Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects almost everyone, with 99% of the global population exposed to air pollution that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline limits. While it poses health risks to everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to its adverse effects, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with pre-existing health conditions, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income communities. Children, for instance, are more susceptible due to their developing airways and immune systems, while older adults may experience a decline in lung function and a weakened immune response. Additionally, people of colour and low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution due to historical and ongoing systemic injustices, such as racism, redlining, and segregation. The impact of air pollution is not limited to outdoor environments but also extends to indoor spaces, with women and children being the most affected by household air pollution.
What You'll Learn
Pregnant women and their foetuses
The effects of air pollution on pregnant women can include an increased risk of hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia, as well as intrauterine inflammation and damage to the placenta, which can disrupt the growth and development of the foetus. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has been strongly linked to an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. These risks are even higher for pregnant people from other demographic groups that are already at higher risk, such as people of colour and those with chronic conditions, especially asthma.
The developing foetus is especially susceptible to the effects of environmental contaminants, as they can cross the placenta and impact the health of the placenta itself, as well as disrupt the baby's development. Exposure to air pollution during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to the second year, may have a significant impact on children's long-term health. It can lead to low birth weight, early birth, and improper immune system development, all of which can increase the risk of respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies later in life.
To reduce the negative effects of air pollution on pregnant women and their foetuses, it is recommended that they limit their exposure, especially during the early and late stages of pregnancy. This may include staying indoors as much as possible, wearing face coverings when outdoors, and using quality air filters. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid exposure to second-hand smoke, household chemicals, and dangerous pollutants such as asbestos and certain cleaning supplies.
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Children and adolescents
Growing up breathing high levels of air pollution can affect how children's lungs develop, putting them at greater risk of lung disease as they age. Exposure to air pollution during childhood is linked to an increased risk of developing asthma, and if they already have asthma, air pollution can exacerbate the condition. Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer later in life.
In addition to respiratory issues, air pollution exposure during childhood can have other adverse health effects. A Stanford-led study found that exposure to air pollution, even for as little as one day, may increase the risk of heart disease and other ailments in adulthood. The study, which focused on a predominantly Hispanic group of 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.
Furthermore, children from low-income communities and minority populations are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are more vulnerable to adverse health impacts. This is due to various factors, including living in close proximity to sources of pollution, limited access to healthcare, and experiencing higher rates of respiratory infections and asthma.
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People of colour
Communities of colour are also disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and are more likely to live in areas with heavy pollution. This is due to a variety of factors, including historical discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation, which restricted the mobility and economic power of people of colour. Additionally, beliefs initially perpetuated by the institution of slavery, which considered enslaved Africans "disposable" and sent them to work in dangerous conditions, continue to influence how authorities and institutions treat minority-dominated areas. As a result, communities of colour are often subjected to inequitable living conditions, bearing the brunt of pollution, toxic waste, and poisoned resources.
The health impacts of pollution on people of colour are significant. People of colour are more likely to suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses due to their proximity to polluted areas. For example, approximately 13.4% of African American children suffer from asthma, compared to only 7.3% of White children. Pollution exposure is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, lung cancer, and premature death. The physical stress caused by pollution exposure during pregnancy can also lead to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia, intrauterine inflammation, and damage to the placenta, which can impact the growth and development of the fetus.
The impact of pollution on people of colour extends beyond physical health. Low-income communities of colour often face additional challenges such as a lack of safety, green space, and access to high-quality food, which can contribute to increased psychosocial distress and chronic stress. This, in turn, makes them even more vulnerable to the health effects of pollution. Furthermore, people of colour often have lower rates of health coverage and less access to quality, affordable healthcare, exacerbating the disparities in health outcomes.
Addressing these disparities requires effective policies and programs that promote environmental justice and equity. Organizations such as the NAACP's Environmental and Climate Justice Program and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) are working to rectify past injustices and create a more sustainable and equitable future for communities of colour.
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People with low incomes
Low-income individuals suffer from both physical and mental health consequences as a result of this overexposure to air pollution, as well as impaired cognitive function. For example, exposure to air pollution can cause inflammation of the brain, which leads to learning and memory disorders. Studies have shown that students' test scores are significantly lower on days with higher air pollution levels, and employees' productivity also drops on days with increased pollution.
Low-income communities also have fewer resources to address the negative consequences of air pollution. They have lower rates of health coverage and less access to quality and affordable healthcare. Many issues faced by low-income communities, such as a lack of safety, green space, and high-quality food access, have been associated with increased psychosocial distress and chronic stress, which in turn make people more vulnerable to pollution-related health effects.
Addressing the disproportionate impact of air pollution on low-income communities requires tackling the root causes of this disparity. This includes strengthening emissions regulations and their enforcement, addressing the disproportionate placement of pollution sources, and countering the political power of large emitters. Community organizing and increasing political participation among low-income communities can be powerful tools to advocate for environmental justice and influence decision-making processes.
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Outdoor workers
A study on the health effects of air pollution and extreme weather events on auto-rickshaw drivers, street vendors, and sweepers in Delhi found that most respondents from different occupational groups complained about headaches, giddiness, nausea, and muscular cramps during extreme heat events. The physically demanding nature of their jobs in outdoor environments was a contributing factor to these health issues. The study also highlighted the need for personal protective equipment and the development of guidelines to reduce exposure levels.
In addition to respiratory symptoms, outdoor workers are also at risk of developing musculoskeletal problems due to the physically demanding nature of their jobs. Eye irritation, redness, and watering are also common symptoms reported by outdoor workers, particularly those exposed to vehicular emissions.
Overall, outdoor workers are at a higher risk of health issues due to their prolonged exposure to air pollution, especially during strenuous activity. The use of personal protective equipment and the implementation of guidelines to reduce exposure levels are crucial to mitigate these risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Everyone is affected by pollution, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. These include:
- Children, as their bodies are still developing and they breathe in more air relative to their size than adults.
- Older adults, as their lungs and immune systems are less able to protect them from contaminants.
- Pregnant people, as physical changes during pregnancy are already a stressor on the body, and the additional inflammation and stress caused by pollution can lead to complications.
Poorer people and some racial and ethnic groups are among those who often face higher exposure to pollutants and may experience more harmful responses. People of colour are more likely to be exposed to air pollution and are more likely to suffer health consequences. This is due in large part to the history of racism and discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation, which have restricted people's mobility and limited their economic and political power.
Air pollution can cause a wide range of health issues, including coughing, itchy eyes, and respiratory and lung diseases. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. In the long term, it can lead to cancer, strokes, and even premature death.
