Helena Joyce
Air pollution is a major global health and environmental hazard, causing millions of deaths each year. It is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. If air pollution continues to rise, the air will become so poisonous by 2030 that people will need oxygen kits to breathe easily. The impact of air pollution is far-reaching, causing premature deaths, diseases, and damage to the environment. It is linked to respiratory issues, cancer, cardiovascular problems, and neurological issues, especially in children. Furthermore, air pollution contributes to global warming and climate change, with rising greenhouse gas emissions leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and ecosystem damage. The depletion of the ozone layer due to air pollutants increases the risk of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and harm to the immune system, aquatic systems, and crops. The effects of air pollution on agriculture are significant, reducing crop yields and causing economic losses. The situation is alarming, especially in densely populated cities, and requires urgent attention to mitigate its harmful consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health risks | Cancer, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, asthma, cardiac problems, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, heart disease, reproductive issues, birth defects, behavioural problems, lower IQs, learning disabilities, neurological problems, sore throat, coughing, lung inflammation, permanent lung damage, oxidative stress, inflammation in human cells, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma |
| Environmental impact | Climate change, global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, ocean acidification, sea level rise, increased storm surge, harm to agriculture, forests, species extinctions, ecosystem damage, reduced sunlight, changes in weather and climate, acid rain, damage to buildings, depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, increased risk of skin cancer, cataracts, harm to aquatic systems and crops, damage to wildlife habitat, water and food sources |
| Mortality rates | More than 6.5 million deaths each year globally; 1.2 million deaths in India in 2017; 238,000 premature deaths in 27 EU Member States in 2020 |
| Impact on children | Damages health during childhood and increases the risk of diseases later in life; behavioural problems, lower IQs, learning disabilities, and various neurological problems; impacts brain structure |
| Impact on elderly | Increased mortality, especially among the poor and elderly |
| Impact on cities | Urban areas have higher concentrations of pollution, with 97% of the urban population exposed to fine particulate matter above the health-based guideline level set by the World Health Organization in 2021 |
What You'll Learn
Air pollution is a leading cause of cancer
Air pollution is a major public health concern, threatening the lives and well-being of people worldwide. It is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, causing premature deaths and a range of diseases. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is a significant contributor to air pollution and has been linked to serious health issues. PM2.5 includes pollutants such as benzene, perchloroethylene, and methylene chloride, which are released into the air from various industrial and transportation sources.
Air pollution is indeed a leading cause of cancer, particularly lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution as a leading carcinogen, with PM2.5 playing a significant role. Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, and air pollution is a key factor in its development. Nearly half of lung cancer cases in non-smokers are estimated to be related to air pollution.
In addition to lung cancer, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of other types of cancer. Studies have suggested links between air pollution and cancers of the breast, liver, pancreas, and prostate. Air pollution can cause cancer in sites other than the lungs through the absorption, metabolism, and distribution of inhaled carcinogens. The effects of air pollution on cancer are not limited to cancer development, as it can also interfere with cancer treatments, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and increasing surgical complications.
The impact of air pollution on cancer is a serious issue, and addressing it requires a range of strategies. Reducing air pollution is crucial, and this can be achieved through increasing green spaces, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and promoting active transportation like walking and cycling. These actions not only reduce the risk of lung cancer but also provide a multitude of health benefits, including lower rates of other non-communicable diseases. Additionally, raising awareness about the link between air pollution and cancer is essential, empowering individuals to take preventive measures and advocate for policy changes to improve air quality.
The effects of air pollution on cancer are far-reaching, impacting individuals, communities, and healthcare systems globally. By understanding the relationship between air pollution and cancer, we can work towards mitigating the impact of this environmental health risk and improving overall public health. The integration of smart technology and the implementation of stricter emissions standards are steps towards combating air pollution and reducing its contribution to cancer development.
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It damages the respiratory system
Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, and it is a major cause for concern in the United States and China as well. It is a contributor to global warming, and as global warming accelerates, climate disruptions pose a serious threat to people with lung disease. Air pollution can affect all parts of our bodies, including the lungs, heart, brain, nervous system, digestive system, and urinary system. It is the cause and aggravating factor of many respiratory diseases, and it can induce the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the onset of asthma.
Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution than adults because their bodies and lungs are still developing. They also breathe faster, which means they take in more polluted air. Exposure to air pollution during childhood increases the risk of developing asthma and COPD as an adult. Research has also indicated that traffic-related air pollution exposure during infancy is associated with decreased lung function and long-term respiratory consequences in susceptible children.
Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide are particularly damaging types of air pollution. PM is made up of tiny pieces of solids or liquids in the air, such as dust, dirt, and smoke. The most damaging particles are the smaller "fine" particles that cannot be seen, known as PM10 and PM2.5, and the ultrafine particles. PM10 particles can reach your airways, while PM2.5 particles can reach the breathing sacs in your lungs. Ultrafine particles can cross into your bloodstream and carry toxic chemicals linked to cancer. High levels of NO2 can irritate the lining of your airways and make them more inflamed, increasing your risk of asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.
Ozone is produced when sunlight combines with nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and other gases. High ozone levels can reduce your lung capacity and make it uncomfortable to breathe. More people with lung conditions are admitted to hospitals when ozone levels are high, and there is a greater risk of getting pneumonia and bronchitis.
In addition to the health risks, air pollution also has economic implications. For example, in 2023, exhaust from diesel engines alone led to more than 5,000 asthma attacks, nearly 200 heart attacks, and 416 premature deaths across one US state.
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It contributes to global warming
Air pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin, and addressing them together is crucial for protecting human health and the planet. Air pollution contributes to global warming through the emission of greenhouse gases and particulate matter, which have warming and cooling effects on the Earth's climate.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are released into the atmosphere through human activities like burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over decades intensifies the warming impact.
Particulate matter, or aerosols, in the atmosphere also influences the Earth's climate. Aerosols can be natural or human-made, with the latter including soot from incomplete combustion of coal and black carbon from burning fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. These human-induced particles absorb solar radiation, contributing to global warming. However, not all aerosols have a warming effect; some reflect sunlight and contribute to a cooling effect.
The interaction between aerosols and clouds further impacts the climate. Aerosols act as condensation nuclei for cloud formation, and clouds can reflect or trap solar radiation, leading to cooling or warming effects, respectively. While the overall impact of aerosols is complex, human activities have led to a net loss of solar energy in densely populated areas, potentially masking some of the global warming caused by greenhouse gases.
Addressing air pollution is essential for mitigating global warming and its associated health risks. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon can provide dual benefits of improved air quality and slowed climate change. Comprehensive strategies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing stricter emissions standards, are necessary to tackle the interconnected challenges of air pollution and global warming.
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It harms plants and crops
Air pollution has a detrimental impact on plants and crops. Ozone, a common air pollutant, is known to restrict plant growth and reduce crop yields. Nitrogen oxides, or NOx, are among the most widely emitted pollutants, and they can directly damage crop cells and affect plant metabolic function. The presence of these pollutants in the atmosphere can lead to a decrease in crop yields, with studies showing a 6-16% decrease in soy, a 7-12% decrease in wheat, and a 3-5% decrease in corn.
At the ecosystem level, air pollution can disrupt the balance among plant species, leading to fluctuations and potential loss of biodiversity. This is particularly concerning in agricultural environments, where plants and crops are essential for economic reasons. The effects of air pollution on plants and crops can also vary depending on the season, location, and interaction with other stressors such as water stress.
In addition to nitrogen oxides, other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and heavy metals deposited in the soil can also harm plants and crops. Heavy metals, for example, can impair root functioning and interfere with the plant's ability to capture soil resources.
The depletion of the ozone layer due to air pollution further exacerbates the harm to plants and crops. The ozone layer protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation, which can restrict plant growth and affect the immune systems of plants, as well as slow the growth of fish and amphibians, impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Overall, the continued presence and increase of air pollution pose significant risks to plants and crops, threatening their growth, yield, and survival, with potential consequences for food security and biodiversity.
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It impacts the health of children
Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe, and it significantly impacts the health of the European population, particularly in
Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly than adults, taking in more air relative to their body weight. Young children also tend to spend more time outdoors, breathing air closer to the ground, and are therefore in closer proximity to sources of pollution like dust and vehicle exhaust. They are also significantly affected by household air pollution as they spend a lot of time indoors.
The health impacts of air pollution on children are wide-ranging. Air pollution has been linked to adverse respiratory health outcomes, including asthma, other respiratory symptoms, deficits in lung function and growth, and exposure to ambient levels of criteria air pollutants. It also increases the risk of diseases later in life, with links to type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Air pollution has also been associated with vitamin D deficiency, alteration in the immune system, and cognitive developmental issues.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that approximately 238,000 premature deaths in the 27 EU Member States in 2020 were attributable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The State of Global Air 2024 report also highlights how air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under five years of age in 2021, after malnutrition.
Protecting children's health is a key objective in major policies on climate and the environment, such as the zero pollution action plan. While air pollution is a pressing issue, there is a need to continue improving air quality, especially in child-centric settings like schools and kindergartens, to safeguard children's health and future.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is already a worldwide problem and a familiar environmental health hazard. If it continues to rise, the air will become more poisonous, and the impact on human health and the environment will be more dangerous.
Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe and a major cause of premature death and disease. It is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally. It increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, neurological problems, behavioural problems, lower IQs, learning disabilities, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia.
Air pollution causes global warming and climate change, reduces visibility, blocks sunlight, harms forests, wildlife, and agriculture, and causes acid rain. It also leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and increased storm surges.
Children, the elderly, and people with ongoing illnesses are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Urban populations are also at greater risk due to high concentrations of pollution within cities.
