Air Pollution: What's In The Air We Breathe?

Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any physical, chemical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. It is caused by the presence of harmful substances in the air, such as gases, solid particles, or liquid droplets. These pollutants can be released into the atmosphere through various human activities, natural processes, or a combination of both. Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, with almost the entire global population (99%) breathing air that exceeds the recommended limits and contains high levels of pollutants. It is also detrimental to the environment, contributing to climate change and causing economic losses amounting to over $8 trillion per year.

Greenhouse gases

Water vapour is the most abundant greenhouse gas, accounting for about half of the greenhouse effect. However, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have significantly increased the concentration of other greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, solid waste, trees, and other biological materials, as well as certain industrial processes like cement production. Methane emissions originate from agriculture, fossil fuel production, waste, and various other sources.

The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations has led to global warming and climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions are responsible for about three-quarters of global warming, while methane emissions account for most of the remaining quarter. These gases have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), which measures their ability to absorb energy over a given period, contributing significantly to the warming of the planet.

To mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases on the climate, efforts are being made to reduce their emissions. This includes phasing out fossil fuels, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing policies that promote sustainable land use, cleaner energy, and improved waste management practices. Additionally, networks like the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group aim to curb greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating the exchange of information and best practices among cities.

Overall, greenhouse gases are a significant contributor to air pollution, and addressing their emissions is crucial for both the health of the planet and human well-being.

Health risks

Air pollution is the presence of substances in the air that are harmful to humans, other living beings, or the environment. It is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, waste management, agriculture, and transportation, among other human activities.

The health risks associated with air pollution are extensive and severe. Firstly, air pollution is a significant risk factor for respiratory diseases, including asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute and chronic respiratory infections. These issues are particularly prevalent in children, with higher rates of asthma observed in children living in low-income, urban, or high-pollution areas. Children exposed to high levels of air pollutants are also more likely to develop bronchitis and asthma symptoms in adulthood, and their lung development may be impaired, increasing the risk of respiratory issues later in life.

Secondly, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, cardiac problems, and stroke. Fine particulate matter can impair blood vessel function and speed up the calcification of arteries, contributing to these issues.

Thirdly, air pollution is a human carcinogen, increasing the risk of various cancers, including lung, breast, leukemia, lymphoma, colorectal, and prostate cancers.

Additionally, air pollution has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hypertensive disorders, low birth weight, and pre-term birth. Exposure to air pollution may also impact neurological development, with links suggested between air pollution and cognitive impairment, neurological diseases, and an increased risk of diabetes.

The health risks of air pollution are not evenly distributed among the population. People of color, low-income communities, and outdoor laborers are among the most vulnerable to the negative health impacts of air pollution due to various socio-economic and historical factors. These groups often live or work in areas with higher pollution levels and are more susceptible to the health issues caused by air pollution.

Overall, the health risks of air pollution are extensive, impacting almost every organ in the body and contributing to millions of premature deaths annually worldwide.

Environmental racism

The term "environmental racism" was coined by civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. in response to the dumping of carcinogenic compounds in a rural Black community in North Carolina in the 1980s. Chavis defined it as the intentional siting of polluting industries and waste facilities in communities primarily populated by racialised minorities, Indigenous Peoples, migrant farmworkers, and low-income workers.

Study after study has shown that these communities are disproportionately exposed to toxic fumes, dust, ash, soot, and other pollutants from hazardous facilities located near their homes. This has resulted in increased risks of health problems, including cancer, respiratory issues, neurological damage, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy defects. For example, in Flint, Michigan, the local government's decision to switch the water supply source in 2014 resulted in significant lead exposure, negatively impacting the health of residents, more than half of whom are Black. Similarly, in New Mexico, Hispanic and Indigenous communities have been living with the consequences of nuclear fallout from the Trinity test site, yet they have been excluded from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

Controlling air pollution

Air pollution is caused by the release of pollutants into the air, which are detrimental to human health and the planet. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that indoor and outdoor air pollution causes nearly seven million premature deaths worldwide each year.

Strategies for controlling air pollution:

Regulatory approaches

At a national level, governments can implement regulations to limit emissions from harmful pollutants. For example, the United States' Clean Air Act, established in 1970, authorises the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate emissions. The EPA has issued regulations limiting emissions from major industrial sources, such as chemical plants and oil refineries, as well as setting standards for motor vehicles, known as Tier 3 vehicle and fuel standards.

International cooperation

International cooperative efforts are necessary to control pollutants, particularly those that contribute to the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Local initiatives

Local communities can also play a significant role in controlling air pollution. For instance, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides education, guidance, and incentives for businesses, cities, non-profits, and communities to reduce air pollution.

Individual actions

Individuals can make a difference by reducing their energy consumption, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and using cleaner forms of transportation, such as bicycles, electric vehicles, or public transportation. Additionally, planting and caring for trees can help filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide, while also providing oxygen and cooling our homes.

Natural sources

Volcanoes, for instance, emit massive amounts of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. In the past, volcanoes were the main source of atmospheric sulphur dioxide, but human activities have since taken over as the primary source. Wildfires, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions can also produce particulate matter, which is the most deadly form of air pollution.

Livestock is another natural source of air pollution, as animals like cows and sheep release a massive amount of methane through belching and flatulence. Methane is a colourless gas produced in their stomachs when bacteria break down the food they eat. Livestock is the biggest source of methane globally, and it is the second most important greenhouse gas, capable of causing climate change.

Forest fires are another natural source of air pollution, releasing large amounts of harmful gases and smoke that can increase background pollution levels for years, even in areas far away from the original fire.

Frequently asked questions