Environmental pollution and healthcare are closely linked together due to the pollutants in the environment. Exposure to such particles including nitrogen and sulfur dioxide allows these toxins to make their way into our systems into our blood and into our brains. The issue’s effects on health have been on the uprise significantly for decades now, affecting more people than ever. According to the American Lung Association, up to 131 million people inhabit areas with notably unhealthy levels of air pollution.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), an independent research organization based at the University of Washington, provides evidence-based insights into global health trends to guide policymakers and researchers worldwide. Their work reports that household air pollution, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone, a highly reactive lung damaging gas, are just some of the few factors recognized for having severe health impacts on humanity once permitted exposure. Ozone, in particular, poses significant health risks when inhaled. It can lead to chest pain, throat irritation, and coughing, while also aggravating conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Over time, ozone exposure can reduce lung function and potentially cause long-term lung damage. Damage to the ozone layer from pollutants allows more ultraviolet (UV) rays to reach the Earth's surface, resulting in higher concentrations of ground-level ozone. As these harmful levels rise, more people are at risk of experiencing serious respiratory issues, particularly in urban areas where pollution is more prevalent. This data applies to over 200 territories and countries around the world. This can mean that almost every part of the world has citizens who are unknowingly breathing dangerously unhealthy levels of air pollution everyday.
An example of the pollutants’ detrimental effect on health is shown by the fact that “air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021” as reported by the Health Effects Institute. Additionally, millions of people suffer from chronic diseases, such as asthma and cardiovascular issues, which have been exacerbated by long-term exposure to air pollution. Studies written in reports have found various birth-related effects such as low birth weight, premature birth, asthma, and lung diseases that all result from the detrimental effects of air pollution. To make matters worse, children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable once exposed to the pollution: “...exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group, after malnutrition. A staggering 500,000 of these child deaths were linked to household air pollution due to cooking indoors with polluting fuels, mostly in Africa and Asia” (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation).
Recognizing the issue, the World Health Organization announced that they will be hosting a second global conference pertaining to air pollution and health, taking place in Cartagena, Columbia between March 25th - 27th 2025. The event aims to initiate policies to help save lives, accelerate action for clean air, and further promote mitigation for climate change. However, we must do more to protect our children, who are among the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of pollution. It is crucial for communities, policymakers, and individuals to advocate for stronger air quality regulations, invest in clean energy solutions, and raise awareness about the risks associated with pollution. Together, we can create a healthier environment for future generations and ensure that all children can breathe clean air.
References:
1. American Lung Association . (2024, April 24). 2024 “state of the Air” report reveals most
“hazardous” air quality days in 25 years. American Lung Association.
2. Air Pollution. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (n.d.).
3. Day, P. (2024, June 11). Climate patterns increase air pollution deaths by 14%. AirQualityNews. https://airqualitynews.com/health/climate-patterns-increase-air-pollution-deaths-by-14/
4. “Air Pollution Accounted for 8.1 Million Deaths Globally in 2021, Becoming the Second Leading Risk Factor for Death, Including for Children under 5 Years.” Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/air-pollution-accounted-81-million-deaths-globally-2021-becoming
5. “Who to Host Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news/item/01-06-2024-who-to-host-second-global-conference-on-air-pollution-and-health
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