Pretty much no one on the planet is able to escape air pollution, with the WHO reporting that a frightening 99% of the population is breathing polluted air that can damage their health. In fact, the WHO estimates that 7 million people every year die from air pollution. This is generally worse in cities and poorer countries. 

There are two types of air pollution – outdoor and indoor. This short video by National Geographic explains more about what we mean by air pollution and the impact it has on people and our planet.

 

Outdoor, or ambient, air pollution is mostly caused by human activity – linked to emissions from things like factories, cars, planes or aerosol cans. Indoor, or household, pollution is the result of smoke produced by unclean fuels or stoves, open fires and lamps in poorly ventilated places. Countries in Africa and Asia are generally the most affected by this type of pollution, and it particularly affects women and children, who spend more time indoors.  

 

Breathing in polluted air can cause all kinds of health problems. It can contribute to things like pneumonia or bronchitis, headaches, dizziness, or nausea. And it can also have serious long-term effects, including heart disease, organ damage, lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and death. Young children and elderly people are generally more sensitive to its effects.  

 

Reducing air pollution 

The good news is that we can each do our bit to try to reduce air pollution. For example, you could:  

  • Swap car journeys for public transport, cycling or walking  
  • Stop using aerosols  
  • Avoid burning solid fuels at home in open fires or stoves, and don’t burn leaves or rubbish in your garden 
  • Plant more trees and green shrubs 

And, of course, air pollution is also closely linked to climate change. So this is a battle we all need to keep fighting.