Air Pollution's Impact: Regions Under Threat

Air pollution is a serious global health threat that affects everyone, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable to its harmful effects. These vulnerable groups make up a significant portion of the population. People of colour, for instance, are disproportionately impacted by air pollution and are more likely to suffer adverse health effects as a result. This disparity is due in part to a history of racism and discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation, which have restricted mobility options and limited economic and political power for people of colour. As a result, communities of colour are often concentrated in less desirable areas with higher pollution levels. Additionally, people of colour are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions that increase their susceptibility to the impacts of air pollution, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Socioeconomic status also plays a significant role in determining vulnerability to air pollution. Low-income communities tend to live closer to sources of pollution and have fewer resources to relocate or protect themselves from its effects. They also face higher exposure due to a lack of access to safe outdoor spaces, quality healthcare, and other social determinants of health. Furthermore, low-paying jobs are often physically demanding and require outdoor work, increasing exposure to air pollutants.

Other vulnerable groups include children, whose developing bodies and airways make them more susceptible to respiratory infections and the harmful effects of air pollution. Older adults are also at increased risk due to age-related changes in lung function and a decreased ability to fight off infections. Pregnant individuals are another vulnerable group, as air pollution can increase the risk of hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia, intrauterine inflammation, and damage to the placenta, which can negatively affect fetal growth and development. Additionally, individuals living with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution on their already compromised health.

Low-income communities

Air pollution is a pervasive issue that affects people worldwide, but it disproportionately impacts low-income communities. These communities are often located in areas that are highly polluted due to a variety of factors, such as proximity to industrial zones, heavy traffic, or inadequate waste management infrastructure. The residents of these areas breathe in polluted air, which has severe consequences for their health and well-being.

People of colour

In the United States, people of colour breathe more particulate air pollution on average. They are exposed to higher levels of a regulated air pollutant called fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 is responsible for 85,000 to 200,000 excess deaths a year in the United States. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause lung and heart problems, especially for those with chronic diseases, younger people, older people, and other vulnerable populations.

The disparities in exposure to air pollution are a result of systemic racism. Due to a long history of racism and discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation, people of colour have been restricted in their mobility options and limited in their economic and political power. This has resulted in communities of colour being concentrated in less desirable, and often more polluted, places. Additionally, people of colour are more likely to be living with one or more chronic conditions that make them more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

The higher exposure to air pollution among people of colour has serious health implications. Studies have found that people of colour are at greater risk of premature death from particle pollution compared to whites. They are also more likely to experience higher rates of emergency department visits for asthma and other diseases related to air pollution.

Children

In addition, air pollution can impact brain development and cognitive abilities in children. It can also trigger asthma and childhood cancer, and children exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life.

Socioeconomic factors also play a role in children's exposure to air pollution. Poorer children tend to be more exposed to and affected by air pollution than their more affluent counterparts. They are more likely to live in areas with higher levels of pollution and closer to major sources of pollution, such as busy roadways and industrial facilities.

Furthermore, children have limited control over their environment and often lack the knowledge or capacity to protect themselves from air pollution. It is the responsibility of adults and policymakers to implement measures that reduce children's exposure to air pollution and improve air quality in settings such as schools and playgrounds.

Older adults

Air pollution can aggravate heart disease and stroke, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and diabetes. This leads to increased medication use, more visits to healthcare providers, admissions to emergency rooms and hospitals, and even death.

Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM) (especially smaller, fine particle pollution called PM2.5) have the greatest potential to affect the health of older adults. Fine particle pollution has been linked to premature death, cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks, asthma attacks, and the development of chronic bronchitis. Ozone, even at low levels, can exacerbate respiratory diseases.

In a study conducted in 36 US cities from 1986-1999, it was found that short-term increases in ozone and PM10 ambient concentrations were related to increased hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia, especially during the warm season. Another study found that an increase in the 5-day average level of nitrogen dioxide was associated with a significant increase in asthma-related emergency department visits for people aged 75 and older.

In a nationwide study, researchers found that even low levels of air pollution raise mortality risk for older adults. For locations where annual-mean PM2.5 concentrations were lower than the level of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in PM2.5 was associated with increases in mortality of 13.6%. The effect was most pronounced among African Americans, men, and people with low income.

Overall, there is sufficient evidence of the adverse effects of air pollution on older adults, with higher risks compared to the rest of the population.

Pregnant people

Health Risks

Prolonged exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase the risk of hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, as well as intrauterine inflammation and damage to the placenta. This can disrupt the growth and development of the foetus, leading to potential issues such as:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth
• Congenital abnormalities
• Neurological disorders
• Permanent physical disabilities
• Developmental delays
• Health issues in later life, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

Areas Most Affected by Air Pollution

While air pollution is a global issue, certain areas are more affected than others. According to the American Lung Association, nearly four in ten people in the US live in areas where the air quality received a failing grade in 2024. More than 131 million people live in counties with poor air quality, and this is especially true for low-income communities and communities of colour.

Additionally, certain cities are known for their high levels of air pollution, such as Beijing, China, and Durban, South Africa. Living in or near major industrial areas, busy roadways, or areas prone to wildfires can also increase exposure to air pollution.

Protecting Pregnant People from Air Pollution

To protect pregnant people and their babies from the harmful effects of air pollution, it is recommended to:

• Stay indoors when air quality is poor, especially if you are in a high-risk group
• Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality
• Use natural household cleaners, vent hoods when cooking, and carbon monoxide detectors
• Inspect homes for asbestos and mould, and take steps to remove them if present
• Wear a face covering when using cleaning products or paint
• Avoid smoking, and minimise contact with second-hand smoke
• Incorporate air-purifying plants, such as spider and snake plants, into your home

Frequently asked questions