Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a major global health hazard that affects the environment and human health. It is responsible for about 6.5 million deaths each year, with 8.1 million premature deaths attributed to air pollution annually. Air pollution is caused by energy use and production, with 85% of it coming from burning fossil fuels and biomass. It is made up of particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. These pollutants have various effects on human health, including asthma, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Climate change also increases the production of allergenic air pollutants and enhances conditions for ozone pollution. While clean air measures and policies have improved air quality in some countries, nearly half of Americans still face unhealthy air pollution levels, and it remains a problem for many communities of color and low-income urban areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources | Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, forest fires, energy production, and power plants |
| Pollutants | Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, soot, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, lead |
| Health Effects | Asthma, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, dementia, low birth weight, stillbirths, miscarriages, chronic bronchitis, colorectal and prostate cancers, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases |
| Impact | Air pollution is the second-leading cause of death in young children, causing 8.1 million premature deaths annually |
| Mitigation | Cleaner energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, better waste management, and targeted policy action |
What You'll Learn
Burning fossil fuels
The combustion of fossil fuels leads to the emission of harmful chemicals and gases, such as particulate matter (PM 2.5), soot, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants have severe health consequences, including respiratory issues, heart diseases, lung cancer, asthma, strokes, and other serious illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population 99% breathes air that exceeds the recommended guideline limits for pollutant levels. This situation is particularly dire in low- and middle-income countries, where the exposure to pollutants is the highest, resulting in a significant number of premature deaths.
One of the most concerning aspects of fossil fuel pollution is the release of PM 2.5, which refers to airborne particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 microns. These minuscule particles remain suspended in the air, easily inhaled, and can penetrate deep into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and causing damage to multiple organs. The combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal-fired power plants and vehicles, has led to air quality issues in major cities, with pollution levels far exceeding WHO standards.
The impact of burning fossil fuels extends beyond the immediate health concerns. It is a significant contributor to climate change, accelerating global warming and fueling the climate crisis. Fossil fuel emissions are responsible for a substantial portion of the increase in global temperatures, with coal being the largest contributor. This, in turn, exacerbates the production of allergenic air pollutants, such as mold and pollen, and sets the stage for dangerous wildfires, which further degrade air quality.
To address the issue of air pollution from burning fossil fuels, a transition to renewable energy sources and improved energy efficiency is essential. Governments play a crucial role in implementing policies and measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, individuals can make conscious choices, such as reducing gasoline usage, opting for more sustainable transportation options, and supporting clean energy initiatives, to collectively mitigate the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels on our planet and our health.
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Wildfires
The health effects of wildfire smoke exposure are well documented, with vulnerable individuals, including those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those of lower socioeconomic status, being at greater risk. The smoke can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, with research showing similar health effects from fine particles attributed to wildfire smoke compared to those from other sources.
During wildfires, particle pollution can increase significantly, becoming visible to the naked eye. These particles can easily penetrate homes and buildings, increasing indoor particle concentrations. For those living near wildfire-prone areas or downwind, the reduced air quality poses a growing public health problem.
To mitigate the impacts of wildfire smoke, individuals can take measures such as staying indoors with windows and doors closed, using air conditioning with recirculation mode, and avoiding activities that increase indoor pollution, such as burning candles or using gas stoves. In emergency situations or when air quality reaches hazardous levels, officials may call for evacuations, and it is crucial for individuals to follow these orders and take precautions when travelling to areas with better air quality.
Overall, wildfires contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing harmful substances and particles that have detrimental effects on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Understanding the risks associated with wildfire smoke and taking appropriate measures to reduce exposure are essential for protecting public health.
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Industrial emissions
The burning of fossil fuels for energy production is a significant contributor to industrial air pollution. This includes the use of gasoline for transportation, oil for heating homes, and fracked gas for powering plants. When these fossil fuels are burned, harmful chemicals and gases , such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides, are released into the atmosphere. These emissions lead to the formation of smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone, which have negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Industrial facilities, such as refineries, mills, mines, and manufacturing plants, emit a range of dangerous airborne pollutants. For example, refineries emit pollutants such as PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Steel mills release pollutants including PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and toxic substances such as dioxins and furans. Mining activities also contribute to air pollution by releasing silica dust, coal dust, methane, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides (5).
The effects of industrial emissions on human health can be severe. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, lung cancer, asthma, strokes, heart attacks, and other serious illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of people breathe air that exceeds the recommended guideline limits for pollutant levels. This has led to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the highest exposures and mortality rates.
To address industrial air pollution, governments play a crucial role in implementing policies and measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This includes setting pollution standards, monitoring air quality, and supporting sustainable practices in industries such as energy, transport, housing, and urban development. Individual actions, such as reducing gasoline usage, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and advocating for better environmental regulations, can also contribute to mitigating the impacts of industrial emissions on air pollution.
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Poor energy efficiency
The burning of fossil fuels for energy production and transportation is a major cause of poor air quality. In 2016, transport accounted for 28% of total energy consumption globally, with over 90% of transport energy relying on oil products. Vehicle emissions released at street level in densely populated cities contribute significantly to air pollution. Mandatory vehicle fuel efficiency standards have helped reduce energy consumption and pollution levels, but more stringent regulations are needed, especially for heavy-duty vehicles.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure is crucial. "Green" buildings utilize energy-efficient principles, such as strategic window placement to maximize natural heating, reducing the need for fossil fuel heating. Mandatory building standards and retrofits can significantly decrease power generation needs and associated pollution.
Additionally, improving the efficiency of industrial sites and power plants can lead to substantial emissions reductions. Fossil fuel plants can employ carbon capture and storage technology to reduce carbon emissions per unit of electricity generated. Smart combustion unit design can improve efficiency by utilizing thermal heat from one unit to power others, reducing combustion and pollution.
By scaling up the use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting, we can reduce the demand for electricity generation and, consequently, air pollution. Energy efficiency drives economic, environmental, and health benefits, making it a worthy investment in the fight against air pollution.
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Household combustion
Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are significant sources of morbidity and mortality.
Household air pollution is also a major concern, with around 2.4 billion people exposed to dangerous levels of pollution from open fires or simple stoves fueled by kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, crop waste), and coal. The incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene used for cooking releases particulate matter and other pollutants that inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce blood oxygen-carrying capacity.
WHO has developed guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion to address household air pollution and its negative health impacts. These guidelines provide recommendations on clean fuels and technologies, such as solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas, to improve health and environmental outcomes.
Additionally, policies and investments that support cleaner household energy, energy-efficient housing, and improved municipal waste management can effectively reduce ambient air pollution levels.
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Frequently asked questions
85% of global air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels and biomass. Therefore, fossil fuels make up a large proportion of the 50% figure. Fossil fuels include gasoline, oil, and fracked gas.
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally, with 8.1 million premature deaths annually attributed to air pollution. It is the largest environmental threat to human health worldwide. It causes diseases like asthma, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, and dementia, as well as low birth weight, stillbirths, and miscarriages.
The sources of air pollution are multiple and context-specific. The major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry. Common sources of indoor air pollution include open fires, simple stoves, and polluting household combustion devices.
Clean air measures have been shown to improve health for local people within weeks and months. Governments can implement policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, improved power generation, and better municipal waste management. Individuals can make good choices about transportation, such as walking, biking, or taking public transportation, and choosing more fuel-efficient vehicles.
