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Exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to a variety of health issues. The short- and long-term health consequences of air pollution exposure, particularly from fine particles that penetrate deep into lung passageways, must be carefully assessed. These fine particles pose a significant threat to public health, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions are particularly at risk. Poor air quality also heightens the likelihood of stillbirth, miscarriage, and neurological conditions like cognitive impairment and dementia.
In 2019, air pollution was responsible for around 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Nearly 85% of these deaths were due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes. This makes air pollution the second leading cause of NCDs globally, following tobacco.
What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves?
Addressing air pollution requires collective action and responsibility. We must all take swift and proactive measures to reduce air pollution, involving coordinated efforts across all sectors, including national, state, and local governments, cities, communities, and individuals.
- National Governments: Reduce emissions and establish national standards that meet WHO air quality guidelines. Invest in research and education about clean air and pollution. Utilize tools to evaluate policies and monitor progress on air quality initiatives.
- Cities and Local Communities: Incorporate health considerations into all policies and ensure there is sufficient data and tools to assess health outcomes.
- Individuals: Advocate for your right to a healthy and sustainable environment. Hold your government accountable.
- Everyone: Reevaluate lifestyle choices and make sustainable decisions for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
What Is Particulate Matter?
Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Diesel vehicles and coal-fired power plants typically emit high concentrations of particulate matter. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) pose serious health risks because they can be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), also known as “fine” particles, pose the greatest health risks due to their ability to lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
What Are the Sources of Air Pollution?
Major sources of air pollution include inefficient modes of transport (using polluting fuels and vehicles), the combustion of household fuels for cooking, lighting, and heating, coal-fired power plants, agriculture, and waste burning. Some air pollutants are also greenhouse gases, which further exacerbate the health impacts of air pollution.
What Can Countries Do to Reduce Air Pollution?
To mitigate the health consequences of air pollution, countries can:
- Develop sustainable transport systems in cities
- Implement effective solid waste management practices
- Provide access to clean household fuels and cookstoves
- Develop markets for renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Reduce industrial emissions
How Does WHO Work with Countries to Reduce Air Pollution?
WHO identifies and monitors air pollutants with the greatest health impacts, helping countries focus on the most effective ways to reduce health risks. By reviewing and analyzing scientific evidence and expert advice, WHO identifies effective measures to combat air pollution.
In 2015, WHO Member States adopted a resolution to address the adverse health effects of air pollution. They agreed on a roadmap for an enhanced global response to these effects. WHO’s work is based on four pillars:
- Expanding the knowledge base
- Monitoring and reporting
- Global leadership and coordination
- Institutional capacity strengthening
WHO’s Strategy on Air Quality and Health
WHO’s strategy outlines concrete actions where the health sector can lead or support efforts to promote health in all policies and ensure access to quality health services. The three cross-cutting areas are:
- Knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress
- Institutional capacity building and technical support
- Leadership and coordination
The “WHO Strategic Approach for Air Quality, Energy Access, and Health” framework (2023-2030) aims to enhance WHO’s efforts in protecting populations from the health consequences of air pollution and lack of energy access.
Note to Editors:
This press release was updated on 25 June 2024 to reflect revised data and links.
SOURCE: who.int
