Reducing Air Pollution: Avoidable Health Burden

Abstract

Anthropogenic emissions have transformed atmospheric composition to the extent that biogeochemical cycles, air quality, and climate have changed globally and profoundly. It is estimated that ambient (outdoor) air pollution causes an excess mortality rate of about 4.5 million per year, associated with 122 million years of life lost annually, mostly due to the detrimental health effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Globally, the largest source of this pollution is residential energy use for heating and cooking, notably because of its importance in Asia. Agriculture, power production, and road traffic also contribute significantly. If residential energy emissions could be eliminated, up to 1.4 million deaths per year would be avoided. Agriculture, through the release of ammonia, contributes strongly to PM2.5. A study of health benefits achieved through European legislation since 1970 indicates that emission controls in the transport and energy sectors have prevented approximately 61, 000 deaths per year in Europe and 163, 000 per year worldwide, the latter through new technology that penetrated global markets. However, much stronger measures are needed to substantially lower the health burden from air pollution. Clean air is a human right, being fundamental to many sustainable development goals of the United Nations, such as good health, climate action, sustainable cities, clean energy, and protecting life on land and in the sea.