Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing over 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 99% of people currently breathe air that exceeds the recommended limit for pollutants, with those in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most. Outdoor air pollution is usually concentrated in densely populated metropolitan areas, while indoor air pollution is most common in rural areas that may lack access to clean cooking fuels. Airborne pollutants can affect the throat, eyes, and nose and can cause serious health effects, including respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and emphyssema, as well as heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. The most common airborne pollutants include particulate matter (PM), such as dirt, dust, smoke, and tiny drops of liquid, as well as pollen, mold, and animal dander, which can trigger allergies and asthma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution each year | 7-8 million |
| Percentage of people who breathe air exceeding the WHO's guideline limits for pollutants | 99% |
| Common sources of fine particulate matter | Pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, dust from construction and demolition sites |
| Effects of PM2.5 on children | Reduced lung function growth, smaller lungs at age 18 |
| Effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 | Linked to premature death, reduced lung function growth in children |
| Effects of PM10 | Worsening of respiratory diseases, asthma, and COPD |
| Effects of long-term exposure to PM10 | Linked to respiratory mortality |
| Group most vulnerable to adverse health effects of PM10 and PM2.5 | Older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children, and asthmatics |
| Examples of PM10 particles | Dust, smoke from wildfires |
| Diameter of fine particles (PM2.5) | Less than 2.5 microns |
| Diameter of coarse particles (PM10) | Between 2.5 and 10 microns |
| Examples of indoor air pollution sources | Burning firewood or agricultural waste for cooking and heating |
| Examples of outdoor air pollution sources | Industrial processes, burning fossil fuels for electricity and transport, waste management, and agriculture |
| Examples of natural sources of air pollution | Wildfires, dust storms, volcanic eruptions |
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Particulate matter (PM)
PM can be directly emitted from sources (primary particles) or formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases (secondary particles) such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and certain organic compounds. Primary particles are emitted directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires. Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals.
PM comes in three sizes: PM10, PM2.5, and ultrafine particles. Coarse particles, or PM10, are inhalable particles with a diameter ranging between 2.5 and 10 microns. Fine particles, or PM2.5, are inhalable particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, which means they can only be seen under a microscope. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are less than 0.1 microns in diameter and make up about 90% of all airborne pollutants.
PM10 and PM2.5 often have different emission sources and chemical compositions. PM10 is associated with short-term exposure, primarily worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure to PM10 has been linked to respiratory mortality. PM2.5 is associated with the greatest proportion of adverse health effects related to air pollution, both in the United States and worldwide. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, particularly in people with chronic heart or lung diseases, and reduced lung function growth in children.
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Pet dander
Exposure to pet dander can trigger allergies, with symptoms including a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, dizziness, lethargy, fever, shortness of breath, and digestive problems. Coming into physical contact with pet dander can also cause contact dermatitis, a skin rash, hives, or trigger asthma symptoms.
To manage pet allergies, it is essential to minimize exposure to dander. This can be achieved by keeping pets off furniture and out of the bedrooms of allergic individuals. Regular cleaning of furniture, carpets, and clothing is also crucial to reducing dander exposure. For those who want to keep their pets, additional measures such as using air purifiers and maintaining pet hygiene can help control dander levels.
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Pollen and mould
Mould, or mold, is a type of fungus that breaks down plant and animal matter. Mould releases spores that can spread through the air, water, or on animals. Mould spores are everywhere and can grow on any surface with sufficient moisture. Mould exposure can cause asthma attacks or allergic responses, and some types of mould produce toxins that are dangerous to inhale. Water damage in homes, schools, or businesses can facilitate mould growth, and it is important to address moisture problems to prevent mould from growing.
The health effects of airborne pollutants like pollen and mould can be serious, affecting the throat, eyes, and nose, and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These pollutants can also reduce life expectancy and lung function, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. While pollen and mould are natural and diverse, human activities, such as industrialization and traffic emissions, have led to increased exposure and adverse health impacts.
To protect against pollen and mould, individuals can take measures such as using air purifiers, routine cleaning, and addressing moisture issues in homes and buildings. Additionally, reducing overall air pollution can help mitigate the exacerbating effects of pollutants on pollen and mould allergies and respiratory issues.
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Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen dioxide is a primary pollutant, as nitric oxide rapidly oxidizes in the air to form nitrogen dioxide. High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide can irritate the airways in the human respiratory system. Short-term exposure can aggravate respiratory diseases, especially asthma, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It can also trigger inflammation in the nasal mucosa and the early pro-inflammatory responses in the bronchial epithelial cells. Longer-term exposure may contribute to the development of asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Children and infants are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of nitrogen oxides, as they inhale more air per pound of body weight than adults. They also have immature immune systems, making them more vulnerable to the pollutants. Research has shown that children living in areas with high levels of nitrogen oxides experience slower lung growth and have smaller lungs at age 18 compared to those living in areas with lower levels.
To mitigate the impact of nitrogen oxides, governments and organizations are implementing measures to reduce emissions. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national and regional rules to decrease NO2 and NOx emissions, helping state and local governments meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
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Ground-level ozone
Tropospheric ozone is a trace gas found in the troposphere, the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere. It has an average concentration of 20-30 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) and can reach close to 100 ppbv in polluted areas. The formation of ground-level ozone is influenced by emissions from anthropogenic sources, primarily motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and chemical solvents. These sources release ozone precursors, which are transported by wind, leading to ozone formation even in less populated regions.
Ozone levels tend to be higher during the summer months due to increased heat and sunlight, which promote ozone formation. However, it is important to monitor ozone levels year-round, as it can still reach high levels during the colder months. Ozone is one of the six common air pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act, and its levels are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health.
The health effects of ground-level ozone are significant. It can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose, and trigger a variety of respiratory issues, especially in vulnerable populations. Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone has been linked to reduced lung function and, in some cases, premature death, particularly in individuals with chronic heart or lung diseases. Children are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of ground-level ozone due to their developing immune systems and higher inhalation rates relative to their body weight.
To address the issue of ground-level ozone, the EPA works with states and tribes to monitor air quality and designate areas as attainment or nonattainment based on national ambient air quality standards. States with nonattainment areas are required to develop implementation plans to improve air quality and reduce ground-level ozone levels. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the health and environmental impacts of ground-level ozone pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills nearly seven to eight million people each year globally. The worst airborne pollutants include particulate matter (PM), which includes all airborne substances that are not gases, and gases like ozone or nitrogen oxides.
Particulate matter is made up of particles (solid or liquid) in the air. PM comes in three sizes: PM10, PM2.5, and ultrafine. Coarse particles (PM10) are inhalable particles with a diameter ranging between 2.5 and 10 microns. Fine particles (PM2.5) are inhalable particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, which can only be seen under a microscope. Ultrafine particles are less than 0.1 microns in diameter and make up about 90% of all airborne pollutants.
Natural sources of PM include wildfires, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions. Human sources include the burning of biomass and fossil fuels, road emissions, industrial processes, waste management, and agriculture.
Smaller particles (PM2.5) pose more risk to health as they can reach the bloodstream and lodge into lung tissue, causing respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Long-term exposure can also reduce lung function and life expectancy. A 1993 study found a link between fine particulate pollution and higher death rates in urban areas.
Ground-level ozone, also known as smog, is one of the most harmful gaseous pollutants. It can irritate the eyes and throat, damage the lungs, and worsen bronchitis, leading to heart attacks and premature death.
