Air Pollution: A Public Health Crisis States Must Address

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people's health and the environment. It is a global public health emergency, causing harmful effects that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable communities, including women, children, and people of colour. With the knowledge of the detrimental consequences of air pollution, the question is not whether we should act but how we can address this issue effectively. States play a crucial role in tackling air pollution through implementing policies and strategies that reduce emissions and protect their citizens' right to a healthy environment, as enshrined in various treaties, constitutions, and legislation.

Air pollution is a global public health emergency

The impact of air pollution on human health is significant. Air pollution has been linked to various diseases, including respiratory illnesses, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia. It is estimated that about 60% of household air pollution-related deaths globally are among women and children, with more than half of all pneumonia deaths in children under five attributed to indoor air pollution. Overall, it is estimated that air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths annually.

The economic impact of air pollution is also substantial. The EPA and other organizations have implemented various programs and initiatives to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign, Clean School Bus USA, and SmartWay Transport Partnership. These efforts have resulted in significant progress in the United States since 1970, with a 41% decline in fine particulate matter pollution and a 22% decline in ozone pollution. Cleaner air means reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity, as fewer people miss school or work due to illness.

Addressing air pollution is crucial for social justice and global equality. Poor and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, as they often lack access to clean cooking and heating fuels and technologies. Additionally, communities of color are more likely to live in areas with unhealthy air quality and have higher rates of chronic conditions that make them more vulnerable to air pollution.

Furthermore, climate change is making it increasingly challenging to maintain air quality and protect public health. Extreme heat, drought, and wildfires contribute to worsening air pollution levels, exposing more people to harmful pollutants. Therefore, it is essential for states to prioritize air pollution mitigation and work towards achieving the targets set out in agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

It disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of colour

Air pollution is a global public health emergency that affects us all. However, the burden of air pollution is not shared equally. It disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of colour.

In the United States, power plants, factories, and other polluting facilities are often strategically built in areas with fewer regulations, which also tend to be low-income neighbourhoods. These communities are targeted due to their vulnerability, with fewer resources and less political power to oppose the siting of these facilities. This has resulted in higher pollution levels and worse health consequences for low-income communities.

Additionally, people of colour are more likely to live in counties with higher particle and ozone pollution levels, regardless of income level. Research has shown that race is an important factor in exposure to air pollution, with communities of colour experiencing greater than average exposures from source types that contribute to a significant portion of overall exposure. This disparity is evident across states, urban and rural areas, indicating that race plays a significant role in exposure levels.

Furthermore, studies have found a higher risk of premature death from particle pollution in predominantly Black or African American communities compared to predominantly white communities. Higher-income Blacks also face a greater risk than lower-income whites, suggesting that factors other than income, such as chronic stress from discrimination, may be contributing to the disparity.

The impact of air pollution on low-income communities and communities of colour extends beyond physical health, affecting mental health and cognitive function as well. The combination of a lack of emissions regulations and enforcement, and the strategic placement of polluting facilities contributes to the disproportionate impact on these communities. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure environmental justice and equal access to a healthy environment for all.

It is a social justice issue, as poorer people are more exposed to it

Air pollution is a social justice issue as it disproportionately affects poorer people. While air pollution is all around us, both indoors and outdoors, in cities and in the countryside, it is the poor who are more exposed to it. According to the World Health Organization, 97% of cities in low- and middle-income countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants do not meet the minimum air quality levels. In high-income countries, 29% of cities fall short of meeting the organization’s guidelines, but poorer communities are often the most exposed as power plants, factories, incinerators, and busy roads are located in or near poor suburban communities.

Similarly, in the United States, the "State of the Air" report finds that 46% of Americans, or 156.1 million people, are living in places with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. The report also shows that communities of color are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air and are also more likely to be living with one or more chronic conditions that make them more vulnerable to air pollution, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. People of color make up 41.2% of the overall population of the U.S., but they are 50.2% of the people living in a county with at least one failing grade for air quality.

The impacts of air pollution are also concentrated in underserved communities, making it an environmental justice issue. A 2021 EPA report showed that climate change disproportionately impacts socially vulnerable populations. For example, Black and African American individuals are projected to face worse impacts of climate change, with this demographic being 34% more likely to currently live in areas with the highest projected increases in childhood asthma diagnoses and 40% more likely to live in areas with the highest projected increases in extreme temperature-related deaths.

Furthermore, household air pollution is particularly harmful to women and children due to their traditional home-based roles in many cultures. About 60% of household air pollution-related deaths globally are among women and children, and more than half of all pneumonia deaths in children under five can be attributed to indoor air pollution. Children are more affected by ground-level pollution from exhaust fumes as they are shorter than adults. Researchers have also found that lead exposure can have lasting effects on the cognitive ability of developing children, which can influence their performance at school and have been associated with inattention, restlessness, and aggression. Pesticides are also thought to disrupt brain development, placing children exposed to them at an unfair disadvantage.

It affects the economy by reducing productivity and increasing healthcare costs

Air pollution has a significant impact on the economy, affecting productivity and healthcare costs. Poor air quality has been linked to various negative health outcomes, which can result in reduced productivity and increased healthcare expenditures.

One of the primary ways air pollution affects the economy is by reducing productivity. Studies have shown that higher levels of air pollution are associated with decreased worker output and labor supply. For example, elevated ozone concentrations in California, even below federal air quality standards, led to reduced productivity among farmworkers. Similarly, higher carbon monoxide concentrations resulted in increased school absences, impacting the productivity of both students and teachers. Air pollution also affects athletic performance, with data showing that athletes perform worse on days with higher pollution levels. These effects on productivity can have significant economic implications, as they impact a wide range of sectors and industries.

The health impacts of air pollution further contribute to the economic burden. Air pollutants are linked to higher healthcare costs due to increased rates of infant mortality, low birth weight, asthma attacks, respiratory illnesses, and premature mortality among adults. The incidence of low birth weight, for instance, has been associated with higher healthcare costs and reduced earnings later in life. Additionally, communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, exacerbating existing social justice and inequality issues.

Furthermore, air pollution affects not only physical health but also cognitive performance and decision-making abilities. Research has found that higher air pollution levels are associated with increased behavioral biases among investors and analysts in the financial sector. These effects on decision-making can have significant economic consequences, potentially impacting various high-stakes situations and skilled service professions.

The economic impact of air pollution extends beyond healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Environmental regulations aimed at improving air quality may slow down production, lead to business closures, and result in job losses. However, effective environmental regulations can also improve public health, potentially increasing productivity by creating a healthier workforce.

Overall, the impact of air pollution on the economy is significant, affecting productivity, healthcare costs, and decision-making abilities. Addressing air pollution through effective policies and regulations is crucial not only for improving public health but also for mitigating the economic burden associated with its adverse effects.

It is a cross-state issue, with pollution travelling across state lines

Air pollution is a global public health emergency. It affects us all, whether we realize it or not. It does not stop at state lines. For example, pollution from a midwestern coal-fired power plant can travel hundreds of miles on easterly winds, burdening downwind areas with pollution they cannot control.

In the United States, air pollution continues to harm people's health and the environment. The Clean Air Act of 1963 aimed to address this issue with expanded research efforts and a new public health program. The Air Quality Act of 1967 established that states and local governments should be in charge of their own pollution problems, but the federal government could step in if the state failed to act. Since 1970, there have been major updates to the Clean Air Act, including provisions to protect areas with clean air and new requirements for areas not meeting clean air standards.

Despite these efforts, 46% of Americans (approximately 156.1 million people) live in places with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. This issue is particularly prevalent in low-income communities and communities of color, where polluting facilities are often located. Additionally, communities of color are more likely to have chronic conditions that make them more vulnerable to air pollution, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

To address air pollution, federal, state, and local governments work together to develop targets and strategies to reduce its impacts. For example, the EPA works with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as other federal agencies and stakeholders, to reduce air pollution and its damage. The Clean Power Plan, for instance, provides customized goals for states to cut carbon pollution while reflecting each state's energy mix.

Overall, air pollution is a cross-state issue that requires collaboration and coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels to effectively address its health and environmental impacts.

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