Air pollution has emerged as second leading risk factor for deaths globally according to a recent report by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), titled "State of Global Air" (SoGA), highlights that air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths in 2021. The study underscoring the devastating effects of both outdoor and indoor air pollution, particularly on children under five, who suffer from conditions such as premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases. In collaboration with UNICEF, the report found that over 700,000 children in this age group died due to pollution in 2021.

Impact on children

One of the most concerning findings of the study is the impact on children under five. Almost 2,000 children in this age group die every day due to air pollution. In 2021 over 700,000 children under five died from pollution-related health issues, making it the second-leading risk factor for death in this age group after malnutrition. A significant portion of these deaths 500,000 were due to household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels, especially in Asia and Africa.

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UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden underscored the critical nature of the issue, “Despite progress in maternal and child health, every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to pollution.”

Children are particularly vulnerable to pollution. Exposure is linked to numerous health issues, including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and other lung diseases. The damage can begin in the womb and have lasting effects for life. Children inhale more air relative to their body weight compared to adults, making them more vulnerable to pollutants while their organs and brains are still developing.

The report also shows that PM2.5 particles, which are tiny pollutants, are responsible for over 90% of air pollution-related deaths. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

HEI President Dr. Elena Craft expressed hope that the SoGA report would prompt action, noting, “We hope our State of Global Air report provides both the information and the inspiration for change. Air pollution has enormous implications for health. We know that improving air quality and global public health is practical and achievable.”

The report also highlights the link between air pollution and climate change. PM2.5 emissions from fossil fuels and biomass burning contribute to global warming. Sensitive populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are disproportionately affected by both polluted air and climate hazards.

Despite the alarming statistics, the report also notes progress. Since 2000, the death rate for children under five linked to air pollution has decreased by 53%, thanks to better access to clean cooking energy, improved healthcare, and increased awareness.

Efforts to combat air pollution are increasing, especially in highly polluted regions. Countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia are implementing stricter air quality policies, establishing pollution monitoring networks, and promoting cleaner transportation options. These initiatives are already showing positive impacts on public health.

Dr. Pallavi Pant underscores the need to consider air quality in health policies: “This points sharply at an opportunity for cities and countries to consider air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programs.”

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