Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. It is caused by solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes, and wildfires. Mobile sources, such as cars, trucks, and buses, account for more than half of all air pollution in the United States. Stationary sources, such as factories, refineries, and power plants, also contribute significantly to air pollution. Natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions and wildfires, can also be significant contributors. Wind can carry air pollutants over short or long distances, leading to harmful impacts on parks and communities located downwind of pollution sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mobile sources | Cars, trucks, buses |
| Stationary sources | Factories, refineries, power plants |
| Indoor sources | Building materials, cleaning solvents |
| Natural sources | Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust, pollen, mold spores, wildfires |
| Particulate matter | Sulfates, nitrates, carbon, mineral dusts, soot |
| Gases | Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, methane, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone |
| Human activities | Burning fossil fuels, biomass, and agricultural waste, industrial processes, vehicle emissions, using fuel oils and natural gas for heating, manufacturing, power generation, using synthetic fertilizers |
| Health effects | Cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders |
Vehicle emissions
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas that is harmful to human health. It is produced when gasoline is burned and released through vehicle tailpipes. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are formed when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen during combustion. These compounds contribute to the formation of smog and ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health and the environment.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is another pollutant released from vehicles burning sulfur-containing fuels, such as diesel and coal. Sulfur dioxide can react in the atmosphere to form fine particles, posing significant health risks, especially to children and individuals with asthma. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also emitted from vehicles and contribute to smog formation. These compounds include a range of chemicals that have both short-term and long-term health effects.
In addition to these pollutants, vehicle emissions are a major source of benzene, a known carcinogen. Exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia, blood disorders, infertility, asthma, heart and lung disease, and dementia. Formaldehyde, another toxic pollutant released from vehicles, has similar adverse health effects and is known to cause cancer. Particulate matter, or aerosol particles, released from vehicles can absorb and scatter sunlight, impacting the Earth's climate and air quality.
While newer vehicles tend to emit less pollution due to improved fuel efficiency and stronger fuel economy standards, the increasing popularity of large, less fuel-efficient vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, offsets some of this progress. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, play a significant role in global warming emissions, contributing a disproportionate amount of NOx and PM2.5 emissions compared to their percentage of total vehicles on the road.
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Industrial processes
One of the primary sources of industrial air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity and transport. The fossil fuel sector is the most polluting industry in the world, with coal, oil, and gas contributing the most to air pollution. The combustion of these fuels releases carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate change. Additionally, the burning of crude oil and coal produces sulfur dioxide (SO2), an acidic and corrosive gas that contributes to acid rain and other sulfur oxides (SOx).
Manufacturing and construction sectors are also major contributors to air pollution. Industrial facilities, factories, and power plants emit pollutants such as organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, and chemicals. The manufacturing and construction industries have been identified as contributing more than 50% of air pollution in some countries.
Livestock production processes are another significant source of industrial air pollution, generating billions of tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) and causing widespread deforestation. The fashion industry is the third most polluting industry, producing about 10% of the annual carbon footprint and creating plastic and other waste that pollutes the air.
Transportation is responsible for about one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions, with road vehicles producing significant amounts of nitrogen dioxide and contributing to climate change. The burning of fuels for transport, as well as emissions from aircraft, ships, and road vehicles, all contribute to air pollution.
To mitigate industrial air pollution, various strategies and technologies can be employed. These include the development and implementation of ambient air pollution control technologies, transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices in industries.
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Fossil fuels
Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released from burning fossil fuels trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. This has resulted in rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and increased ocean acidity, which poses threats to marine life and ecosystems. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed that emissions from fossil fuels are the dominant cause of global warming. In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions originated from fossil fuels and industry.
Nitrogen oxides, a significant byproduct of fossil fuel combustion, contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain, which have detrimental effects on air quality and the environment. Particulate matter, or PM 2.5, refers to airborne particles up to 2.5 microns in diameter, which can remain suspended in the air, be easily inhaled, and penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health problems.
The health impacts of air pollution from fossil fuels are significant. According to recent research, fossil fuel pollution is responsible for approximately one in five deaths worldwide, amounting to about 8.7 million premature deaths globally in 2018. This figure exceeds previous estimates and includes deaths attributed to respiratory infections, particularly in children, and other health issues such as asthma, cancer, and heart disease. Fossil fuel pollution disproportionately affects certain demographic groups, with Black and Hispanic Americans experiencing higher exposure to particulate matter pollution.
To mitigate the air pollution caused by fossil fuels, businesses and organizations can take several measures. These include managing and reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Conserving energy by minimizing electricity usage and driving fewer miles can also help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles. Additionally, policy mechanisms such as eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and increasing the social cost of carbon (SCC) can incentivize the transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel combustion.
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Natural sources
Wildfires, for instance, release hazardous smoke and particles into the atmosphere, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. The increasing frequency of wildfires due to global warming has exacerbated the problem, with smoke containing soot, chemicals, soil, allergens, and other harmful substances.
Volcanic eruptions contribute to air pollution through the emission of ash, gases, and particulate matter. These emissions can reach high altitudes and affect atmospheric conditions, potentially leading to respiratory issues and environmental damage.
Desertification, the process of land transforming into deserts, also plays a role in natural air pollution. As more areas experience desertification, sandstorms become more prevalent, carrying sand and dust into the atmosphere.
In addition to these, there are other natural sources of air pollution, such as dust storms and methane emissions from wetlands, which contribute to the overall air quality issues.
It is worth noting that the distinction between natural and human-induced sources can be complex, as human activities can influence the frequency and intensity of natural events, such as wildfires and dust storms.
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Agriculture
Agricultural emissions include odours, chemical discharges, particulates, and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. The greatest agricultural contributors to air pollution are animal-raising operations, which release methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia into the air. These gases can impact the environment and pose dangers to human health. Methane emissions from livestock are also a significant contributor to agricultural air pollution. Globally, manure management alone accounts for 14.5% of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. Manure emits ammonia, which combines with other air pollutants to form tiny solid particles that can cause heart and lung diseases.
Fertilizers are another major source of agricultural air pollution. The production of artificial fertilizers has skyrocketed from about 20 million tons in 1950 to nearly 190 million tons today, with about a third of them being nitrogen-based. When excess fertilizers are applied to fields, they can wash off and pollute watersheds. Fertilizers can also emit fumes that combine with industrial emissions to form solid particles, which are a huge source of disease and death. Pesticides are also a significant contributor to agricultural air pollution, with populations of insects such as butterflies and bees plummeting in recent decades due to these toxins.
Agricultural burning is another source of air pollution. Prescribed burning and wildfires can release emissions that contribute to regional haze and reduce air quality. However, the relationship between agriculture and air pollution is complex, and air pollution can also negatively impact agricultural yields. Particulate pollution can interfere with crops' ability to photosynthesize sunlight, reducing yields, while other pollutants like ozone are toxic to crops.
Therefore, tackling agriculturally-caused air pollution is imperative for the food system and the environment. Implementing climate-friendly policies, such as adopting no-till techniques, can help reduce air pollution and improve crop yields.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution comes from human-made and natural sources. Human-made sources include vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and fumes from chemical products. Natural sources include wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and gases emitted from decomposing organic matter in soils.
Human-made sources of air pollution include mobile sources (e.g. cars, trucks, buses) and stationary sources (e.g. factories, refineries, power plants). Vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and fumes from chemical products are major contributors to air pollution.
Natural sources of air pollution include wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and gases emitted from decomposing organic matter. Wildfires are often caused by people and can have negative biological effects and reduce visibility.
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity. It is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally, a number that has increased over the past two decades. Public health concerns related to high air pollution exposures include cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders.
Moving to clean energy, deploying renewable or nuclear electricity, electrifying cars, industry, and home heating, and ensuring access to modern energy sources would reduce air pollution. Reducing meat production and consumption by shifting to more plant-based diets would also reduce methane and ammonia emissions.
