We all know that air pollution is hazardous to our health and environment. The effects of air pollution may have devastating impacts on the condition of our planet’s environment.
Though we often can’t see this pollution, most of us can feel its effects while suffering from ailments like asthma, heart issues, diabetes, or even lung cancer.
Thus, it is vital to clean up this hidden menace as soon as possible; hence, we need to know some vital information about this kind of pollution.
Hence, now let us discuss some amazing facts about air pollution.
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is mainly a mixture of gases and solid particles in the air. It occurs when the air contains a dangerous amount of dust, gases, odor, and fumes.
Inhaling in this polluted air can take away at least 1-2 years of human life. Some common air pollution effects include itchy throat, burning eyes, and, eventually, breathing issues.
An average American usually breathes 2 gallons of air each minute, meaning about 3400 gallons of air per day.
Amazing Air Pollution Facts
👉 It is a global issue
Though some areas of our planet are more affected than others, air pollution still is a problem that can affect every part of the world.
According to the WHO or World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people breathe air that may contain high levels of pollutants.
The pollutants in the air may come from both human and natural sources and also can have different kinds of negative effects on both the environment and human health.
👉 It is the most dangerous pollution.
Pollutants that are being released into the air are the most harmful kind of pollutants, as opposed to water and land pollutants.
This kind of pollution is not a recent problem. In 1952, the Great Smog of London killed about 8000 people.
Moreover, the increasing levels of air pollution in Beijing, China, has brought a new health issue known as Beijing cough.
👉 Particulate matter is very dangerous.
Particulate matter is one of the most dangerous types of air pollutants.
These are mainly very small particles that can be in the lungs through inhalation and can create various respiratory issues and also various other health problems.
This harmful matter can come from different sources, such as industry, traffic, and even wildfires.
Deaths caused by air pollution cost 161 billion euros to the European Union.
👉 Children are most vulnerable to air pollution.
The effects of toxic or polluted air are worse for the most vulnerable individuals. Air pollution can damage the lung development of children.
Moreover, it can worsen the existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions in older people. Also, the poorest people on our planet suffer more because they live near main roads where air pollution is worst.
Almost all road users tend to get affected by air pollution. However, cyclists and pedestrians are exposed to less air pollution than those who use vehicles, especially if using backstreets.
👉 Air pollution is definitely one of the biggest killers of the UK’s
Breathing in polluted air may increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. It can even worsen the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory issues.
Worldwide, the human costs of outdoor and indoor air pollution are terrible. About 7 million premature deaths per year are associated with air pollution.
👉 Sitting inside a car can be more dangerous.
Being shut inside a vehicle may not be able to offer you enough protection from pollution. In reality, you may be exposed to about eight times as much as a cyclist.
So, when driving in heavy traffic, you must use the recycled-air setting on your fan to stop your car from sucking in harmful fumes.
Also, outdoor air pollution is responsible for almost 36000 premature deaths in the UK annually, according to the COMEAP or the government’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants.
👉 Nitrogen oxide and Sulphur dioxides are air pollutants
Nitrogen oxides are a significant component of air pollution in urban areas. These harmful gases are produced by burning fossil fuels and may contribute to acid rain and smog formation.
Sulfur dioxide is another air pollutant produced by burning oil and coal and may contribute to various environmental issues, such as acid rain.
These air pollutants can even hurt the environment. NO2 or Nitrogen dioxide can inflame the lining of the lung and increase the risk of lung infections.
👉 Outdoor air pollution is one of the ten killers on Earth
Outdoor air pollution usually ranks among the top ten killers on Earth. Almost 25% of deaths in India and 65% in Asia are due to air pollution.
Also, about 28% of Americans think they are most affected by air pollution caused by cars and other vehicles.
Around 2 million cars in the Philippines and Manila cause 80% of air pollution, whereas air pollution in China may go up to the Central Valley of California.
👉 Air pollution is the cause of numerous deaths.
The number of people who die in America yearly because of air pollution is more than 50,000. Also, air pollution is estimated to be the reason behind 527,700 deaths yearly in India.
In addition, according to many studies, 750,000 people die prematurely in China because of air pollution.
Air pollution kills 25,000 people in California each year and costs $200 million in medical expenses. Also, air pollution poses a serious health risk to the health of Europe.
👉 Four million premature deaths are caused by indoor air pollution
Our health can deteriorate our health to a great extent as smoke and various other pollutants inflame our lungs and airways.
These pollutants weaken our immune system and even reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of our blood.
This indoor air pollution is responsible for four million untimely deaths every year. Researchers also revealed a connection between polluted indoor air and tuberculosis, low birth weight, cataracts, and even nasopharyngeal cancer.
👉 Black carbon and methane increase indoor air pollution
Both black carbon and methane emitted by stove combustion can also contribute to indoor air pollution.
The agencies and government concerned should change policies to increase people’s access to clean fuels as quickly as possible. Indoor air pollution can increase the risk of stroke, pneumonia, pulmonary issues, and lung cancer.
👉 Ozone and carbon monoxide are notable air pollutants
Ozone is a gas produced when VOCs and nitrogen oxides react with sunlight. Ground-level ozone may cause various types of health issues, including respiratory issues.
VOCs are a specific group of chemicals that can be produced from various sources, such as solvents, paints, and gasoline. They can even create smog and pollute the air.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It harms humans and may cause dizziness, headaches, and even death.
👉 Almost 11 million vehicles were created that could cheat air pollution tests.
You have already known that diesel cars can pollute our environment to a great extent. A study in 2016 done by the Department of Transport confirmed that all diesel cars tested could produce more pollution on the road than in any laboratory. Some of them emit around 12 times the EU test.
However, car manufacturer Volkswagen was caught in 2015 for using software programs to cheat pollution tests.
👉 The global cost of air pollution
According to the World Bank, the global cost of air pollution is US$225 billion per year.
A study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation or IHME and the World Bank highlights polluted air’s shocking social and economic impacts. It makes clear that polluted areas are less productive.
In a survey of the world’s liveable places, London came 38th because of air pollution and traffic.
👉 The small particles are more dangerous.
The smallest particles can be more dangerous air pollutants than the bigger ones. These particles are smaller than the width of human hair and are largely invisible.
Still, they can easily penetrate deep into our lungs. Air pollution done by these small particles can worsen lung and heart ailments.
👉 Air pollution costs 20 billion Euro to the UK per year
The ailments resulting from exposure to air pollution prove to be really expensive to people who suffer from various illnesses in various businesses. These expenses in the UK add up to 20 billion euros annually.
Not only does air pollution harm our health and even result in poor productivity, but it can also have long-term issues.
Thus, traffic levels need to be cut down, and green innovation needs to be followed as much as possible.
👉 Plants can filter pollution.
Our houses are vulnerable to harmful gases and pollutants, which may increase over time. However, readily available houseplants can help us by filtering some dangerous compounds.
Some of those beneficial plants include English ivy, peace lilies, broadleaf lady palm, and cornstalk.
This is the reason why some areas across England can be identified that could have more woodlands from rewilding and tree planting.
👉 Air pollution can worsen climate change.
Along with the deterioration in the climate caused by fine particles, another cause of air pollution can be traffic emissions.
These air pollutants are also significant contributors to climate change. There are good benefits to tackling these problems together.
So, air pollution is a significant global issue that we should fight off as soon as possible by following some rules and a proper lifestyle.
At the end of this article, we learned 19 amazing facts about this global issue known as air pollution.
So, we must try our best to save our planet and ourselves from this danger. To know some additional pieces of information, you may visit our website.
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)
