Brian Barton
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is caused by a combination of human-made and natural sources, with vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, power generation, and chemical production being the primary sources of human-made air pollution. Natural sources include smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane released from decomposing organic matter. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, releases solid and liquid particles called aerosols into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. These particles can have detrimental effects on both the planet and human health, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases | Car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes, wildfires, coal-fueled power plants, fumes from chemical production, and fuel oils |
| Air pollution caused by climate change | Increased production of allergenic air pollutants, including mold and pollen, and the creation of conditions conducive to wildfires |
| Health risks associated with air pollution | Severe health risks, including respiratory diseases, lung damage, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even death; particularly harmful to children and vulnerable individuals |
| Indoor air pollution | Radon, smoke, lead dust, carbon monoxide, mold, volatile organic compounds, and biological pollutants such as pollen, animal dander, and dust mites |
| Industrial activities and pollution | Exposure to chemicals, toxic materials, and polluted lands; links to health and economic impacts, including costs of pollution-related diseases |
What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels and climate change
Fossil fuels are a major contributor to climate change. They are formed from the decomposition of carbon-based organisms that died millions of years ago, creating carbon-rich deposits that are extracted and burned for energy. The three types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas, and they currently supply around 80% of the world's energy. They are also used to make products such as plastic and steel.
The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions were attributed to fossil fuels and industry. Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel, responsible for over 0.3 degrees Celsius of the 1-degree increase in global average temperatures. Oil is also a significant contributor, accounting for approximately one-third of the world's total carbon emissions.
The effects of climate change due to fossil fuel emissions are far-reaching. It poses risks to the survival of species, with the world losing species at a rate 1,000 times greater than at any other time in recorded human history. Changes in climate and increases in extreme weather events are leading causes of the global rise in hunger and poor nutrition. Fisheries, crops, and livestock may be destroyed or become less productive, threatening food security.
Additionally, climate change is altering water availability, making it scarcer in many regions. The ocean, which absorbs most of the heat from global warming, is experiencing rising temperatures and expanding volumes, contributing to sea-level rise. Melting ice sheets further exacerbate this issue, endangering coastal and island communities.
To address the impact of fossil fuels on climate change, a transition to renewable energy sources is imperative. While wind, solar, and other renewable sources emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants, fossil fuel companies continue to be major polluters. Despite commitments made by governments under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions, more urgent action is needed to align with the IPCC's warning to halve fossil fuel emissions within 11 years and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
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Industrial activities and waste
Hazardous waste, typically produced by industrial, manufacturing, and medical processes, contains toxic, flammable, corrosive, and reactive substances. Examples include ammonia, solvents, petroleum, mercury, lead, dioxins, and benzene. This type of waste requires special handling, treatment, and disposal methods to mitigate its adverse environmental and health impacts. Improper disposal of hazardous waste can lead to soil degradation, water contamination, and air pollution, posing risks to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
Non-hazardous waste, while less harmful, should not be overlooked. This type of waste, which includes rubbish, debris, and everyday by-products, can still have environmental implications if not managed properly. Recycling, composting, and responsible disposal methods are crucial to minimising the impact of non-hazardous waste. Persistent waste, a type of non-hazardous waste that does not break down easily, can accumulate in the ecosystem, leading to long-term ecological and health issues.
The burning of coal and fossil fuels by industries is a significant source of air pollution. It releases harmful substances such as sulphur dioxide, black carbon, and metals, contributing to smog, ground-level ozone, and respiratory problems. Industrial emissions also include greenhouse gases, which drive climate change and exacerbate extreme weather events and biodiversity loss.
Water pollution is another severe consequence of industrial activities. Untreated industrial discharge contaminates water bodies, affecting aquatic life, fisheries, and drinking water sources. Over 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated industrial waste are released into the US water supply annually, contributing to the global issue of access to safe drinking water. Eutrophication, a natural process accelerated by industrial waste, further impacts water quality, requiring intervention and innovative solutions.
To address industrial pollution, regulatory measures and proper waste management are essential. The EU's 'Zero Pollution Action Plan' aims to reduce water pollution, and similar initiatives are encouraged to incentivise industries to adopt more sustainable practices. Individuals can also play a role by reducing consumption of polluting products, supporting environmentally conscious companies, and advocating for stronger regulations on industrial pollution.
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Agriculture and pesticides
Pesticides are modern chemicals, and while they have benefits, their long-term effects on human health and the environment are not yet fully understood. Some pesticides have been linked to adverse health effects, including immune suppression, hormone disruption, diminished intelligence, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer. They can also harm beneficial soil microorganisms, insects, plants, fish, and birds. The US National Academy of Sciences, for example, linked the bald eagle population decline in the US to exposure to DDT and its metabolites, which cause eggshell thinning.
Additionally, pesticides can enter water bodies through agricultural runoff, seepage, and atmospheric deposition, leading to problems such as eutrophication, or the destructive overgrowth of algae. This can further harm aquatic ecosystems and contaminate drinking water sources. The use of pesticides also contributes to air pollution, as chemical drift can reach nearby lands or neighbourhoods, negatively impacting air quality in those areas.
Agricultural pollution is not limited to pesticides. Fertilizers, for example, can also cause pollution through runoff, and manure management accounts for a significant portion of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock production is particularly resource-intensive and polluting, with meat diets producing 59% more greenhouse gases than vegetarian ones. Clearing land for livestock and feed crops also contributes to deforestation and the release of stored carbon, further exacerbating climate change.
To mitigate these issues, sustainable agricultural practices are essential. Sustainable management of agricultural operations can help preserve and restore critical habitats, protect watersheds, and improve soil health and water quality. Implementing creative conservation measures and utilizing best management practices identified by organizations like the WWF can help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and work towards cleaner air and water for all.
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Domestic energy sources
Oil and natural gas exploration, drilling, and storage create local air pollution issues, and fracking for natural gas leads to harmful air emissions. The burning of natural gas releases methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming. Oil shale extraction through strip mining has severe environmental impacts, releasing carbon dioxide, methane, and other air pollutants.
Nuclear power is a significant renewable energy source, but it produces radioactive waste, and there is a risk of uncontrolled nuclear reactions that can contaminate air, water, and food sources. The use of biomass and geothermal energy can also produce harmful emissions.
The transition to clean and renewable energy sources is crucial for improving lung health and reducing climate change. Solar, wind, and hydropower are examples of clean energy sources that do not produce air pollution or require fuel combustion. However, wind turbines have been associated with bird and bat deaths, and the construction of wind farms can impact the landscape.
On a domestic level, the use of polluting fuels and stoves for cooking, heating, and lighting can have severe health consequences, particularly for women and children who are exposed to harmful smoke and spend time gathering firewood. Incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene contributes to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
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Transportation
The burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, by vehicles is a primary cause of transportation pollution. This includes cars, trucks, ships, airplanes, and public transport vehicles. The pollutants emitted, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, irritate the respiratory system, exacerbating conditions like asthma and increasing the risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are at an increased risk of suffering adverse health effects from transportation pollution.
To address transportation pollution, various measures are being implemented. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has programs and standards in place to reduce emissions from vehicles, such as the SmartWay program, which improves supply chain efficiency and reduces greenhouse gases in the freight transportation sector. The EPA also provides resources to help consumers choose more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Additionally, the deployment of electric vehicles and clean vehicle technologies is gaining momentum, with increasing numbers of electric vehicle registrations in Europe.
Furthermore, urban transport pollution monitoring and the development of sustainable mobility systems are crucial steps in reducing emissions and improving air quality. This includes improving infrastructure for safer walking and cycling, which can help reduce air pollution and encourage physical activity. Additionally, the European Green Deal aims to achieve a significant reduction in transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, requiring changes in how we power and operate our vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is caused by the presence of solid and liquid particles and certain gases in the air. These particles and gases are often a result of human activities such as burning fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust fumes, emissions from agriculture and industry, and manufacturing.
Air pollution has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious health problems. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity.
Some common habits that contribute to environmental pollution include leaving the tap running, using bottled water, throwing away plastic without cutting it up, and throwing chewing gum on the ground. These habits can have negative impacts on both the environment and wildlife.
Air pollution can contaminate the surface of bodies of water and soil, damaging crops, reducing their yield, and harming young trees and other plants. It can also directly damage buildings and monuments. Additionally, it contributes to global warming by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, leading to rising temperatures worldwide.
