By Abdullahi Lukman
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning about the persistent global threat posed by air pollution, linking it to approximately 7 million premature deaths each year.
In a report shared on its social media platform X on Tuesday, the WHO disclosed that 99 percent of the global population breathes air that exceeds the organization’s safe guideline limits, with low and middle-income countries experiencing the highest levels of exposure.
The polluted air, which contains dangerous substances such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, is a significant risk to human health.
According to the WHO, major sources of air pollution include household combustion, motor vehicles, industrial activities, and forest fires.
The WHO also noted that around 2.4 billion people are exposed to hazardous household air pollution, primarily due to the use of polluting fuels like kerosene, biomass, and coal for cooking.
In addition, outdoor air pollution, particularly in urban and rural areas, contributes to fine particulate matter that has been linked to serious health issues such as strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.
Beyond its direct health impacts, air pollution is also contributing to climate change, the global agency said.
The WHO pointed out that the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that accelerate global warming, exacerbating environmental challenges.
In response to the crisis, the WHO is calling for stronger environmental regulations and increased investment in renewable energy sources.
The organization has also stressed the need for immediate action, including cleaner energy solutions, improved waste management, and sustainable urban planning, to effectively combat air pollution.
In addition to its effects on physical health, air pollution is now being recognized for its impact on mental health and food security. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to psychological distress, with increased risks of developing conditions like depression, anxiety, and even dementia.
Research by the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry found a strong link between high levels of air pollution and the development of mental health disorders.
Air pollution also poses a significant threat to global food production.
A review published in an academic journal by Engineering highlighted that polluted air damages crops, impedes plant growth, reduces the nutritional content of food, and may render crops unsafe to consume.
As air pollution disrupts weather patterns, farming becomes more challenging, raising the risk of food shortages and hunger worldwide.