Pollution and health have always been directly linked, both environmentally and medically, but few people consider the economic impact felt by countries afflicted with poor outdoor air quality. The World Health Organization estimates that the cost of disability and premature death from air pollution in Europe totalled close to $1.6 trillion USD in 2015. Each form of pollution presents its own unique challenges, while resulting in a hefty expense and posing a threat to human health.
Particle pollution is a major air quality concern. Microscopic fibers from combustion, dust, and debris are spread through the air in a mix of solids and liquid droplets. Activities like industrial processes, construction, and burning emit particles that are easily inhaled or consumed. Particle pollution becomes increasingly dangerous when it includes harmful toxins like asbestos, which has direct ties to cancerous conditions including peritoneal mesothelioma. Natural disasters, demolition, and climate change can all contribute to particle pollution, sometimes causing levels to spike during certain times of the year.
Due to worsening conditions, gaseous air pollution like ozone and carbon monoxide have been hot topics in recent years. Levels often increase during the summer when higher temperatures and sunlight stimulate chemical reactions in the lower atmosphere. Gases like ozone can aggravate the respiratory system, resulting in conditions such as chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD) and worsening asthma and emphysema. Although urban areas are often the most affected, the impact of air pollution reaches far into the rural and natural world.
The toll air pollution takes on the environment is costly. Heightened levels of smog or haze can prevent plants from receiving needed sunlight exposure, while certain chemical emissions, like halons, deplete the upper ozone level that protects us from harmful UV rays. Crop and forest damage are a result of air pollution as well, causing land fertility issues and stunted growth.
Economic Impact
Although some headway has been made in terms of sustainability and cutting back on toxins, pollution from energy production continues to cost the U.S. hundreds of billions of dollars each year. According to a report by the World Bank, this rounds out to about $5 trillion in welfare expenses annually, with developing countries seeing some of the worst effects. Much of this is attributed to healthcare costs, as more people are being exposed to harmful airborne toxins. Additional financial burdens can develop from labor productivity and insufficient crop yields.
A number of studies surrounding the economic result of air pollution recommend policy change. One report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) encourages the use of local policies to directly target and break down the issue. Certain global cities like Beijing or Dubai are experiencing increasingly dangerous air quality levels, sometimes resulting in city-wide smog warnings that bring businesses to a halt. Although there may be fears that industrial-centric jobs may be lost while attempting to reduce pollution, the economic model suggests those positions will be balanced out by gains made in other industries, including green building and architecture. Environmentally conscious policy will benefit and stimulate the economy by encouraging efficient use of resources while lessening healthcare costs.
Participating in clean air initiatives and sustainable development are attractive markets for many countries. Those that enter into clean technologies have the advantage of growing and leading the industry, all while improving national health and increasing GDP. Perhaps if those financial gains were highlighted, countries like the U.S. would feel more incentivized to adopt green and non-toxic technologies to help reduce the effects of air pollution.
Emily Walsh
Community Outreach Director
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
