Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million premature deaths each year. It is caused by a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources. While there are many dangerous pollutants, the worst substance for pollution is arguably mercury, which is released into the atmosphere in significant quantities by small-scale gold mining. This neurotoxic element puts the health of millions of miners at risk and is estimated to affect over 3.5 million people worldwide. Other harmful pollutants include PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and lung disease, stroke, and cancer. Ground-level ozone, or smog, is another dangerous pollutant, contributing to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths. Additionally, pollutants like nitrogen oxides, black carbon, methane, and pesticides have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hazardous air pollutants | Gases such as hydrogen chloride, benzene, and toluene or compounds and metals such as asbestos, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and lead. |
| Sources of hazardous air pollutants | Emissions from coal-fired power plants, industries, refineries, cars, trucks, and buses. |
| Health risks | Cancer, birth defects, and other serious harms. |
| Number of premature deaths caused by air pollution | 6.5-7 million per year |
| Percentage of global black carbon emissions from Asia, Africa, and Latin America | 88% |
| Percentage of people who breathe air containing pollutant levels exceeding World Health Organization limits | 90% |
| Number of premature deaths caused by exposure to ground-level ozone | 472,000 per year |
| Percentage of global warming caused by methane | 25% |
| Number of people poisoned by PCB-laced rice oil in Japan and Taiwan | Thousands |
| Number of people who fell ill after eating bread made with hexochlorobenzene-treated seeds in eastern Türkiye | Thousands |
| Number of people suffering from mercury-related health effects due to artisanal gold mining | 3.5 million |
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What You'll Learn
Ground-level ozone
Ozone in the upper atmosphere, or stratospheric ozone, is beneficial as it forms a protective layer that shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In contrast, ground-level ozone is harmful to both human health and the environment. It is the primary component of smog and can trigger and worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. It also damages plants and trees, impairing their growth and making them more susceptible to insects and diseases.
To address ground-level ozone pollution, governments and organizations implement various measures. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works with states and tribes to monitor air quality and designate areas as attainment or nonattainment based on national ambient air quality standards. Nonattainment areas are required to develop state implementation plans (SIPs) to outline the steps needed to improve air quality. Additionally, the EPA has established regulations to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone, helping state and local governments meet air quality standards.
Furthermore, individuals can play a role in reducing ground-level ozone pollution by limiting their use of vehicles, conserving electricity, and avoiding the use of gasoline-powered equipment, paint, and other products that release solvent gases during periods of high ozone levels.
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Nitrogen oxides
Both NO2 in its untransformed state and the acid and nitrate transformation products of NO2 can adversely affect human health and the environment. NO2 can cause adverse effects on the respiratory systems of humans and animals and damage vegetation. When dissolved by water vapour, the acids formed can have adverse effects on the respiratory systems of humans and animals. Nitric acid (HNO3) can cause damage to vegetation, buildings, and materials and contribute to the acidification of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. When NO2 is transformed into nitrate particles that are subsequently deposited on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, acidification can result.
NOx is a significant source of air pollution in areas with high motor vehicle traffic, such as large cities. It is generated from the combustion of fuel engines and industry. NOx is also produced naturally by lightning and can be found at altitudes greater than 5 km. In addition to vehicle emissions, agricultural fertilization and the use of nitrogen-fixing plants contribute to atmospheric NOx by promoting nitrogen fixation by microorganisms. The nitrification process transforms ammonia into nitrate, and denitrification is the reverse process. During denitrification, nitrate is reduced to nitrite, then NO, then N2O, and finally nitrogen.
NOx is a precursor to smog formation and contributes to acid rain and tropospheric ozone depletion. It is one of the primary contributing pollutants to the formation of ground-level ozone, along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ground-level ozone is a strong greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to global warming. Reducing short-lived climate pollutants like ground-level ozone can significantly mitigate climate change and improve human health.
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Hexachlorobenzene
HCB is now banned in many countries, including the United States since 1966. However, it is still produced as a byproduct in the manufacture of organic chemicals and the burning of municipal waste. Its persistence in the environment has prompted numerous research studies to understand its toxicological effects and movement through air, water, soil, and sediments. HCB has a relatively low acute toxicity but is toxic due to its ability to accumulate in body tissues. It has a half-life of 9 years in soil and can adhere to it, leading to prolonged residence in sediments and lakes.
The toxic effects of hexachlorobenzene have been observed in humans and animals. In the 1950s, thousands of people in eastern Türkiye fell ill and hundreds died after consuming bread made with HCB-treated grain. Affected individuals developed a liver condition that resulted in skin lesions, and breastfeeding children of mothers who had eaten the tainted bread died from a condition called "pink sore". Studies have also shown that chronic oral exposure to HCB can lead to liver disease, skin lesions, thyroid issues, bone effects, and neurological changes in rodents.
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Hexabromocyclododecane
Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and long-range environmental transport, HBCD has raised significant concerns. In 2013, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants listed HBCD in Annex A, with specific exemptions for production and use in expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) in buildings. This listing entered into force in November 2014 for most countries, with a five-year exemption period allowed. Japan was the first country to implement a ban on the import and production of HBCD in 2014, followed by the United States EPA, which began regulating HBCD in 2020.
The adverse effects of HBCD on the environment and human health have been well-documented. HBCD is an endocrine disruptor and has detrimental effects on the neuronal, endocrine, cardiovascular, liver, and reproductive systems. Studies have also suggested a link between HBCD and the prevalence of breast cancer. HBCD's persistence and ability to accumulate in the environment pose significant challenges for its regulation and manufacture, especially considering its 16 possible stereo-isomers with different biological activities.
Overall, Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a significant environmental and health concern due to its widespread use, persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation. Its classification as a persistent organic pollutant and the subsequent regulatory actions taken by various countries reflect the seriousness of the issues associated with this substance. Further efforts are likely needed to address the ongoing risks posed by HBCD.
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Particulate matter
These particles are hazardous to human health, as they can be inhaled and penetrate deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream. This can lead to an increased risk of heart and lung disease, stroke, and cancer. The smallest particles, known as fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health. They are generally 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter and are so small that they can bypass the body's natural defenses, causing harm to the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs.
PM2.5 particles come from a variety of sources, including combusting unclean fuels for cooking or heating, burning waste and agricultural residue, industrial activities, transportation, and windblown dust. They can be emitted directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires, or they can form in the atmosphere from pollutants such as ammonia and volatile organic compounds.
The impact of particulate matter on human health is significant. Those who live near emission sources, such as power plants, industrial sites, or vehicles, are at a higher risk of exposure. Additionally, people of color are also more vulnerable to the health impacts of particle pollution. While air quality has improved in recent decades due to stricter regulations, such as the federal Clean Air Act in the United States, it is important to continuously strive for cleaner air to protect public health and mitigate climate change.
Overall, particulate matter is a serious form of air pollution that has harmful effects on human health and the environment. Reducing emissions of pollutants that form particulate matter is crucial to improving air quality and safeguarding public health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many hazardous substances that contribute to pollution, and it is difficult to pinpoint one substance as the single worst offender. However, some of the most harmful substances include mercury, lead, arsenic, methane, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5).
Mercury is released into the environment primarily through small-scale gold mining and coal-burning by power plants. The process of heating mercury over an open flame during gold mining releases the neurotoxin into the atmosphere, endangering the health of miners and the surrounding communities.
PM2.5 refers to fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to an increased risk of heart and lung disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and cancer. These particles are produced by the combustion of fuels in power generation, industrial activities, transportation, and waste burning.
