How Many People Are Dying from Air Pollution?

It’s become increasingly evident that pollution can lead to the loss of lives. Polluted water can spread disease through ingestion and exposure to skin. This, in turn, leads to several deaths. It’s a problem that is almost confined to third world countries – those without a clean water supply. But air pollution is also growing in its notoriety for causing deaths, and isn’t restricted to poorer areas – it’s affecting everyone.

Exposing the issue

London is the latest city to have its air pollution woes exposed. Analysis by Clean Air in London revealed that the death toll is on the brink of passing 2,500. It’s a shocking figure, but one that reflects the serious threat posed by the high levels of air pollution in urban areas.

The UK capital has seen “high" levels of particulate matter. Both PM10 and the even more microscopic PM2.5 are on the up with death rates to match. Clean Air also found that air pollution can be linked to many of the top causes of death in London. Four of the top five fatal diseases for Londoners can be caused or worsened in some part by air pollution.

The problems include heart diseases, dementia and lung diseases. And outside of London, the problem is no different. Experts from the World Health Organisation have found that over 16,000 people are dying each year across Britain from outdoor air pollution.

Not always fatal

Even in cases where it isn’t fatal, air pollution is causing problems for thousands of people. A poll by TNS has found that almost half the people in London think poor air quality has made them ill. This detrimental impact on health is even worse for some Londoners too. Cyclists, parents, long-term exposed and those living in more central London felt even stronger about the effects of the dirty air.

Reducing carbon footprints

As well as reducing traffic, the onus is on big companies to reduce their carbon footprints. So far, there is a lack of government legislation to force or incentivise these changes. If changes are brought in, businesses will reduce their emissions and in the long term it will reduce the fatality rates.

But how do they go about reducing their emissions? New technology is making it easier to perform sophisticated, more accurate calculations of your carbon footprint. These methods and how they can have a positive impact on the environment are discussed in ‘Enabling Carbon Management – Moving Beyond Carbon Measurement and Reporting’.