and waste incineration, and industrial activities. These activities release pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which have negative health impacts.
The effects of outdoor air pollution on health are significant. Exposure to fine particulate matter and other pollutants can lead to strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. It is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases and is responsible for a substantial number of premature deaths worldwide.
Addressing outdoor air pollution is crucial for protecting public health. Policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, improved power generation, and better waste management can effectively reduce key sources of outdoor air pollution. Additionally, access to clean household energy can significantly reduce ambient air pollution in certain regions.
While the number of deaths from outdoor air pollution is high, there is some hope. In many countries, air pollution levels are decreasing due to new technologies and policies. However, it is essential to continue implementing interventions and initiatives to reduce air pollution levels and protect populations from the health risks associated with this silent killer.
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3.8 million people die from indoor air pollution annually
Air pollution is a serious issue that affects people worldwide, and it is a major environmental risk factor for disease and premature death. While the exact number of deaths caused by air pollution is uncertain, researchers agree that the figure is tragically high, with estimates ranging from 6.7 million to 9 million deaths per year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.8 million people die annually from indoor air pollution, specifically from burning wood and charcoal. This is a significant contribution to the overall death toll from air pollution.
Indoor air pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including the use of household combustion devices, such as stoves and open fires fuelled by wood, charcoal, biomass, animal dung, crop waste, and coal. These sources of fuel are particularly common in low- and middle-income countries, where access to clean and modern energy sources may be limited. The emissions from these sources can lead to high levels of exposure to dangerous pollutants, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.
The health risks associated with indoor air pollution are significant. Pollutants can cause a range of respiratory and other diseases, including acute and chronic respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The young, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution. Additionally, indoor air pollution can exacerbate existing health problems, such as asthma, as seen in the tragic case of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who became the first person in the world to have "air pollution" listed on her death certificate.
The impact of indoor air pollution extends beyond individual health. It can also have social and economic consequences, affecting communities and countries. For example, the time and resources spent caring for those with health issues caused by indoor air pollution can impact productivity and place additional burdens on healthcare systems. Furthermore, the lack of access to clean and modern energy sources can perpetuate poverty and hinder development.
Addressing indoor air pollution requires a range of interventions and initiatives. These include promoting access to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as electricity, improving household ventilation, and providing education on the risks of indoor air pollution and how to mitigate them. By implementing such measures, it is possible to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by indoor air pollution and improve the health and well-being of those affected.
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3.2 million people die prematurely each year from illnesses attributable to household air pollution
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health, causing millions of premature deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills approximately 7 million people annually, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal.
One of the most concerning aspects of air pollution is household air pollution, which is responsible for an alarming number of premature deaths worldwide. Each year, an estimated 3.2 million people die prematurely from illnesses attributable to household air pollution. This is a significant issue that demands urgent attention and effective interventions.
Household air pollution arises from the incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene used for cooking and heating. The resulting particulate matter and other pollutants have detrimental effects on human health. They inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. These impacts can lead to various diseases and increase the risk of premature death.
Among the 3.2 million deaths attributed to household air pollution, several specific causes stand out. Ischaemic heart disease accounts for 32% of these deaths, with household air pollution contributing to 12% of all ischaemic heart disease fatalities. Stroke is another significant cause, responsible for 23% of deaths, with daily exposure to household air pollution increasing the risk of stroke by 12%. Lower respiratory infections, including pneumonia, are also prevalent, constituting 21% of deaths, with household air pollution almost doubling the risk for childhood lower respiratory infections and causing 44% of pneumonia deaths in children under five.
Furthermore, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounts for 19% of deaths, with 23% of all COPD fatalities in low- and middle-income countries attributed to household air pollution exposure. Lung cancer, while accounting for 6% of deaths, is still a concerning outcome, with 11% of lung cancer deaths in adults linked to household air pollution from kerosene and solid fuel use.
The impact of household air pollution extends beyond these specific causes, as it is also associated with increased risks of other diseases and adverse health outcomes, such as low birth weight, tuberculosis, and various cancers. The burden of these health issues falls disproportionately on women and children in low- and middle-income countries, who are typically responsible for household chores involving polluting fuels and technologies.
Addressing household air pollution is crucial to reducing premature deaths and improving public health. This involves promoting the use of clean fuels and technologies, such as solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and improved biomass stoves that meet emission targets. Additionally, implementing policies that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, and improved waste management practices can effectively reduce ambient air pollution and its detrimental health impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Estimates vary, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 7 million people die prematurely every year due to air pollution. The Lancet Commission on pollution and health puts the number at 9 million, while other sources cite numbers ranging from 5.5 million to 8.8 million.
Major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Indoor pollution is caused by inefficient stoves and fuels such as kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal.
Air pollution is linked to various diseases and health conditions, including strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and asthma. It can also lead to non-communicable diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and low birth weight.
