Air Pollution: Who Suffers The Most?

While air pollution is harmful to everyone, it is clear that certain social groups suffer more than others. People of colour, especially Black Americans, are more likely to be exposed to air pollution and are more susceptible to its adverse health effects. In addition, those with lower incomes, less education, and those living in certain locations are also more vulnerable to the negative impacts of air pollution. Children and the elderly are also at greater risk of harm from air pollution, with children in low-income countries being 60 times more likely to die from air pollution.

People of colour

The study also found that people of colour are exposed to a regulated air pollutant called fine particulate matter (PM2.5) more than other groups. PM2.5 is harmful to human health and is responsible for 85,000 to 200,000 excess deaths in the US each year. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause lung and heart problems, especially for those with chronic diseases, younger people, older people, and other vulnerable populations.

The disparities in exposure to air pollution for people of colour are due to systemic racism. Over time, people of colour and pollution have been pushed together, resulting in higher exposure to harmful pollutants. This is not just a few cases but is true for nearly all types of emissions. Pollution sources tend to be located near disadvantaged communities, which increases exposure to harmful pollutants. Additionally, people of colour may be more likely to live in counties with higher levels of pollution.

Low socioeconomic status is also tied to greater harm from air pollution. People of colour may have less access to healthcare, poorer job opportunities, and dirtier workplaces, which can increase the risk of harm from air pollution. Existing health conditions, such as higher rates of diabetes among people of colour, can also predispose them to greater risk from air pollution. Improving air quality is essential for addressing racial, gender, and income inequalities. It is crucial that the voices of those most affected by air pollution are included in campaigns and policy debates on clean air.

Low-income households

Several factors contribute to low-income households suffering the most from air pollution. Firstly, people in low-income households may live in areas with higher levels of pollution due to their proximity to sources of pollution, such as busy highways, industrial sites, or agricultural waste incineration. These areas often coincide with marginalized communities that face systemic racism, poverty, and unemployment.

Secondly, low-income households may lack access to cleaner fuels and technologies, relying instead on traditional, inefficient, and highly polluting sources of energy, such as wood, charcoal, or dung for cooking and heating. This is particularly prevalent in rural areas and among women and children, who are often responsible for household energy provision, leading to chronic health issues and reduced opportunities for economic development.

Thirdly, individuals from low-income households may have limited access to healthcare, making them more susceptible to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Existing health conditions, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes, can be exacerbated by air pollution, leading to an increased risk of hospitalization and premature death.

The impact of air pollution on low-income households is further compounded by social and structural factors. For example, low-income households may have fewer opportunities for education, poorer job prospects, and higher exposure to traffic and dirtier workplaces. These factors collectively contribute to a higher vulnerability to the health risks associated with air pollution.

Addressing these disparities requires concerted action by policymakers and community organizations. Implementing policies that promote cleaner energy sources, efficient waste management, and improved urban planning can significantly reduce air pollution levels and mitigate its impact on low-income households. Additionally, ensuring equal access to healthcare and providing marginalized communities with a platform to participate in decision-making processes can help reduce the disproportionate burden of air pollution on vulnerable social groups.

Pregnant women

While air pollution is detrimental to everyone, it has been found to have the most severe impact on pregnant women. A study in Beijing, a city notorious for its poor air quality, found that lowering emissions and improving air quality led to an increase in birth weight in babies. This finding underscores the vulnerability of pregnant women and their babies to air pollution.

Additionally, air pollution has been linked to increased levels of stress hormones, saliva, urine, and systolic blood pressure in babies, as well as a higher prevalence of congenital malformations and congenital hearing loss. The placenta, which is crucial for fetal growth and development, can be affected by metal buildup due to air pollution, leading to potential issues such as increased gestational diabetes, shorter telomere length, and reduced chromosomal stability.

It is important to note that the health risks associated with air pollution disproportionately affect certain social groups. Low-income communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities are often exposed to higher levels of air pollution and experience greater health impacts. This disparity is influenced by factors such as racism, class bias, housing market dynamics, and land costs, which result in the disproportionate siting of pollution sources near disadvantaged communities.

Addressing air pollution and its health impacts requires comprehensive global efforts, including policy changes and strategies to reduce exposure and safeguard vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and their babies. Indoor air pollution is also a concern, with pollutants often being two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.

Children

The impact of air pollution on children's health is extensive. It can cause respiratory infections, trigger asthma, and increase the risk of childhood cancer and cardiovascular disease later in life. Air pollution is associated with lower birth weights, preterm births, and developmental delays. It damages lung function and development, increases the risk of allergies, and impairs neurodevelopment, leading to lower cognitive test outcomes.

The burden of air pollution falls disproportionately on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In poorer households, children bear the brunt of household air pollution due to the use of inefficient and polluting fuels for cooking and heating. Additionally, children from marginalized communities may face higher exposure to pollution sources due to factors such as racism, class bias, and proximity to major sources of pollution.

Addressing air pollution is crucial for protecting children's health and ensuring their well-being. Implementing policies that promote clean energy technologies, efficient urban planning, and reducing emissions can help create safer environments for children to grow and thrive.

Elderly people

There is scientific evidence that elderly people are largely affected by the increased impairment resulting from exposure to air pollutants. Elderly people are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, and there is evidence that co-existing chronic lung, heart, or circulatory conditions may worsen following exposure to environmental pollutants. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of air pollution has been related to the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis (CB), asthma, and emphysema. Air pollution can aggravate heart disease and stroke, lung diseases, and diabetes. This leads to increased medication use, more visits to healthcare providers, admissions to emergency rooms and hospitals, and even death.

Fine particle pollution has been linked to premature death, cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks, asthma attacks, and the development of chronic bronchitis. Ozone, even at low levels, can exacerbate respiratory diseases. The EPA has developed fact sheets intended to inform older adults and their caregivers about environmental health risks and take steps to reduce those risks.

In addition, air pollution has been shown to have a negative impact on healthy older people during physical activities, presenting acute adverse symptoms in both cardiovascular and respiratory health variables. However, it is important to note that despite exposure to high and low concentrations of pollutants, the beneficial effects of physical activity remained in most studies, especially in mental-health-related outcomes such as depression and cognition.

Frequently asked questions