Pollution's Impact: The Most Vulnerable Groups Exposed

While air pollution is unhealthy for everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to its effects than others. These groups include children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, people of colour, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income populations are disproportionately affected by air pollution due to factors such as residential segregation, limited mobility options, and proximity to sources of pollution. Furthermore, low-income communities often face challenges such as a lack of safety, green spaces, and access to quality healthcare, which further increases their vulnerability to the health impacts of pollution. Globally, pollution causes over 9 million premature deaths, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

People of colour

The impact of pollution on the health of people of colour is exacerbated by the higher incidence of chronic conditions in these communities, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, people of colour often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, which further compounds the health risks associated with pollution exposure. The stress of discrimination and the lack of access to healthy food options and good jobs may also play a role in the increased vulnerability of people of colour to the harmful effects of pollution.

The burden of air pollution falls disproportionately on people of colour, and addressing this environmental injustice requires regulations that specifically target the reduction of air pollution exposure for these communities.

Low-income households

Firstly, low-income households are frequently located near major sources of pollution, such as busy highways, industrial facilities, and power plants. This proximity leads to increased exposure to harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, particle pollution, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The placement of polluting facilities in these areas is often a result of fewer regulations, cheaper land, and less opposition from the communities. Additionally, low-income households may have limited financial resources to relocate to less polluted areas.

Secondly, low-income individuals often experience higher rates of health issues due to pollution. They may have limited access to quality healthcare and lower rates of health coverage, making it more difficult to treat pollution-related illnesses. Pollution can exacerbate existing health conditions, such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and asthma. It can also contribute to premature death, especially among individuals with low socioeconomic status.

Moreover, the impact of pollution on low-income households extends beyond physical health. It can lead to increased psychosocial distress and chronic stress, making people more vulnerable to pollution-related health effects. Lack of access to green spaces, safety, and high-quality food—which are often lacking in low-income communities—can further exacerbate these issues.

Furthermore, energy poverty, commonly experienced by low-income households, plays a significant role in their vulnerability to pollution. They may rely on inefficient and polluting fuels for cooking and heating, such as wood and dung, due to their limited financial resources. This not only contributes to indoor air pollution but also limits opportunities for economic development, as time and resources are consumed by the gathering and processing of fuel.

Lastly, the political power of large emitters often outweighs that of low-income households, leading to lax environmental regulations that favour corporations over the health and well-being of vulnerable communities. Lack of emissions regulations and enforcement, particularly in low-income areas, allows industries to continue emitting unhealthy levels of pollution without facing repercussions.

Overall, low-income households bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the effects of pollution, impacting their physical and mental health, access to resources, and overall quality of life. Addressing this disparity requires comprehensive solutions that tackle emissions regulations, community empowerment, and equitable access to healthcare and clean energy sources.

Children

A Stanford-led study found that exposure to air pollution for even a single day may lead to higher rates of heart disease and other ailments in adulthood. The study, which focused on a group of predominantly Hispanic children in Fresno, California, confirmed that air pollution can alter gene regulation in a way that impacts long-term health. It was found that exposure to fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone over time is linked to increased methylation, an alteration of DNA molecules that can change their activity without changing their sequence. This change in gene expression may be passed down to future generations. The study also found that air pollution exposure correlates with an increase in monocytes, white blood cells that play a role in the buildup of plaques in arteries, potentially predisposing children to heart disease in adulthood.

Additionally, children from low-income families are more likely to live in areas with higher pollution levels and have limited options to reduce their exposure. They may also have decreased access to healthcare, making them more vulnerable to the health effects of pollution.

Pregnant people

While outdoor air pollution is unhealthy for everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to its effects than others. One such group is pregnant people, who are in a stage of life that is "uniquely susceptible to harm from environmental contaminants, including air pollution."

The physical changes that occur during pregnancy put stress on the body, and the additional inflammation and stress caused by exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, and lead to intrauterine inflammation and damage to the placenta that can disrupt the growth and development of the fetus.

Research has shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is strongly associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. These risks are amplified when the pregnant person is already in another high-risk demographic, such as people of colour or those with chronic conditions, especially asthma.

Air pollution can also affect the health of the pregnant person, with studies finding a correlation between exposure to air pollution in the first trimester and an increased risk of preeclampsia and high blood pressure.

Furthermore, exposure to air pollution may affect lung development in the fetus, either indirectly by causing preterm labour and resulting in the birth of a baby whose lungs are not fully functional, or directly by causing longer-term respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies.

In addition to the health risks, pregnant people who live in polluted areas or are exposed to indoor air pollution from toxins such as cigarette smoke may also experience negative pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labour, low birth weight, and congenital abnormalities.

To reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on pregnancy, pregnant people can stay indoors as much as possible when air quality is poor, wear a face covering when outdoors, and use quality air filters.

The elderly

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 due to several factors.

Firstly, the aging process gradually reduces the lungs' breathing ability, which can be further exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. Older adults also tend to have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to respiratory infections and illnesses such as pneumonia. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have pre-existing chronic illnesses, such as lung and heart disease, which can be aggravated by air pollution.

The susceptibility to the adverse effects of air pollution varies between individuals and can change over time. While some people may not experience any symptoms, others may suffer from serious health problems due to air pollution. For older adults, exposure to air pollutants can even be fatal, especially if they have pre-existing conditions.

Research has shown a strong association between short-term exposure to air pollution and respiratory morbidity in the elderly. Studies have found that increases in air pollution levels lead to a higher number of hospitalizations and emergency room visits for respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia.

Furthermore, air pollution has been linked to increased mortality rates among older adults, with particular vulnerability to particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone. Fine particle pollution (PM2.5) has been associated with premature death, cardiac issues, asthma attacks, and the development of chronic bronchitis.

The impact of air pollution on older adults is a significant concern, and future epidemiological studies are needed to further investigate the long-term health effects on this vulnerable population.

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