The Silent Killer In Panamanian Homes

Air pollution is a major global issue that affects the health of millions of people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2.1 billion people worldwide are exposed to harmful household air pollution, caused primarily by the use of open fires or inefficient stoves fuelled by solid fuels such as kerosene, biomass, and coal. This type of pollution is responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year, with an additional 6.7 million premature deaths attributed to the combined effects of ambient and household air pollution. While data specific to Panama is limited, the country's air quality is considered moderately unsafe by WHO standards, with annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 exceeding the recommended maximum. This indicates that air pollution in Panama, particularly in Panama City, may contribute to adverse health outcomes, including respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Women and children are most affected by household air pollution

Household air pollution is a major global health issue, causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year. It is caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies in the home, such as open fires, simple cooking stoves, and inefficient combustion stoves. These emit a range of harmful pollutants, including small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

In addition to the health impacts, women and children are also at risk of injury and violence while gathering fuel. The time spent using and preparing fuel for inefficient, polluting devices also constrains opportunities for health and development, such as studying, leisure time, and other productive activities.

The use of polluting fuels and technologies is particularly prevalent in less developed countries. In Africa, over half a billion people (78% of the population) rely on biomass fuel for cooking and heating, with similar trends seen in other parts of the world. The ingestion of kerosene by accident is the leading cause of childhood poisoning, and severe burns and injuries from household energy use are common in low- and middle-income countries.

Addressing household air pollution requires significant policy changes to increase access to clean fuels and technologies, as well as improving ventilation and separating cooking areas from dwelling units. These interventions are crucial to reducing the health burden on women and children, who are disproportionately affected by household air pollution.

Incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of incomplete combustion, formed when there is insufficient oxygen during the burning process. Instead of carbon dioxide and water, which are the products of complete combustion, incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide and water. This colourless and odourless gas is highly toxic and can cause serious health issues, including death.

The particulate matter and other pollutants released during incomplete combustion have severe health consequences. They irritate the lining of the lungs, worsen asthma, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Exposure to these pollutants can almost double the risk of childhood lower respiratory infections (LRI) and is responsible for almost half of all LRI-related deaths among children under five. Additionally, the fine particles emitted can cause global dimming, potentially reducing rainfall.

Household air pollution caused by incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene has significant health impacts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Women and children, who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood, bear the brunt of these health risks. In 2019, it was estimated that household air pollution accounted for the loss of 86 million healthy life years, with the greatest burden falling on women in these income brackets.

The use of polluting fuels and technologies in households contributes to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. It is a significant environmental and health concern, leading to illnesses and premature deaths. To mitigate these issues, it is crucial to promote access to clean fuels and technologies, implement policy changes, and improve overall air quality.

Air pollution from vehicles, industry, and construction

Air pollution is a pressing issue that significantly impacts human health and the environment. While household air pollution, caused by the use of solid fuels and kerosene for cooking, contributes to millions of premature deaths annually, air pollution from vehicles, industry, and construction also takes a substantial toll.

Air Pollution from Vehicles

The transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Vehicles emit various pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions lead to smog formation, reduced air quality, and adverse health effects. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a pivotal role in reducing transportation-related air pollution. Since the 1970s, the EPA has implemented emissions standards for passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, buses, and even construction and farm equipment. These standards have driven technological innovations, resulting in cleaner engines and more efficient emission control technologies. The vehicle emissions control industry in the US alone employs approximately 65,000 people and generates annual sales of $26 billion. The positive impact of these efforts is evident, as cities like New York have witnessed a visible reduction in smog and improved air quality, benefiting the health of Americans.

Air Pollution from Industry

Industrial activities are another significant source of air pollution. The production and use of energy, particularly from burning fossil fuels, release carbon emissions, contributing to climate change and poor air quality. Additionally, industrial processes can emit hazardous gases and pollutants, impacting both the environment and human health. The European Parliament's EU policy on air quality addresses this issue by focusing on improving the energy efficiency of construction projects. By reducing operating energy and considering the embodied energy across manufacturing, construction, and deconstruction phases, they aim to mitigate the industry's contribution to air pollution.

Air Pollution from Construction

The construction industry also contributes significantly to air pollution. During the product stage, raw material supply, transport, and manufacturing can result in emissions. The production of building materials, such as cement, is particularly polluting. Construction activities emit large amounts of particles, endangering the health of construction workers and nearby residents. Additionally, construction-related traffic and machinery contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. To address these challenges, the European Parliament's guidelines offer best practice recommendations for reducing air pollution during the construction and demolition of buildings. These measures aim to improve energy efficiency and mitigate the environmental impact of construction projects.

Health impacts: respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer

Air pollution has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Respiratory Infections

Air pollution exposure has been associated with an increased risk and severity of respiratory infections. Population and laboratory studies have established a correlation between air pollution and respiratory infections such as pneumonia. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted this association, indicating the need to understand the relationship between air pollution and respiratory infections to mitigate future morbidity and mortality.

Heart Disease

Long-term exposure to air pollution is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to studies such as the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air). Air pollution can contribute to the premature aging of blood vessels and the buildup of calcium in the coronary artery, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Stroke

Air pollution has been associated with hospital admissions and mortality due to stroke. Epidemiological evidence suggests a strong link between air pollution and stroke, particularly with exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO).

Lung Cancer

Particle pollution from sources such as vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and industrial sources has been linked to lung cancer. Fine particles can enter deep into the lungs and are associated with lung cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that particulate matter causes lung cancer, and increasing levels of air pollution in some parts of the world pose a significant risk to public health.

Mitigation: Access to clean fuels and technologies

Household air pollution is caused by the use of polluting fuels and technologies, such as solid fuels and kerosene, for cooking, heating, and lighting. This pollution contributes to millions of premature deaths every year, with around 3.2 million people dying annually from illnesses attributable to household air pollution.

To mitigate the health risks associated with household air pollution, access to clean fuels and technologies is essential. Clean fuels include natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, solar power, and biogas. Electric stoves, including lower-cost induction cookers, are the cleanest option for health, but they require a reliable and affordable electricity supply. Solar stoves are a viable alternative for communities with ample sunlight but limited access to a reliable electricity grid.

Biomass stoves with low emissions can serve as an important transitional technology, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These stoves can have features such as secondary combustion, insulated combustion chambers, and fans to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. However, it is important to note that not all "improved" biomass stoves meet WHO guidelines, and smoke vented outdoors can re-enter the home or contribute to outdoor air pollution. Therefore, the use of cleaner fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas and ethanol, is recommended to maximize the health benefits.

The transition to clean household energy can be accelerated through the introduction of cleaner technologies and fuels, improved housing and ventilation design, supportive government policies, and economic incentives. The WHO provides technical support and capacity-building initiatives to evaluate and scale up health-promoting household fuels and technologies. Additionally, education and awareness-raising campaigns can facilitate the necessary changes in cultural habits related to cooking and household energy management.

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