Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution is a major threat to public health and the climate, with almost the entire global population (99%) breathing air that exceeds WHO air quality guidelines. While the amount of pollution inhaled daily varies depending on location and activity levels, it is estimated that in highly polluted cities like Beijing, individuals can inhale a grain of rice's worth of PM2.5 pollution every three weeks. PM2.5 particles are particularly harmful as they are 20 times smaller than anything visible to the human eye, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular issues. With billions at risk from air pollution, it is crucial to implement sustainable solutions and reduce fossil fuel use to protect public health and mitigate climate change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global population breathing air that exceeds WHO air quality limits | 99% |
| Number of people breathing unhealthy air | 3 billion+ |
| Number of cities monitoring air quality | 6000+ |
| Number of countries monitoring air quality | 117 |
| Number of people exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone in Los Angeles | 25 million |
| Number of people living in counties that received an F for either ozone or particle pollution in the US in 2025 | 156 million |
| Number of people living in counties that got an F for all three air pollution measures in the US in 2025 | 42 million |
| Number of cities in the US that received an F for air quality in 2025 | Nearly half |
| Number of people worldwide breathing polluted air | 9 out of 10 |
| Number of cities/human settlements in countries collecting NO2 data at ground level | 4000 |
| Number of people in these places breathing annual average concentrations of NO2 that meet WHO's Air Quality Guidelines | 23% |
| Number of preventable deaths due to air pollution | 7 million |
| Number of breaths taken by an average person per day | 22,000 |
| Number of particles of PM 2.5 pollution breathed by a Londoner per day | 44,000,000 |
| Number of particles of PM 2.5 pollution breathed by a Londoner per second | 509 |
| Number of particles of PM 2.5 pollution breathed by a person in Beijing per day | 622 micrograms or 220 million |
| Number of particles of PM 2.5 pollution breathed by a person in Beijing per second | 2500 |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of air pollution
Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard and a familiar threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally, a number that has increased over the past two decades. Almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, threatening their health.
The air we breathe passes through up to 1500 miles of space in our respiratory system, ultimately entering one of the 500 million air sacs called alveoli in our lungs. When the air we breathe is unsafe, it can cause significant damage to our health. Particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less can penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation, and damaging the lining of the respiratory tract.
Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory problems. PM2.5 is 20 times smaller than anything a human can see with the naked eye and mainly comes from vehicle exhausts, soot, and wood fires. Because PM2.5 is so small, it is easily breathed in and is four times more likely to stay in the lungs once inhaled. It is small enough to seep into the blood, where it can be carried around the body and cause significant harm.
Ozone is a major factor in causing asthma or making it worse, and nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can also cause asthma, bronchial symptoms, lung inflammation, and reduced lung function. In addition, air pollution is a known cause of cancer, especially lung cancer. A recent global review found that chronic exposure can affect every organ in the body, complicating and exacerbating existing health conditions. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable because their bodies and immune systems are still developing.
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The impact of pollution on health
Breathing is an automatic, essential process for human life, delivering oxygen to the parts of the body that need it to function. However, with high levels of air pollution, the quality of the air we breathe is often unsafe, causing potential damage to our health.
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, or smoke, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, with pollutants entering the bloodstream via the lungs and travelling throughout the body. This can lead to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells, impacting almost every organ in the body.
Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is a critical pollutant, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. These particles are 20 times smaller than anything the human eye can see and are produced by vehicle exhausts, soot, and wood fires. Due to their small size, they are easily inhaled and four times more likely to remain in the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including coughing, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter has also been linked to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The impact of air pollution on health is widespread, with almost the entire global population (99%) breathing air that exceeds WHO air quality limits. People in low and middle-income countries suffer the highest exposures, with nearly half of the US population and most Europeans also living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Certain populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases.
The health effects of air pollution are serious, ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular issues to systemic inflammation, cancer, and even premature death. It is essential to take tangible steps to reduce air pollution levels and protect human health.
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Sources of air pollution
Mobile sources, such as vehicles, are a significant contributor to air pollution. The combustion of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, releases pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Older diesel engines are of particular concern, producing significantly more particulate pollution than newer models. Federal regulations have played a crucial role in reducing vehicle emissions by improving fuel efficiency and regulating fuel production, including the removal of lead from gasoline and the reduction of sulfur in diesel fuel.
Stationary sources, including power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities, release pollutants through the burning of fossil fuels and various industrial processes. Power plants, in particular, contribute to elevated ozone concentrations and smog in nearby areas. Oil refineries and industrial boilers emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, which are byproducts of fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes. Additionally, industrial processes such as iron, steel, and rubber product manufacturing produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen and are known to be widespread in the environment.
Area sources encompass a range of smaller pollution sources that collectively have a significant impact. Agricultural practices, such as crop and animal agriculture, contribute substantially to air pollution. Methane emissions from cattle digestion and ammonia from agricultural activities form fine particulate matter, which has adverse health effects. Waste management is another area source, with open dumps and landfills releasing pollutants like soot, methane, and other toxins. Residential energy use, particularly wood burning for heating and cooking, has been increasing and contributes to fine particle emissions.
Natural sources of air pollution include wildfires, which have become more severe and frequent due to climate change, releasing fine particles and contributing to haze. Volcanic eruptions are a significant source of sulfur dioxide and particle pollution. Wind-blown dust, including dust from deserts, can impact air quality over long distances. Additionally, vegetation, particularly on warmer days, emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react with human-made pollutants to produce seasonal haze.
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How to reduce air pollution
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds the WHO air quality limits, threatening their health. This is due to the high levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in the air. These pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including coughing, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, heart attacks, cancer, strokes, and even premature death. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to reduce air pollution and protect our health. Here are some ways to reduce air pollution:
Reduce the use of fossil fuels
As per the World Health Organization, curbing fossil fuel use is crucial in reducing air pollution. Burning fossil fuels to heat buildings and generate electricity are major sources of air pollution. We can transition to cleaner, healthier energy systems and choose electricity suppliers that use renewable energy to reduce pollution from power generation.
Improve energy efficiency
We can reduce our energy use by using energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, turning off electrical devices and lights when not in use, and unplugging devices that are fully charged. Conserving energy helps to reduce the pollution created by power generation.
Limit vehicle emissions
Vehicle exhausts are a significant source of air pollution. We can reduce vehicle emissions by carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. Keeping car engines properly tuned, inflating tires properly, and following gasoline refueling instructions can also help reduce emissions.
Reduce backyard fires and limit the use of wood stoves
Smoke from backyard fires and wood stoves can cause unhealthy conditions for people, especially those with asthma and other lung conditions. It is recommended to limit backyard fires, especially in cities, and to use only approved wood burners or biomass boilers.
Use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment
Gas-powered lawn equipment, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers, often lack pollution control devices. Switching to electric or hand-powered alternatives can help reduce air pollution.
By following these steps and advocating for larger systemic changes, we can work towards reducing air pollution and improving the air quality for ourselves and future generations.
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Air pollution and climate change
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by toxic or polluting particles and gases. These particles are often so small that they are easily inhaled and can enter the bloodstream, causing significant harm to human health. For example, PM 2.5, a pollutant that is 20 times smaller than anything the human eye can see, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including coughing, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, heart attacks, cancer, strokes, and even premature death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, threatening their health. Over 6000 cities in 117 countries are monitoring air quality, but people are still breathing unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), with those in low and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
Climate change and air pollution are closely linked and often share the same sources and solutions. Burning fossil fuels, transport emissions, industrial emissions, and agricultural practices are major contributors to both air pollution and climate change. As the planet warms, extreme weather events, including increased wildfires, droughts, and longer summers, can further worsen air quality by increasing levels of ground-level ozone and particulate matter. Regulatory initiatives, partnership programs, and individual actions can help reduce air pollutants and mitigate climate change.
In the United States, climate change is expected to worsen harmful ground-level ozone, increase exposure to allergens, and contribute to declining air quality. The "State of the Air" 2025 report found that nearly half of Americans (156 million people) live in areas with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. This is a concerning increase of 25 million people compared to the previous year's report.
To address air pollution and climate change, it is essential to transition from fossil fuel-based power to renewable energy sources, improve public transport, reduce industrial and agricultural emissions, and prioritize clean air measures alongside climate change solutions. These actions will not only improve air quality but also contribute to the mitigation of climate change and bring about wider economic and health benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a person breathes in and out roughly 22,000 times a day. The amount of pollution a person breathes in a day depends on where they are and how much time they spend there. For example, in Beijing, a person would breathe in a grain of rice's worth of PM2.5 pollution every three weeks.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or smaller in width. These particles are produced by things like vehicle exhausts, soot, and wood fires. They are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits. This means that almost everyone breathes in unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with those in low and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
To reduce the amount of pollution we breathe, we can use masks when outdoors and air purifiers when indoors. Additionally, policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, and transport can help reduce ambient air pollution.
