Brian Barton
Air pollution is a pressing global health issue, causing an estimated 6.5 million deaths annually. It is caused by a mix of human-made and natural substances, including vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gases, manufacturing by-products, and power generation. While air pollution affects everyone, it disproportionately impacts certain groups, particularly those with lower incomes and specific racial and ethnic backgrounds. Research indicates that people with lower incomes tend to live closer to pollution sources and have fewer resources to relocate. Additionally, pollution sources are often located near disadvantaged communities, exposing them to higher levels of harmful pollutants. Furthermore, certain life stages, such as pregnancy, increase susceptibility to the harmful effects of air pollution, leading to potential health complications for both the mother and fetus. Various pollutants are associated with a high standard of living, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde, and radon. These pollutants originate from sources such as fuel combustion, industrial activities, transportation, and household practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollutants | Particulate matter (PM), Carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) |
| Sources of outdoor air pollution | Energy, transport, waste management, urban planning, agriculture, vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing, power generation, oil and gas extraction and production |
| Health risks | Respiratory infections, asthma, cardiac problems, hospital admissions, oxidative stress, inflammation, chronic diseases, cancer, lung damage, bronchitis, cognitive and emotional problems, cerebral palsy, hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia, intrauterine inflammation, placental damage, low birth weight, stillbirth, diabetes |
| Groups at risk | People with lower incomes, unemployed people, pregnant people, children, people of color, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, Mexican Americans |
| Solutions | Cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, efficient power generation, better waste management, access to clean household energy, indoor ventilation systems |
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Air pollution and health
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. This number has increased over the past two decades. It is caused by a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources, including vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, power generation, and fumes from chemical plants.
Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting individuals in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. In 2019, it was estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide, with 89% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The greatest number of premature deaths were in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions.
Particulate matter (PM) is a common proxy indicator for air pollution and is composed of chemicals such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon, or mineral dust. The major components of PM are sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. PM2.5, a subset of PM, is composed of finer particles that are 30 times thinner than a human hair and can be inhaled deeply into lung tissue, contributing to serious health problems. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular issues, as well as respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to PM has been linked to adverse perinatal outcomes, lung cancer, and an increased risk of developing noncommunicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels such as wood, petrol, charcoal, natural gas, and kerosene. It is a component of motor vehicle emissions and industrial by-products. Exposure to high levels of CO can lead to reduced lung function and aggravated asthma.
Ozone (O3) is a powerful lung irritant and is one of the major constituents of photochemical smog. Ground-level ozone is formed through the reaction of pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and other sources in the presence of sunlight. When inhaled, ozone reacts with the delicate lining of the small airways, causing inflammation and damage that can impact multiple body systems. Ozone exposure has been linked to reduced lung function, increased medication use, and increased emergency department visits.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas that is soluble in water and a strong oxidant. It is commonly released from the combustion of fuels in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as from heating, power generation, and other high-temperature combustion processes.
Addressing air pollution is key to protecting public health, and it requires concerted action by policymakers and individuals to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
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Carbon monoxide
The danger of carbon monoxide lies in its ability to displace oxygen in the body, leading to poisoning. The toxic nature of CO is exacerbated by the fact that it cannot be detected by human senses, allowing dangerous concentrations to build up indoors without people's knowledge. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to the flu, making it challenging for individuals to recognize the early signs of exposure.
The effects of carbon monoxide exposure can vary depending on age, overall health, and the duration and concentration of exposure. Low concentrations of CO can cause fatigue in healthy individuals and chest pain in those with heart disease. Higher concentrations can lead to impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. At very high concentrations, carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal.
To ensure safety, it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation and follow safety guidelines when using appliances and devices that may produce carbon monoxide. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States sets standards for safe carbon monoxide levels in the workplace, with a personal exposure limit (PEL) of 50 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour period. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides recommended limits for indoor environments, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation and the use of fuel-burning appliances that meet emission standards.
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Nitrogen dioxide
NO2 is a common air pollutant that is strongly linked to respiratory issues. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of NO2 can irritate the airways in the human respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. It can also aggravate respiratory diseases, especially asthma, leading to hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms. Longer exposure to elevated levels of NO2 may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and bronchitis symptoms in adulthood. Furthermore, children with increased exposure to indoor NO2 are at a higher risk of having symptoms of inattention.
According to the US EPA, areas with poor air quality that does not meet the national NO2 standards are identified, and state, local, and tribal governments develop plans to reduce NO2 levels. The WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) provide thresholds and limits for key air pollutants like NO2, along with interim targets to promote a gradual shift towards lower concentrations. For example, achieving an interim target of 35 µg/m3 could save around 300,000 lives worldwide each year.
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Formaldehyde
In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are often pressed wood products made with adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Medium-density fibreboard, in particular, has a higher resin-to-wood ratio than other UF pressed wood products and is recognized as the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product. Levels of formaldehyde can be particularly high in homes with significant amounts of new pressed wood products, exceeding 0.3 ppm.
To mitigate the presence of formaldehyde in indoor environments, it is important to increase ventilation, especially when introducing new sources of formaldehyde into a space. Additionally, choosing building materials and consumer products that do not emit formaldehyde can help reduce exposure.
While formaldehyde is a significant indoor pollutant, it is also present in outdoor air. In ambient air, formaldehyde is quickly photo-oxidized into carbon dioxide, with a half-life of about one hour depending on environmental conditions. However, the presence of formaldehyde in outdoor air is not as well-documented as its indoor concentrations.
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Radon
The World Health Organization (WHO) has included radon in its Global Air Quality Guidelines due to its potential health impacts. Radon can be mitigated with passive systems, such as ventilation fans, which can reduce indoor radon levels by more than 50%. Radon levels can be inexpensively and simply measured with small passive detectors.
In outdoor environments, radon quickly dilutes to very low concentrations and is generally not a problem. The average outdoor radon level varies from 5 Bq/m3 to 15 Bq/m3, whereas indoor levels can be as high as 10,000 Bq/m3.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity.
The sources of air pollution are vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, industrial activities, power plants, construction sites, waste burning, fires, and fields.
Air pollution is associated with respiratory health issues, oxidative stress, inflammation in human cells, asthma, cardiac problems, and lung damage. It is also linked to an increased risk of cancer, cerebral palsy, and chronic diseases.
People with lower incomes, certain racial and ethnic groups, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.
