Helena Joyce
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. Air pollution is caused by dirty emissions from engines, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, pollen, and chemicals we use in our homes. These pollutants can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the air pollutant driving the most significant health problems and premature mortality. In 2021, 97% of the urban population was exposed to concentrations of fine particulate matter above the health-based guideline level set by the World Health Organization.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health impact | Inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, mutagenicity, respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, lung disease, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, premature death, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, metabolic diseases, reduced birth weight, neurodevelopmental diseases |
| Populations at risk | Children, adolescents, elderly, pregnant women, people with lung diseases, people with asthma, people with COPD, people with emphysema, people with chronic bronchitis, people who smoke |
| Pollutants | Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), black carbon/elemental carbon, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), wood tars, gases, soot, chemicals, dust, fumes, mist, odour, smoke, vapour |
| Sources of pollution | Motor vehicles, factories, power plants, equipment, wood burning, wildfires, residential energy consumption, commercial energy consumption, institutional energy consumption, industrial emissions, manufacturing industry, extractive industry, agriculture, vehicle exhaust, road dust, gas-fueled yard equipment, chemicals in homes, stoves, lamps |
| Global impact | 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air, 7 million people die every year due to air pollution, 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits, 94% of the urban population is exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) above WHO guideline levels |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution can cause respiratory issues, coughing, and asthma
Air pollution is a critical issue that poses significant risks to human health, particularly in the development of respiratory issues, coughing, and asthma. When individuals inhale polluted air, they introduce various contaminants, such as dust, fumes, gases, and smoke, into their respiratory tract. These pollutants can irritate and inflame the airways and lungs, triggering a range of adverse effects.
One of the most common air pollutants is ground-level ozone, often found in smog or haze. It is formed by the interaction of emissions from burning fuel and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), along with heat and sunlight. Ground-level ozone is more prevalent in cities with higher vehicle traffic and the use of fossil fuels. This pollutant is linked to exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The irritation caused by ozone in the lungs and airways triggers asthma symptoms.
Particulate matter (PM), especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is another critical air pollutant. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Short-term exposure to PM can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, increased mucus production, and wheezing. It can also aggravate asthma and trigger asthma attacks. Long-term exposure to PM increases the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The impact of air pollution on respiratory health is evident in the increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to respiratory problems, including asthma flare-ups. Children with asthma are particularly vulnerable to particle pollution, experiencing more severe symptoms than adults with the condition. This vulnerability may be attributed to anatomical factors that result in higher pollutant deposition in the tracheobronchial region of their lungs.
Additionally, air pollution contributes to the development and exacerbation of lung diseases such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. Diesel pollution from vehicles and heavy equipment is a significant source of air pollution, posing serious health risks, especially to children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung conditions.
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It can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes
Air pollution is defined as the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure to air pollution is through the respiratory tract. Breathing in these pollutants leads to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs.
Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, a major component of smoke from wildfires, is of particular concern. These very small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. This can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. Research has found that exposure to increased concentrations of PM2.5 over a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease-related heart attacks and even death.
Longer-term exposure to fine particulate matter can also increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality and decrease life expectancy. It contributes to the development and exacerbation of cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions affecting the health of the heart or blood vessels. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes, as the build-up of plaque in the walls of the arteries can result in blood clots, blocking blood flow and leading to these adverse events.
The health effects of air pollution on the cardiovascular system are particularly evident when examining the impact of secondhand smoke. Nonsmoking adults and children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and experiencing strokes. Furthermore, the ubiquitous nature of exposure to air pollution means that the absolute risk at the population level is significant, especially in low and middle-income countries.
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It increases the risk of lung cancer and other cancers
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odours, smoke, or vapours, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure to air pollution is through the respiratory tract. Breathing in these pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs, and ultimately leading to disease.
One of the most significant health risks associated with air pollution is the increased likelihood of developing lung cancer. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to other organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. These particles are often found in vehicle exhaust, smoke from fossil fuels, and industrial sources. Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, even in individuals who have never smoked. The number of lung cancer deaths attributed to air pollution is estimated to have increased by nearly 30% since 2007, while smoking-related lung cancer deaths have decreased.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified outdoor air pollution and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 microns as carcinogenic to humans. This classification highlights the direct link between air pollution and lung cancer. In addition to lung cancer, air pollution has also been associated with an increased risk of other cancers, including mesothelioma, anal, small intestine, and laryngeal carcinomas. The particles found in air pollution have also been linked to cancerous changes in airway cells, particularly those with EGFR and KRAS gene mutations.
The health effects of air pollution are not limited to cancer. Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter can aggravate lung diseases, trigger asthma attacks, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Long-term exposure can lead to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that the risk of developing these diseases is higher for certain populations, including children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Addressing air pollution and reducing exposure to harmful particulate matter is crucial for protecting public health and reducing the burden of cancer and other diseases worldwide. This includes implementing measures to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and raise awareness about the risks associated with air pollution. By taking these steps, we can work towards creating a healthier environment for all.
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Air pollution can cause early death and damage to the environment
Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It is caused by the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, and smoke, which can have detrimental effects on human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body.
One of the most concerning aspects of air pollution is its impact on human health, specifically its contribution to early deaths. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is a major driver of premature mortality. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. Short-term spikes in fine particle pollution have been linked to immediate and near-future premature deaths, primarily from respiratory and cardiovascular causes. In 2019, an international study of 499 cities across the globe reinforced the consistent findings of the association between fine particle pollution and mortality.
The health impacts of air pollution are wide-ranging and affect people of all ages. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable as their bodies and immune systems are still developing. Exposure to air pollution during childhood increases the risk of developing various diseases later in life, and evidence suggests that it could also harm children before birth, leading to reduced birth weight. In 2022, it was estimated that 442,000 children under the age of five died prematurely each year from breathing polluted air. Additionally, air pollution is a known cause of cancer, specifically lung cancer, and has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. It can also worsen existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis.
The environmental consequences of air pollution are equally concerning. It contributes to long-term environmental damage by driving climate change, which poses a significant threat to health and well-being. Air pollution impacts vegetation, ecosystems, water and soil quality, and local ecosystems. Additionally, it affects the economy due to increased healthcare costs, reduced life expectancy, and lost working days across sectors.
Addressing air pollution is crucial to mitigate its harmful effects on human health and the environment. Improving air quality to match World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended levels could prevent more than half of the premature deaths caused by exposure to fine particulate matter.
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It can also cause or worsen health issues in children
Air pollution has a disastrous effect on children and adolescents. Their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing, and air pollution damages their health during childhood and increases the risk of diseases later in life. Children are more vulnerable because they have little to no control over their exposure to air pollution or the policies surrounding it.
In 2022, it was reported that 442,000 children under the age of 5 died prematurely from breathing polluted air. Evidence suggests that air pollution could also harm children before they are born, causing reduced birth weight due to their mothers' exposure. There is also emerging evidence linking air pollution exposure to cancer, neurodevelopmental and metabolic diseases in children. Globally, lower respiratory infections are the second leading cause of death for children under 5.
Children are also more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases such as asthma. Ozone is a major factor in causing asthma, and nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can also worsen it. In addition, short-term exposure to fine particles in the air can aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase the risk of respiratory infections.
The elderly, pregnant women, and people who are already ill are also more vulnerable to the adverse health impacts of air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health.
Air pollution can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and worsen lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections.
Sources of air pollution include vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fueled yard equipment, and chemicals used in homes. Other sources include motor vehicles, factories, power plants, equipment, wood burning, and wildfires.
