Air Quality Alert: How Polluted Is Our Air?

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an alarming 90% of people worldwide breathe polluted air, exceeding internationally approved limits. This means that about 7 million people die prematurely each year from exposure to fine particles and pollutants in the air, causing cardiovascular and respiratory issues, cancers, and other critical illnesses. The situation disproportionately affects marginalized communities, with over 3 billion women and children bearing the brunt of household air pollution due to the use of polluting stoves and fuels. While some regions, such as high-income countries in Europe and the Americas, have shown declining air pollution levels, other areas, including the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia, consistently record dangerously high pollution levels. The growing awareness of air pollution's impact has spurred campaigns like BreatheLife, urging individuals and governments to take action to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality.

Air pollution's impact on health

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, with 9 out of 10 people worldwide, or 99 per cent of the population, estimated to be breathing polluted air. This figure has remained high over the past 6 years, with some declining concentrations in parts of Europe and the Americas. However, the highest levels of air pollution are found in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia, often exceeding WHO limits by more than 5 times.

The impact of air pollution on health is significant. It is defined as the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, and smoke, which can be harmful to human health. The main exposure pathway is through the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even mutagenicity in cells throughout the body. These pollutants can impact almost every organ, with some small enough to penetrate the bloodstream and circulate, causing systemic inflammation and carcinogenicity.

The pollutants with the most evidence for adverse health impacts include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is of particular concern as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. Short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to reduced lung function and aggravated asthma, while long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic diseases.

Maternal exposure to air pollution is also associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm births, low birth weight, and small gestational age births. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, with a 27% increase in bipolar disorder rates and a 6% increase in major depression in areas with poor air quality.

The health impacts of air pollution vary depending on the types and concentrations of pollutants. While some populations are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women, it is clear that air pollution poses a significant risk to human health worldwide.

Global air pollution statistics

Air pollution is a serious global issue that poses a major threat to human health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 99% of the world's population breathes air that exceeds internationally approved limits, putting them at risk for various diseases and negative health outcomes. This includes an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, cancer, respiratory infections, and pneumonia. While air pollution affects people worldwide, those in low and middle-income countries, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia, suffer the highest exposures.

In recent years, air pollution has contributed to a significant number of deaths globally. It is estimated that around 7 million people die annually from exposure to fine particles in polluted air, causing diseases and early deaths. The death rate from total air pollution has seen a decline since 1990, mainly due to improvements in indoor air quality. However, outdoor pollution improvements have been more modest. In 2021, air pollution contributed to 8.1 million deaths, making it the second-leading risk factor for early death, only surpassed by high blood pressure. It is estimated that air pollution shortens the average person's lifespan by approximately two years.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. In 2021, a total of 709,000 deaths in children under five were linked to air pollution exposure, representing 15% of all global deaths in this age group. Additionally, scientists estimate that 476,000 infants died in their first month of life from health issues associated with air pollution exposure in 2019. These numbers highlight the devastating impact of air pollution on the health and well-being of children.

While the situation is dire, there is a growing momentum for better air quality worldwide. More countries and cities are taking action to address air pollution and improve monitoring efforts. For example, the BreatheLife campaign, a partnership between WHO, UN Environment, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, aims to increase awareness and encourage governments and individuals to take action to reduce air pollution. Additionally, the number of cities monitoring air quality has significantly increased in the last decade, with more than 6,000 cities in 117 countries now participating.

Despite these efforts, there is still much to be done to ensure healthy air quality for all. Many cities continue to fall short of complying with air quality guidelines, and climate change and extreme weather events further exacerbate the problem. It is essential to address air pollution at all levels of governance and work towards sustainable solutions to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations.

The impact of fossil fuels

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air. That's about 90% of people globally. While air pollution levels have remained relatively stable over the past six years, with some declining concentrations in parts of Europe and the Americas, the air quality still exceeds internationally approved limits.

The health impacts of fossil fuel air pollution are severe. Worldwide, air pollution from burning fossil fuels is responsible for about one in five deaths. In 2018, more than 8 million people died from fossil fuel pollution, with 350,000 premature deaths attributed to it in the United States alone. Exposure to particulate matter from fossil fuels can cause multiple health issues, including asthma, cancer, heart disease, and premature death. The pollutants emitted by fossil fuel combustion, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), pose the greatest risks to human health and can lead to increased cases of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, cancer, and pneumonia.

The environmental impact of fossil fuels extends beyond air pollution. Fossil fuel combustion contributes to water pollution, with toxic wastewater from fracking containing substances like arsenic, lead, chlorine, and mercury that contaminate groundwater and drinking water. Oil spills also have a devastating impact on ocean ecosystems. Additionally, the carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans from fossil fuel emissions leads to ocean acidification, altering the ocean's chemistry.

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is crucial to mitigating the impact of air pollution. Urgent action is needed to reduce the use of polluting fuels and technologies, especially in households, to protect the health and well-being of people worldwide, particularly the most vulnerable communities.

Air pollution by region

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 90% of people worldwide breathe polluted air. This equates to approximately 7 million people dying prematurely each year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate the lungs and cardiovascular system.

Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia

The Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia have the highest levels of ambient air pollution. Annual mean levels often exceed WHO limits by more than five times.

Africa and the Western Pacific

Low and middle-income cities in Africa and the Western Pacific also experience high levels of air pollution, with a lack of data available for these regions.

Europe and the Americas

In contrast, ambient air pollution levels have been declining in some parts of Europe and the Americas. These regions generally have the lowest pollution levels, particularly in high-income countries.

Pakistan

Urban areas in Pakistan, such as Lahore and Karachi, are hotspots for hazardous air, impacting millions. The Pakistani government faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability in their efforts to curb pollution.

Bahrain

Bahrain's PM2.5 concentration has fluctuated in recent years, reflecting the challenges posed by industrial emissions, heavy traffic, and regional dust storms. The country's petroleum industry, central to its economy, significantly contributes to air pollution.

Mongolia

Emissions from coal-fired power plants in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, contribute to air pollution in the region.

Action against air pollution

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, with over 3 billion people facing the most severe consequences, especially women and children. This has resulted in an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year due to ambient and household air pollution. While air pollution levels have remained high over the past few years, there is some positive news: more countries are taking action to address this issue.

Individual actions:

• Reduce vehicle usage: Vehicle exhaust is a significant contributor to air pollution. Opt for carpooling, biking, public transportation, or telecommuting whenever possible. If you must drive, consider purchasing an electric vehicle or one with low emissions. Properly maintain your vehicle, including keeping your tires inflated, to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Conserve energy: Lower your energy consumption by turning off electrical appliances and lights when not in use. Opt for energy-efficient appliances, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, and consider alternative energy sources like solar or wind power.
• Avoid burning: Do not burn leaves, trash, or other materials. Instead, look for recycling or proper disposal options. Avoid using fireplaces, wood stoves, or fire pits, especially during air quality alerts.
• Plant trees: Trees act as natural air filters and help absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
• Support initiatives: Advocate for cleaner air by contacting your local representatives and supporting initiatives like the Smog Check Program. Stay informed about air quality alerts and air pollution levels in your area.

Community and governmental actions:

• Monitor air quality: Governments and local authorities should prioritize measuring and monitoring air quality to identify areas of concern and track progress.
• Encourage sustainable practices: Promote sustainable practices among local businesses, city offices, and schools. Provide resources and programs to help them reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly.
• Address fossil fuel emissions: Fossil fuels are a major source of harmful emissions. Governments should take tangible steps to curb their use and transition to cleaner energy sources.
• Implement air quality guidelines: Develop and enforce air quality guidelines to ensure cities comply with international standards. This includes reducing exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, which have been linked to adverse health effects.
• Promote public health: Educate the public about the health risks associated with air pollution and provide resources to help vulnerable communities protect themselves from its impacts.

Frequently asked questions