Exposure to air pollution has many substantial adverse effects on human health. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016 91% of the world’s population was living in places where the air quality guidelines were not being met. Further, that an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths were caused by air pollution worldwide. Ongoing studies indicate that these numbers are continuing to go up at an alarming rate. (1)
Landmark Case
A recent ruling in the UK found local air pollution in London was the cause of death for a 9-year-old girl. Ella Kissi-Debrah, who had severe asthma, and who lived close to one of London’s busiest thoroughfares, died in February 2013 after experiencing almost 30 hospital visits over the previous three years due to seizures. The coroner found that air pollution where she lived both induced and exacerbated Ella’s particular form of severe asthma.
This ruling is the first of its kind in the UK and is likely to increase pressure on the government to tackle illegal levels of air pollution across the country. Hopefully, the rest of the world will take notice. (2)
Air Pollution
The pollutants in outdoor air are mostly from industrial production, forest and brush fire, garbage burning, and vehicle emissions. These are mainly particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, and sulfur dioxide. Of these, NO2 and PM from traffic emissions are the most common.
PM affects more people than any other pollutant. The major components of PM are sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water suspended in the air. Numerous scientific studies have linked PM exposure to a variety of problems, including increased respiratory symptoms, airway irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
NO2 is a toxic gas that causes significant inflammation of the airways. The major source is from combustion engines for heating, power generation, and engines in vehicles and ships. Epidemiological studies have shown that symptoms of bronchitis in asthmatic children increase in association with long-term exposure to NO2. (1)
Air Pollution and Childhood Asthma
According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, currently affecting an estimated 6.1 million children under 18, of which 3.5 million suffered from an asthma attack or episode in 2016 as a result of narrowed airways. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15 causing 640,000 emergency room visits in 2010. (3)
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that children exposed to outdoor coarse particulate matter were more likely to develop asthma and need emergency room or hospital treatment for it. Coarse PM comes from roadway particles like brake and tire wear, and mixtures of road dust and metals. (3)
Other research indicates exposure during infancy to traffic-related NO2 increases the risk for childhood asthma. In Sweden, 4089 children 12 or younger were followed regarding exposure to PM and NO2 from traffic. They found asthma risks to be particularly increased in children age 8 to 12. (4)
Most sources of outdoor air pollution are well beyond the control of individuals. The recent UK ruling and continued increase in global air pollution demands focused action by policy-makers now.
