Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a serious global health issue that affects people of all ages, but children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Children are at risk because their bodies and immune systems are still developing, and they tend to be more physically active, which increases their exposure to pollutants. Their airways are smaller and more easily irritated, and they breathe more rapidly, inhaling more air relative to their size than adults. As a result, air pollution can hinder lung growth, increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory infections, and cause long-term health problems.
The elderly are also more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution due to their weakened immune systems and pre-existing health conditions. Exposure to air pollution can exacerbate chronic diseases such as lung and heart disease and increase the risk of respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses.
Additionally, certain demographic groups, such as people of colour and individuals with lower incomes, are disproportionately affected by air pollution due to factors like discriminatory practices, proximity to pollution sources, and limited access to healthcare.
Overall, while air pollution poses health risks to everyone, certain age groups and vulnerable populations bear a heavier burden and require targeted interventions to mitigate the impact on their health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group | Children and the elderly |
| Reasons | Children's airways are small and still developing. They breathe more rapidly and inhale more air relative to their size than do adults. Their immune systems are still developing, and they are more likely to spend time outdoors. |
| Effects | Lung disease, respiratory infections, asthma, pneumonia, low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, developmental issues, and an increased risk of certain diseases, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and acute respiratory infections. |
What You'll Learn
Children and adolescents
Air pollution poses severe risks to children's health, causing respiratory infections, asthma, cognitive developmental and lifelong health issues. It is the biggest environmental health risk factor and was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five in 2021, after malnutrition. In 2021, air pollution was linked to a total of 709,000 deaths in children under 5 years old, according to the 2024 State of Global Air. This represents 15% of all global deaths in children under five. More than 70% of these deaths were linked to household air pollution due to cooking with polluting fuels.
Children are physically more exposed to air pollution for several reasons. Young children breathe more rapidly than adults and take in more air relative to their body weight. They often spend more time outdoors and breathe air that is closer to the ground, which puts them in closer proximity to sources of pollution like dust and vehicle exhaust. Children also spend a significant amount of time indoors, so they may be significantly affected by household air pollution.
Children are also physiologically more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because their brains, lungs, and other organs are still developing. Some air pollutants can cross the placenta and affect developing babies. Air pollution can also affect lung function and development, which continues through adolescence.
There is robust evidence that air pollution is strongly associated with pneumonia, which accounts for 22% of all deaths of children between 1 and 5 years of age. Ground-level ozone is a powerful airway irritant and can cause breathing problems, especially in children with asthma. Almost half of all deaths due to lower respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years of age are caused by particulate matter from household air pollution.
In some countries in Africa and Asia, nearly 1 in every 3 lower respiratory infection deaths in children under 5 are linked to air pollution. In 2021, ozone, which increases with rising temperatures, contributed to an estimated 489,518 deaths globally. In addition, 34% of preterm births are linked to air pollution, with these children potentially facing a lifetime of health consequences, disabilities, and developmental delays.
Otitis media (an infection in the middle ear) in children has also been clearly associated with ambient air pollution exposure. Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is also associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia.
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Pregnant people
Air pollution is harmful to everyone, but pregnant people are especially vulnerable to its effects. The physical changes that occur during pregnancy already put a strain on the body, and the additional inflammation and stress caused by air pollution can have serious consequences for both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.
One of the most significant risks associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy is the increased likelihood of hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia, which can lead to intrauterine inflammation and damage to the placenta. This, in turn, can disrupt the growth and development of the fetus, resulting in potential complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. These risks are further amplified for pregnant people from certain demographic groups, such as people of color and those with chronic conditions like asthma.
The effects of air pollution on pregnant individuals go beyond the risk of hypertensive disorders and pregnancy loss. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of preterm labor, which can have serious consequences for the baby, including low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with developmental issues in the fetus, causing babies to be born unusually small and increasing the risk of health issues and developmental delays later in life.
The respiratory health of pregnant individuals can also be impacted by air pollution, as it is linked to a higher incidence of respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Furthermore, air pollution can affect lung development in the fetus, potentially leading to childhood asthma and respiratory symptoms.
To mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on pregnant individuals and their babies, it is recommended to reduce exposure to polluted air as much as possible. This may include limiting time spent outdoors during periods of high air pollution, wearing face coverings when outdoors, and using high-quality air filters indoors. Pregnant individuals who live in polluted areas or have concerns about air pollution should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their specific situation.
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Older adults
Outdoor air pollution is unhealthy for everyone, but some groups of people are more vulnerable than others. Older adults are at an increased risk of harm from air pollution. Even in healthy people, the aging process gradually reduces the lungs' breathing ability, which can be made worse by exposure to air pollution.
Respiratory Health
As people age, their bodies are less able to compensate for the effects of environmental hazards. Air pollution can aggravate respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It can also lead to increased medication use, more visits to healthcare providers, and even death.
Ozone and
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People with pre-existing conditions
People with asthma, for example, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The pollutants can trigger cellular injury and inflammation in their lungs, exacerbating their existing respiratory condition. Similarly, those with cardiovascular disease may experience additional strain on their hearts, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular events or even heart failure.
Additionally, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. For individuals already struggling with these conditions, air pollution can further complicate their health and worsen their symptoms.
It is worth noting that certain demographic groups, such as people of color and individuals from low-income communities, are more likely to have pre-existing conditions and, at the same time, be exposed to higher levels of air pollution. This double jeopardy puts them at an even higher risk of adverse health outcomes.
The impact of air pollution on people with pre-existing conditions underscores the urgency of implementing measures to improve air quality and protect vulnerable populations. Strategies such as reducing emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and establishing clean air zones can help mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on these vulnerable individuals.
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People of colour
The causes of this inequality are rooted in systemic racism and discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation. These practices have restricted the mobility, economic opportunities, and political power of people of colour, resulting in their concentration in less desirable and more polluted areas. Additionally, industries and hazardous waste sites are more likely to be located near minority and low-income neighbourhoods, further exacerbating the problem.
Research has found that areas with larger Black, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino populations in the US have been consistently exposed to higher levels of air pollution. This trend is also observed in England, where people of colour are three times more likely to reside in areas with high air pollution.
The health consequences of air pollution are more severe for people of colour, who are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections, asthma, and other chronic conditions. They are also more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution due to higher rates of pre-existing health conditions.
Addressing these disparities requires strong, targeted strategies to reduce air pollution and mitigate its impact on vulnerable communities. It is essential to recognize the role of systemic racism in creating and perpetuating these inequalities and to work towards environmental justice for all.
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Frequently asked questions
While air pollution affects everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable than others. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing conditions are at an increased risk of adverse health effects from air pollution.
Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution as their bodies and immune systems are still developing. They also breathe more air relative to their size compared to adults and tend to spend more time outdoors, increasing their exposure. Air pollution can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and increase the risk of developing asthma and other chronic diseases later in life.
Older adults are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution due to age-related changes in the body. The aging process reduces lung function, and the immune system becomes less effective at protecting the lungs from inhaled contaminants. Exposure to air pollution increases the susceptibility to respiratory infections and can exacerbate existing chronic conditions such as lung and heart disease.
