Brian Barton
Air pollution is a significant global issue, threatening the health of billions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds safe limits, putting them at an increased risk of various diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. A recent study revealed that only 0.001% of the world's population breathes air considered acceptable, with just 0.18% of the global land area free from dangerous particulate matter (PM2.5). Air pollution caused approximately 6.67 million premature deaths in 2019, making it the largest environmental risk to health. The situation is improving, with more comprehensive data on air quality and efforts to reduce pollution levels, but tackling air pollution remains a pressing challenge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of the global population exposed to safe levels of air pollution | 0.001% |
| Percentage of the global land area exposed to safe levels of air pollution | 0.18% |
| Percentage of the global population exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution | 99.999% |
| Percentage of the global land area exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution | 99.82% |
| Percentage of the global population exposed to air pollution levels that put them at increased risk for diseases | 99% |
| Number of cities monitoring air quality | 6000+ |
| Number of countries with cities monitoring air quality | 117 |
| Number of additional human settlements monitoring air quality since the last update | 2000 |
| Number of premature deaths caused by ambient air pollution in 2019 | 6.67 million |
| Number of premature deaths caused by air pollution annually | 6.7 million |
| Highest annual PM2.5 concentrations by region | Eastern Asia, Southern Asia, Northern Africa |
| Highest annual PM2.5 concentrations | Eastern Asia (50 micrograms per cubic meter) |
| Second-highest annual PM2.5 concentrations | Southern Asia (37 micrograms per cubic meter) |
| Third-highest annual PM2.5 concentrations | Northern Africa (30 micrograms per cubic meter) |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to health
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity. It is a combination of outdoor and indoor particulate matter and ozone. It is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally, a number that has increased over the past two decades. In 2021, air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally, becoming the second leading risk factor for death, ahead of tobacco and poor diet. UNICEF reports that in 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group, after malnutrition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures. Air pollution is a major risk factor for premature death, and it shortens the average life expectancy by 2.2 years. It is also linked to a higher risk of low birth weight, stillbirths, miscarriages, asthma, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, and dementia.
The State of Global Air report, produced by the State of Global Air Initiative in collaboration with the Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease project, provides valuable insights into the health impacts of air pollution. The report includes data from over 200 countries and territories, indicating that nearly everyone on Earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution daily, with far-reaching health implications. More than 90% of global air pollution deaths are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, including ambient and household sources. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, affecting multiple organ systems and increasing the risks for various non-communicable diseases.
Clean air measures have proven effective in improving health. For example, China's adoption of clean air initiatives across sectors since 2014 has cut air pollution by around half, resulting in a two-year gain in average life expectancy. Additionally, targeted policy action to reduce global GDP losses due to health impacts, lost productivity, and reduced life expectancy associated with air pollution can bring significant economic benefits. The World Bank estimates that the economic benefits of integrated pollution management policies could reach up to $2.4 trillion by 2040.
Addressing air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. The WHO promotes interventions and initiatives for healthy sectoral policies, including energy, transport, housing, urban development, and electrification of healthcare facilities. Additionally, sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, energy-efficient housing, improved municipal waste management, and the electrification of healthcare facilities can effectively reduce ambient air pollution. While air pollution poses a significant challenge, implementing mitigation strategies and policies can have tangible health and economic benefits.
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99% of the global population breathes unsafe air
Practically all of Earth's population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, threatening their health. This means that only 0.001% of the global population is exposed to safe levels of PM2.5, a dangerous particle emitted from construction sites, fires, power plants, heavy industry, and car exhaust pipes. According to the WHO, safe exposure to PM2.5 is 5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), but the annual average exposure only fell below this threshold for a minuscule fraction of the global population.
The microscopic particles in polluted air penetrate the throat and respiratory system, impairing lung function and causing serious health issues. Exposure to increased pollution has been linked to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. In 2019, air pollution caused 6.67 million premature deaths worldwide, with an estimated 7 million deaths every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air. The WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year are due to avoidable environmental causes.
People in low- and middle-income countries suffer the highest exposures to unhealthy air, with over 3 billion people, mostly women and children, breathing deadly smoke from polluting stoves and fuels in their homes. The use of fossil fuels, such as dirty stoves and fuels, is a significant contributor to harmful emissions, and the WHO has emphasized the importance of curbing their use. The transition to cleaner energy systems is crucial to reducing air pollution and addressing the health challenges it poses.
While the situation is dire, there is some progress and momentum towards improving air quality. The 2022 update of the World Health Organization's air quality database includes ground measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter, providing the most extensive coverage of air pollution exposure on the ground. Additionally, over 6000 cities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality, and initiatives like BreatheLife aim to increase awareness and encourage action on air pollution by governments and individuals. However, urgent action is still needed to address the impact of air pollution on global health.
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Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are common pollutants
Practically the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) air quality limits. A recent study revealed that just 0.18% of the global land area is free from dangerous particulate matter (PM2.5). As many of these areas are uninhabited, only 0.001% of the global population is exposed to safe levels of this dangerous particle.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas that is soluble in water and a strong oxidant. It is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as nitrogen oxides, which are often produced by vehicle, power plant, and off-road equipment emissions caused by fuels burning at high heat. Nitrogen dioxide reacts with other chemicals in the air to form other pollutants, such as ozone, particulate matter, acid rain, and other toxic chemicals that can cause lung irritation and diminish immune responses to respiratory infections. At high enough concentrations, NO2 can cause a reddish-brown haze.
Both particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are included in the WHO's global air quality guidelines, and both pollutants originate mainly from human activities related to fossil fuel combustion.
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Fossil fuel combustion is a major cause of pollution
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, putting them at increased risk for diseases including heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and pneumonia. This is due to the presence of dangerous particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air, which originate mainly from human activities related to fossil fuel combustion.
Fossil fuel combustion is a significant contributor to air pollution, which poses a major threat to human health worldwide. When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions came from fossil fuels and industry, with coal being the largest contributor to the increase in global temperatures. Oil and natural gas also contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, with oil releasing approximately one-third of the world's total carbon emissions and natural gas accounting for a fifth.
In addition to carbon dioxide emissions, fossil fuel combustion also releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of smog and acid rain. These nitrogen-related compounds and excess ammonia deposited back onto land and water bodies can have harmful effects on aquatic life and ecosystems. The burning of fossil fuels associated with transportation and industry is a major source of nitrogen oxide emissions, along with power generation, agriculture, and other human activities.
The impact of fossil fuel combustion on air pollution is not limited to ambient outdoor air but also affects indoor air quality. While indoor air pollution has been on a decline due to the reduced use of solid fuels for cooking, the increase in urban ambient air pollution contributes to the overall decline in air quality. The health effects of exposure to air pollution are particularly harmful to children and developing fetuses, with potential neurodevelopmental impacts and the transmission of epigenetic changes that can result in transgenerational impacts.
To address the issue of air pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion, the WHO and other organizations emphasize the importance of curbing fossil fuel use and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner technologies can also help mitigate the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel combustion.
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Air pollution monitoring is improving
Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a major threat to health across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, putting their health at risk. This has led to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide.
Despite the dire situation, there is a glimmer of hope as air pollution monitoring is improving. A record number of over 6000 cities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality. This marks an almost six-fold rise in reporting since the WHO database was launched in 2011. Europe, and to some extent, North America, have the most comprehensive data on air quality. Even in low- and middle-income countries, significant improvements have been noted, with an additional 1500 human settlements now monitoring air quality.
The advancements in air pollution sensors play a pivotal role in this progress. The EPA's new E-Enterprise for the Environment Initiative, a joint venture between state agencies and the EPA, aims to enhance environmental outcomes and services through advanced monitoring technologies. High-quality mobile air pollution sensors, coupled with internet technology, will expand the understanding of air pollution and facilitate the implementation of effective measures to mitigate it.
Additionally, the WHO has issued stringent air quality guidelines to address the adverse health effects of air pollution. The 2022 update of the WHO Air Quality Database introduced ground measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a common urban pollutant, and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), which originate primarily from fossil fuel combustion. These measurements provide crucial data for formulating and evaluating environmental policies and regulations tailored to specific regions, countries, or local areas.
The Village Green Project system is another example of innovative air monitoring. This solar-powered system is suitable for public spaces, low-maintenance, and wirelessly streams real-time data. By coupling air pollution sensors with physiological sensors and GPS, a stronger connection can be established between a person's exposure environment and health indicators. This enables healthcare providers to improve diagnoses and treatments for air pollution-related medical conditions on an individualized basis.
In conclusion, while air pollution remains a critical issue, monitoring efforts are undoubtedly improving. The increasing availability of advanced air quality sensors and the implementation of stringent guidelines provide a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution and facilitate the development of effective policies to safeguard public health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and 99.999% of the world's population is breathing unsafe air.
A peer-reviewed study published in Lancet Planetary Health found that about 99.82% of the global land area is exposed to levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) above the safety limit recommended by the WHO.
Particulate matter comes from many different sources and can contain hundreds of different chemicals. Some common sources include construction sites, fires, power plants, heavy industry, and car exhaust pipes.
Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature death. According to the WHO, air pollution was responsible for about 6.67 million premature deaths in 2019.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring air pollution levels and their health impacts at the national, regional, and global levels. The WHO has also been working to develop clean household energy policies and programmes and has issued guidelines on clean fuels and technologies for household cooking, heating, and lighting. Additionally, over 6000 cities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality and taking steps to reduce air pollution levels.
