Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people from all walks of life, but certain groups are more vulnerable to its adverse effects than others. Among the most susceptible are children, whose developing bodies, organs, and immune systems make them more prone to respiratory infections and the harmful impacts of pollution. Older adults, with their diminished lung capacity and weakened immune systems, also face increased risks. Pregnant individuals and their fetuses are another vulnerable group, as air pollution can lead to complications like hypertensive disorders and intrauterine inflammation, affecting both mother and child.
Additionally, people living with asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes face unique challenges as air pollution exacerbates their existing health conditions. Socioeconomic factors play a significant role as well, with people of color and low-income communities often bearing the brunt of pollution due to historical racism and discriminatory practices and proximity to major sources of pollution. These disparities result in higher rates of emergency department visits and adverse health outcomes for these communities.
Furthermore, outdoor workers, individuals living near busy roadways or industrial facilities, and those without access to quality healthcare are also more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollution. Overall, while air pollution impacts everyone, it is crucial to recognize that certain populations are disproportionately affected and require targeted interventions to mitigate their risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Children | Airways are small and still developing, breathe more rapidly and inhale more air relative to their size than adults, bodies' defences that help fight off infections are still developing, more likely to spend time being active outdoors |
| Older adults | Even in healthy people, the aging process gradually reduces the lungs' breathing ability, older immune systems do not work as well to protect the lungs from inhaled contaminants, exposure increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, more likely to be living with chronic illnesses |
| Pregnant people | Physical changes of pregnancy are a stressor on the body, additional inflammation and stress caused by exposure can increase the risk of hypertensive disorders, intrauterine inflammation and damage to the placenta that can disrupt the growth and development of the fetus, exposure is strongly associated with premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth |
| People with asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes | Cellular injury and inflammation triggered by breathing air pollution puts additional stress on compromised organs |
| People of colour | More likely to be exposed to air pollution and to suffer harm to their health from it, communities of colour are concentrated in more polluted places due to a history of racism and discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation |
| People with lower incomes | More likely to live in close proximity to sources of pollution and have fewer resources to relocate, lack of safety, green space, and high-quality food access associated with increased psychosocial distress and chronic stress, lower rates of health coverage and less access to quality and affordable healthcare |
| People who live or work near sources of pollution | Breathe more polluted air over longer periods of time, with greater exposure leading to greater risk of harm |
| People in low- and middle-income countries | Exposed to higher levels of air pollution each day, higher prevalence rates of diseases that are negatively affected by air pollution exposure, such as asthma |
| People living in slums or near busy highways or roads | Lack of access to clean cooking facilities |
| Women and children in poorer households | Spend the most time in the kitchen or in polluted living spaces, higher rates of exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants emitted by stoves and open fires, reliance on inefficient household fuels and devices limits the time available for income generation, schooling, and other opportunities for economic development |
What You'll Learn
People of colour
Systemic racism and discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation have historically restricted the mobility options of people of colour and limited their economic and political power. This has resulted in communities of colour being concentrated in less desirable areas that are often more polluted. Additionally, people of colour are more likely to suffer harm to their health from air pollution due to higher rates of chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
A study by researchers at the EPA-funded Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions found that people of colour in the United States breathe more particulate air pollution on average, regardless of region or income level. This finding expands on previous research showing that African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and other people of colour are disproportionately exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. PM2.5 pollution is a regulated air pollutant that can cause serious lung and heart problems, especially for vulnerable populations.
The study found racial-ethnic disparities in almost all major emission categories, with people of colour experiencing greater than average exposures from source types causing 75% of overall exposure. White people, on the other hand, are exposed to lower than average concentrations from emission source types. The authors of the study attributed these disparities to systemic racism, stating that "over time, people of color and pollution have been pushed together, not just in a few cases but for nearly all types of emissions."
Another study found that Black Americans are exposed to more pollution from every type of source, including industry, agriculture, vehicles, construction, and even restaurants. People of colour, in general, are exposed to more pollution from almost every source. These disparities have serious public health implications, as exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and other chronic diseases.
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Pregnant people
The effects of air pollution on a pregnancy can be severe, and include an increased risk of hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, intrauterine inflammation, and damage to the placenta, which can disrupt the growth and development of the foetus. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has also been strongly linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
The risks are amplified if the pregnant person is already in a demographic group that experiences a higher risk, such as people of colour or those with chronic conditions, especially asthma.
While it is impossible to avoid pollution completely, there are steps that can be taken to reduce exposure. For example, avoiding busy roads when walking, staying indoors when pollution levels are high, and keeping windows closed can all help to minimise the impact of air pollution on pregnant people.
It is also important to note that indoor pollution can be just as harmful as outdoor pollution. This includes second-hand smoke, which has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Other sources of indoor pollution include cooking, heating, lighting, and household appliances such as heaters and cookers, which can release pollutants into the air. Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas produced when fuels like gas, oil, coal, or wood do not burn fully, is a particular danger and can be fatal.
Overall, while it is impossible to eliminate all exposure to pollution, taking steps to reduce indoor and outdoor pollution can help to minimise the risks for pregnant people and their foetuses.
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People with asthma, COPD, and other chronic diseases
For people with asthma, air pollution can affect asthma prevalence, onset, symptoms, and the reaction to treatment. Exposure to outdoor pollutants can induce asthma symptoms, exacerbations, and decreases in lung function. Air pollution can also affect lung cancer incidence in people with asthma.
For people with COPD, air pollution can cause cellular injury and inflammation, putting additional stress on people's lungs, heart, and other organs that are already compromised by disease. This can result in a worsening of symptoms, increased medication use, more frequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations, an overall reduced quality of life, and even premature death.
People with other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are already living with physical challenges. The cellular injury and inflammation triggered by breathing air pollution puts additional stress on people's lungs, heart, and other organs that are already compromised by disease.
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Children
A Stanford-led study found that exposure to air pollution for as little as one day may lead to higher rates of heart disease and other ailments later in life. The study, which focused on a group of Hispanic children in Fresno, California, found that exposure to fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone over time is linked to increased methylation, an alteration of DNA molecules that can change their activity without changing their sequence. This change in gene expression may be passed down to future generations. The study also found that air pollution exposure correlates with an increase in monocytes, white blood cells that play a key role in the buildup of plaques in arteries, potentially predisposing children to heart disease in adulthood.
Hispanic children, in particular, bear a disproportionate burden of health ailments due to higher exposure to traffic-related pollution. This is especially true in California, where Hispanic adults have a higher prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension compared to other races and ethnicities in the US.
Overall, respiratory diseases are the second leading cause of death globally, and air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor.
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Low-income communities
Low-income groups are more exposed to air pollution due to their reliance on jobs that require outdoor physical labor. They are also more vulnerable to the health impacts of pollution, as they have less access to adequate and affordable healthcare. This is further exacerbated by the fact that low-income countries often have less developed healthcare systems.
Research has shown that residents of low-income communities experience increased health impacts from air pollution due to various environmental, social, and economic factors. These factors include sociodemographic characteristics, diet, and the presence of chronic diseases that can be exacerbated by air pollution.
Additionally, low-income communities may face higher exposure to pollution due to factors such as racism, class bias, housing market dynamics, and land costs. Pollution sources are often located near disadvantaged communities, further increasing their exposure to harmful pollutants.
The health burden of air pollution is higher for those living in areas of poor air quality. This can lead to short and long-term health effects, especially for vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, and pregnant women.
Furthermore, low-income communities may also be more susceptible to air pollution due to social and economic factors. For example, they may lack access to health care, grocery stores, and good job opportunities. They may also face poorer job options, dirtier workplaces, and higher traffic exposure, all of which can increase their risk of harm from pollution.
Overall, low-income communities bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the effects of pollution, particularly air pollution. They face higher exposure to pollutants and are more vulnerable to the health impacts of pollution due to various social, economic, and environmental factors.
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Frequently asked questions
While air pollution is unhealthy for everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable than others. These include:
- Children: Their airways are small and still developing, and they breathe in more air relative to their size than adults. Children are also more likely to spend time outdoors, increasing their exposure to pollution.
- Older adults: The aging process reduces lung capacity, and older immune systems struggle to protect the lungs from inhaled contaminants. Older adults are also more likely to have pre-existing conditions exacerbated by pollution.
- People of colour: Due to historical racism and discriminatory practices, people of colour are more likely to live near sources of pollution and suffer from higher rates of pollution-related illnesses.
Air pollution can cause and worsen a variety of health issues, including respiratory infections, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. It can also cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
Yes, socioeconomic status is also a factor. People with lower incomes often live closer to sources of pollution and have fewer resources to relocate or access quality healthcare.
