Who Suffers Most From Air Pollution?

Air pollution is a serious health threat that affects everyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable to its harmful effects. These include children, whose developing bodies are more susceptible to infections and respiratory issues, and older adults, whose lungs and immune systems may be compromised. Pregnant individuals are also at risk, as air pollution can lead to adverse birth outcomes and an increased risk of hypertensive disorders. Additionally, people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes, are more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution. People of colour and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution due to historical and ongoing systemic racism and socioeconomic inequalities. They are more likely to live near sources of pollution and experience higher exposure to harmful pollutants, increasing their risk of health complications.

People of colour

A study by researchers at the EPA-funded Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions found that people of colour experience greater than average exposures from source types causing 75% of overall exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This type of pollution is harmful to human health and is responsible for 85,000 to 200,000 excess deaths in the United States annually. 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 for people of colour are a result of systemic racism. Due to a legacy of housing policies and other factors, people of colour have been pushed into less desirable areas with higher levels of pollution. This has been further exacerbated by discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation, which have restricted the mobility and economic opportunities of people of colour. As a result, communities of colour are often concentrated in areas with higher levels of pollution, including busy roadways, transit depots, industrial facilities, and power plants.

Additionally, people of colour are more likely to suffer harm to their health from air pollution compared to white people. They are also more likely to live 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 stress of discrimination and the resulting chronic stress may also play a role in the increased health risks faced by people of colour due to air pollution.

Low-income groups

Low-income individuals are more likely to reside in close proximity to sources of pollution, such as busy roadways, industrial facilities, and power plants. They also have fewer financial resources to relocate to safer areas. The areas where they live often lack safety, green spaces, and access to high-quality food, which has been linked to increased psychosocial distress and chronic stress, making them even more vulnerable to the health effects of pollution.

Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in the impact of air pollution. Multiple studies have found that low socioeconomic status increases the risk of premature death from fine particle pollution. For instance, a 2016 study of New Jersey residents revealed that communities with lower median incomes faced a higher risk of dying prematurely from long-term exposure to particle pollution. Similarly, a 2008 study of Washington, DC, found a correlation between high Medicaid enrollment, a marker of low income, and worsened asthma symptoms, although the link to high air pollution was less consistent.

The disparities in the impact of air pollution on low-income groups are influenced by various factors. Firstly, these groups may face greater exposure to pollution due to factors such as racism, class bias, housing market dynamics, and land costs. Pollution sources are often located near disadvantaged communities, increasing their exposure to harmful pollutants. Secondly, low-income individuals may have limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and quality education, which can exacerbate the health risks associated with air pollution. Additionally, they may have fewer job opportunities and work in dirtier or more hazardous environments, further increasing their exposure to pollutants.

Furthermore, low-income groups may already suffer from existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollution. For example, people of color, who are more likely to have lower incomes, have a higher incidence of diabetes and are among the groups most at risk from air pollutants. The combination of low income and racial or ethnic minority status can create a compounded risk factor for the health impacts of air pollution.

Children

In addition, children in the womb are also affected by air pollution. When pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low-birth-weight children. Air pollution also impacts neurodevelopment and cognitive ability and can trigger asthma and childhood cancer. Children who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease later in life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 93% of the world's children under 15 years of age (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Tragically, many of them die: WHO estimates that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air.

Pregnant people

A 2013 analysis of 14 population-level studies found a correlation between higher levels of certain pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, and an increased risk of low birth weight. Similarly, a 2018 study found a correlation between exposure to air pollution and stillbirth, with the risk being highest in the third trimester. Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to preterm birth, with around 3 million babies born prematurely each year due to this cause alone. Preterm birth increases the risk of other complications, such as low birth weight, underdeveloped lungs, and death during or shortly after birth.

Furthermore, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, which can cause elevated blood pressure and decreased function of the liver and kidneys. It can also lead to intrauterine inflammation and damage to the placenta, disrupting the growth and development of the foetus.

In addition to these direct impacts, pregnant people from minority groups and those with lower incomes may face additional risks. For example, exposure to racism and a lack of access to quality food, safe housing, and adequate prenatal care can intensify the effects of air pollution on pregnancy outcomes.

To protect themselves and their unborn children, pregnant people can take measures such as using air purifiers, staying indoors during periods of high air pollution, and consulting with healthcare professionals for further advice.

People with pre-existing health conditions

People with asthma, for example, already have physical challenges with their breathing. The cellular injury and inflammation triggered by breathing polluted air put additional stress on their lungs, which are already compromised by the disease. This can result in a worsening of symptoms, increased medication use, and even premature death.

Similarly, people with cardiovascular disease are at risk of serious illness and premature death due to air pollution. Air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter increase the amount and seriousness of lung and heart disease and other health problems. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections.

In addition, air pollution can also affect people with diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found links between exposure to air pollution and type 2 diabetes, with evidence suggesting that chronic exposure can affect every organ in the body, complicating and exacerbating existing health conditions.

It is important to note that the impact of air pollution on people with pre-existing health conditions is not limited to physical health. Air pollution can also have psychological effects, especially on individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. For instance, people with lower incomes, who are already facing challenges such as a lack of safety, green space, and high-quality food access, experience increased psychosocial distress and chronic stress due to air pollution, which, in turn, makes them more vulnerable to pollution-related health effects.

Overall, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, whether physical or mental, are at a higher risk of adverse consequences from air pollution, and it is crucial to recognise and address these disparities to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable groups.

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