The burning of fossil fuels is the main cause of air pollution, even without the threats of climate change, air pollution is responsible for the
deaths and suffering of millions.
Air pollution causes 7 million deaths per year according to a WHO recent estimate
9 out of 10 people around the world breathe air containing high levels of pollutants
Globally air pollution contributes to nearly ½ of all lung disease deaths & ¼ of all deaths from lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease
As well as 7 million deaths, air pollution can also cause; Respiratory diseases - Cardiovascular damage - Fatigue, headaches and anxiety - Irritation
of the eyes, nose and throat - Damage to reproductive organs - Harm to the liver, spleen and blood - Nervous system damage
Fossil fuels should have been removed from our energy supply and transport systems decades ago. With all of the alternative options to burning fossil fules there is no reason for us to continue polluting and damaging human health
Air pollution one of the world’s largest cause of health and environmental issues. According to the World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people
breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Furthermore, air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year.
What exactly is Air Pollution?
Overview
Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances are introduced into Earth's atmosphere. It is categorised
in two ways:
Particulate matter (PM) - inhalable particles that are capable of penetrating peoples’ lungs and entering their bloodstream
Ozone (O3) - one of the major components of photochemical smog and a key health risk linked to breathing problems, asthma, reduced lung function and respiratory diseases.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - an important constituent of particulate matter and ozone. There is growing evidence that independently, it can increase symptoms of bronchitis and asthma, as well as lead to respiratory infections and reduced lung function and growth.
Sulphur oxides (SOx) – a type of pollutant that affects the respiratory system and the function of the lungs, and causes irritation of the eyes. SO2 also combines with water in the air to form sulphuric acid - the main component of acid rain.
Carbon monoxide (CO) - a colourless and odourless gas, which at high levels can be harmful to humans by impairing the amount of oxygen transported in the bloodstream to critical organs.
Lead (Pb) and other heavy metals - depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system.
Sources: Largest Contributors to Air Pollution
By far, the largest contributor to high levels of these pollutants in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels (and to a lesser extent biofuels). According to the WHO, some of the biggest sources are:
Fuel combustion from motor vehicles
Heat and power generation
Industrial facilities
Municipal and agricultural waste sites and waste incineration/burning
Residential cooking, heating, and lighting with polluting fuels
World Health Organization: Pollutant sources: WHO[3]
Air pollutant and GHG emissions as a percentage of total EEA-33 pollutant emissions in 2016, by industry sector: European Environment Agency[4]
By Industry
This graph from the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows percentages of output emissions in 2016, by industry sector. Although percentages vary for each
type of pollutant, we can see that overall levels are greatly affected by the use of fossil fuels for energy supply, industry, transport, residential and
commercial purposes.
Air Pollution and Health
Deaths from Air Pollution
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Air pollution was the 4th leading cause of global deaths in 2017. However, if we use the most recent estimate from the WHO of 7 million deaths per year, it is now possibly the 3rd leading cause.
According to the World Heart Federation, every year air pollution contributes globally to nearly ½ of all lung disease deaths and to about ¼ of all
deaths from lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
Other Effects on our Health
Not only does air pollution cause 7 million deaths per year, it can also have different short-term and long-term effects on human health. These health effects include:
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