Air Pollution: A Crisis Affecting Our Health And Planet

Air pollution is a crisis because it is detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly seven million deaths worldwide each year are caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution. This includes strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and asthma. Air pollution also contributes to global warming and damages vegetation, ecosystems, water and soil quality. In addition, air pollution negatively impacts children's physical health and their right to education and play, which contributes to mental health and behavioural issues. Finally, air pollution hampers workforce productivity and damages economic activity, with the World Bank estimating that the health damage caused by air pollution costs $8.1 trillion a year, equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP.

Air pollution is detrimental to human health

Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. It is detrimental to human health in numerous ways and poses a significant risk to public health and welfare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor and outdoor air pollution is responsible for approximately seven million deaths worldwide each year.

One of the primary ways air pollution harms human health is by increasing respiratory issues. Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. They can trigger and worsen asthma symptoms and are associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses. Fine particulate matter from ambient air pollution can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing or contributing to bronchitis, heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer.

Air pollution also has adverse neurological effects, particularly in children. Exposure to pollutants like lead can lead to behavioural problems, learning deficits, and lowered IQ. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease in adults, as well as low birth weight, stillbirths, and miscarriages.

The impacts of air pollution disproportionately affect certain populations. Lower socio-economic groups, older individuals, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. People living in low- and middle-income countries suffer the most, with 9 out of 10 deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution occurring in these regions.

Furthermore, air pollution has indirect effects on human health by hampering workforce productivity and economic activity. It leads to global economic losses due to increased healthcare costs, reduced life expectancy, and lost workdays. These impacts further exacerbate poverty and inequity, as those exposed to toxic levels of pollution may struggle to attend school or work, creating a cycle of negative consequences.

It causes premature deaths

Air pollution is a crisis because it causes premature deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year. This figure includes deaths from indoor and outdoor air pollution. The mortality rate increases almost linearly with air pollution levels. Even low levels of air pollution are harmful to human health.

Outdoor air pollution in both cities and rural areas is causing fine particulate matter that results in strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Fine particles from factories, power plants, and car exhausts can irritate the lungs, especially in children, senior citizens, and people who work or exercise outdoors. It is even worse for people with asthma or allergies, as the pollutants can trigger asthma attacks and intensify symptoms.

Ambient (outdoor) air pollution is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. This figure represents 68% of all premature deaths associated with air pollution. The greatest number of deaths occurred in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions, with 89% of premature deaths happening in low- and middle-income countries.

In addition to the health risks, air pollution also has economic implications. The costs associated with premature deaths and illnesses due to air pollution can burden healthcare systems and societies. Additionally, the impacts of air pollution on productivity and labour participation can have significant economic consequences.

To address the crisis, policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, improved municipal waste management, and better power generation and industrial processes are necessary. These interventions can effectively reduce key sources of outdoor and indoor air pollution, improve air quality, and protect public health.

It damages the environment

Air pollution is a crisis because it damages the environment in several ways. It reduces visibility and blocks sunlight, affecting the climate and ecosystems globally. It also causes acid rain, which harms forests, wildlife, and agriculture. For example, ammonia and nitrogen deposition can reduce plant species richness and diversity, favoring species tolerant to excess nutrients and altering ecosystem functions.

Additionally, air pollution impacts water bodies such as rivers and lakes, as well as marine ecosystems, through ocean acidification. The atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulfur due to air pollution is a significant stressor on natural ecosystems, often leading to acidification and eutrophication of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Furthermore, air pollution affects the growth of plants and crops. Gaseous ammonia from agriculture and nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions increase nitrogen levels in soils, disrupting the balance of species within ecosystems. This disruption negatively impacts grasslands and other fragile environments worldwide.

Air pollution also contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, which affect the entire planet. These gases, including carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and altering weather patterns.

Lastly, air pollution can have indirect effects on the environment by impacting human health. For example, respiratory issues caused by poor air quality may limit people's ability to work outdoors or engage in activities that contribute to environmental conservation.

It negatively impacts children's health and education

Air pollution is a crisis because it negatively impacts children's health and education. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution as their bodies, organs, and immune systems are still developing. They are susceptible to the effects of air pollution from the womb until they reach adulthood.

Children exposed to air pollution are at a higher risk of developing asthma, respiratory symptoms, vitamin D deficiency, and deficits in lung function and growth. Studies have also shown that air pollution can alter the immune system, with children in highly polluted areas experiencing a higher risk of developing vitamin D-deficiency rickets.

The impact of air pollution on children's health is evident in the increased hospital admission rates and the associated healthcare costs. In addition to the direct health effects, air pollution also negatively impacts children's education and overall well-being. For example, in Bangkok, schools were forced to close for several days due to severe smog, preventing children from attending school and disrupting their education.

Research has also shown that cleaner air can improve a child's working memory, with potential long-term benefits for their learning and earning potential. Therefore, it is crucial to implement policies and interventions that specifically address children's exposure to air pollution. This includes improving air quality in child-centric settings, such as schools and kindergartens, and involving institutions related to childcare, education, and health. By taking these steps, we can help reduce the negative impact of air pollution on children's health and education.

It hampers economic activity

Air pollution is a crisis because it hampers economic activity. Poor air quality is detrimental to economies. It has been estimated that the health damage caused by air pollution costs $8.1 trillion annually, equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP. This is due to health impacts, lost productivity, and reduced life expectancy. According to the World Bank, there are 1.2 billion workdays lost globally each year due to air pollution, which could reach 3.8 billion days by 2060. This results in a significant loss of productivity and economic output.

The impact of air pollution on economic activity is further exacerbated by the costs associated with healthcare. The pollution causes respiratory and other diseases, leading to increased healthcare expenditures for individuals, businesses, and governments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of people breathe air that exceeds the recommended guideline limits for pollutants, with those in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most. This results in a disproportionate economic burden on these countries, hindering their economic development and growth.

Additionally, air pollution affects industries such as agriculture, with global crop yield losses of between 3-16%. It also damages ecosystems, water, and soil quality, impacting industries that rely on natural resources. The costs of air pollution are not limited to health and economic impacts but also extend to social inequity. Marginalized communities are more likely to be exposed to toxic levels of pollution, preventing them from attending work or school, thereby exacerbating poverty and inequality.

The economic costs of air pollution are significant, and addressing this issue is crucial for fostering inclusive societies and economic growth. Implementing measures to reduce air pollution can have substantial economic benefits. For example, in the USA, every $1 spent on air pollution control yields an estimated $30 in economic benefits. By investing in clean air projects and policies, governments can improve economic productivity and reduce the burden of healthcare costs on their economies.

Frequently asked questions