Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution is a pressing global issue that significantly impacts human health and the environment. It is one of the leading risk factors for poor health and premature death worldwide. The impact of air pollution on mortality rates is evident through the approximately 9 million deaths attributed to pollution annually, making it the most significant environmental risk factor for premature death. This figure includes the effects of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, with indoor pollution primarily affecting low-income countries due to the reliance on solid fuels for cooking, and outdoor pollution increasing as countries industrialize. The mortality rate from modern forms of pollution, such as ambient particulate matter air pollution, ambient ozone pollution, and lead exposure, has increased substantially over the past two decades. Air pollution's impact on health is not limited to premature death but also extends to the quality of life, causing respiratory and other non-communicable diseases. Addressing air pollution through policies and interventions is crucial for mitigating its impact on mortality rates and improving public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths from air pollution globally in 2021 | 8.1 million |
| Number of deaths from air pollution globally in 2015 | 9 million |
| Number of deaths from air pollution globally in 2012 | 10.2 million |
| Number of deaths from air pollution globally in 1990 | N/A |
| Percentage change in deaths from air pollution between 2012 and 2018 | Decline |
| Percentage change in deaths from air pollution between 1990 and 2021 | Nearly halved |
| Percentage change in deaths from air pollution in Africa between 2000 and 2019 | Decline |
| Number of deaths from outdoor air pollution caused by fossil fuels in 2018 | 8.7 million |
| Number of deaths from outdoor air pollution caused by residential energy use | 1 million |
| Number of deaths from indoor air pollution caused by residential energy use | 3.54 million |
| Number of infant deaths in Africa caused by air pollution in 2015 | 449,000 |
| Percentage increase in infant mortality in Africa caused by a 10μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 concentration | 9% |
| Percentage of global air pollution deaths attributed to PM2.5 air pollution | 90% |
| Number of deaths from air pollution in China | N/A |
| Number of countries in which death rates from air pollution have been studied | 204 |
| Number of countries in which death rates from air pollution have declined | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death globally, including in children under five
- Household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels is a major cause of death in low-income countries
- Outdoor air pollution from residential energy use has the largest impact on premature mortality worldwide
- PM2.5 air pollution is responsible for 7.8 million deaths, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases
- Pollution is a risk factor for respiratory disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer
Air pollution is the second-leading risk factor for death globally, including in children under five
Air pollution is a major global concern, impacting human health and causing millions of premature deaths each year. According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) report, in 2021, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths worldwide, making it the second leading risk factor for mortality, including for children under five.
Children under five are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. In 2021, more than 700,000 deaths in this age group were attributed to air pollution, with 500,000 of these linked to household air pollution, predominantly in South Asia and Africa. The health consequences of air pollution on young children include pneumonia, asthma, lung diseases, and other respiratory issues. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in newborns.
The impact of air pollution on mortality rates is evident across various regions, with high-income countries such as Finland, Norway, Australia, and Canada experiencing relatively lower attributed deaths. In contrast, over 40% of ischemic heart disease deaths in parts of Africa and South Asia, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Bangladesh, are associated with air pollution exposure. The death rate linked to air pollution in children under five has decreased by approximately 53% since 2000 due to improved access to clean energy, healthcare, and nutrition, as well as increased awareness of the dangers of household air pollution.
Air pollution is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including residential energy use, industrial activities, and transportation. Outdoor air pollution caused by residential energy use for heating and cooking has been identified as the most significant contributor to premature mortality globally. Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels and the release of pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide have severe health implications.
Addressing air pollution is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals and protecting public health. Efforts to mitigate air pollution, such as implementing stricter air quality policies, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and improving access to healthcare, can significantly reduce its impact on mortality rates, especially for children under five, who are among the most vulnerable to its harmful effects.
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Household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels is a major cause of death in low-income countries
The use of these polluting fuels and inefficient stoves results in incomplete combustion, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants include particulate matter, such as black carbon (soot), and other toxins that can have severe health impacts. Inhalation of particulate matter can irritate the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This leads to various health issues, including respiratory infections, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
Women and children are disproportionately affected by household air pollution. In cultures where women are traditionally responsible for cooking and fuel collection, their exposure to indoor air pollution is higher. This exposure increases the risk of health issues such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In children under five, 45% of pneumonia deaths are caused by inhaling soot, and household air pollution is responsible for almost half of all deaths from lower respiratory infections in this age group.
The impact of household air pollution extends beyond health. The time spent collecting fuel and cooking with inefficient stoves constrains opportunities for education, economic development, and leisure activities. Additionally, the environmental consequences of burning solid fuels contribute to climate change and the degradation of local environments.
Addressing this issue requires improving access to clean cooking technologies and fuels that are affordable, reliable, and efficient. Initiatives such as the EPA's Megacities Partnership and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to clean cooking by 2030 aim to tackle these challenges and reduce the mortality rate associated with household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels.
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Outdoor air pollution from residential energy use has the largest impact on premature mortality worldwide
Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting individuals in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution in both cities and rural areas caused approximately 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year in 2019. This mortality is due to exposure to fine particulate matter, which causes cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and cancers.
Residential energy use, particularly for heating and cooking, is a significant contributor to outdoor air pollution and premature mortality. A study by Vohra et al. (2021) estimates that 8.7 million deaths globally in 2018 were attributable to outdoor air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Of these, 1 million deaths were specifically due to residential energy use. This figure is in addition to the 3.54 million deaths per year caused by indoor air pollution from the same sources.
The impact of residential energy use on outdoor air pollution and premature mortality varies across different regions. People in low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden, with 89% of premature deaths occurring in these areas. Within these countries, the greatest impact is seen in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions.
Addressing outdoor air pollution from residential energy use is crucial for protecting public health. Phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner sources of energy can significantly reduce premature mortality. Additionally, improving access to clean household energy can help mitigate ambient air pollution, particularly in regions where air quality is a significant concern.
Implementing policies and investments that promote cleaner transportation, energy-efficient homes, sustainable power generation, and better waste management practices can effectively reduce outdoor air pollution and its impact on premature mortality worldwide. These collective efforts can lead to substantial improvements in public health and environmental well-being.
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PM2.5 air pollution is responsible for 7.8 million deaths, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a pollutant that causes significant health issues globally, contributing to millions of deaths annually. PM2.5 is produced by combustion, with sources including coal-burning power plants, vehicle emissions, and industrial sources. These particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing irritation and corrosion of the alveolar wall, impairing lung function, and increasing the risk of respiratory issues and non-communicable diseases.
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has severe health implications. In 2019, it contributed to approximately 4.14 million deaths worldwide, accounting for 62% of all air pollution-attributable deaths. This number increased by about 23% globally over the previous decade. Asia and Africa bear the brunt of the health impact of PM2.5, with China and India alone accounting for 58% of the total global mortality burden.
The health consequences of PM2.5 exposure are far-reaching. Research has linked PM2.5 to an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower-respiratory infections, stroke, type 2 diabetes, adverse birth outcomes, and respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis. The American Cancer Society's study of 500,000 adults in large cities found an 8% increase in lung cancer mortality for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, even after controlling for other risk factors.
Additionally, PM2.5 disproportionately affects specific populations. Older adults with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, and asthmatics are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of PM2.5 exposure. Children living in areas with high PM2.5 levels have been found to have slower lung growth, resulting in smaller lungs at age 18 compared to those in low PM2.5 areas. This highlights the long-term impact of early exposure to air pollution.
While the number of deaths attributable to PM2.5 is concerning, it's important to note that progress has been made in some regions. Strategies to reduce PM2.5 pollution include transitioning to cleaner energy, implementing measures to decrease industrial and transportation-related emissions, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and improving solid waste management. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the health risks associated with PM2.5 pollution and reducing its impact on global mortality rates.
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Pollution is a risk factor for respiratory disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer
Air pollution is a significant risk factor for respiratory diseases, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. It is a mix of solid and liquid particles in the air, such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust particles. Outdoor particle pollution can penetrate indoor spaces, increasing indoor pollution concentrations.
Respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD are aggravated by particle pollution. Children with asthma are more affected than adults, possibly due to higher particle deposition in their tracheobronchial region. COPD, a lung disease characterised by chronic airway inflammation, is exacerbated by pro-inflammatory particle pollution, increasing the probability of tissue injury. Particle pollution also causes decreased lung function growth in children and chronic loss of pulmonary function in adults.
Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. Short and long-term exposure to particle pollution increases hospitalizations for serious cardiovascular events such as coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, and heart failure. It is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, triggering events in susceptible people and increasing the risk of future occurrences.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer cause of death in the US for both men and women. The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded in 2013 that particulate matter causes lung cancer. Particle pollution increases the risk of early death and can interfere with lung growth and function.
While pollution-related mortality rates have improved in some regions, pollution remains a critical health issue. Addressing pollution is essential to reducing its impact on respiratory diseases, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that air pollution causes 8.1 million deaths per year, making it the second leading risk factor for death.
Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Low and middle-income countries suffer from the highest exposures to air pollution, with indoor pollution rates being particularly high in low-income countries due to a reliance on solid fuels for cooking.
Environmental regulations and the development of low-pollution technologies have helped to reduce air pollution in many countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) also plays a key role in monitoring and reporting on global trends related to air pollution and health, as well as raising awareness about the risks of air pollution.
There is reason for optimism as data shows that the total number of deaths from air pollution globally has remained stable or declined in recent years, even as the global population has increased. This suggests that the death rate from air pollution is declining.
