Net zero efforts could cause rise in air pollution deaths

Net zero measures such as making homes better insulated could increase the number of deaths from air pollution, a report warns.

The study by the World Heart Federation (WHF) says attempts to make buildings more eco-friendly could prove deadly by making them airtight and increasing the build-up of air pollutants.

Researchers said air pollution is now the “greatest single environmental health risk” facing the world and could lead to millions of deaths from heart disease.

The report says air pollution may be causing almost seven million deaths a year globally - around half of which are caused by cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

The number has been rising over the past decade, with much of the growth fuelled by countries in Asia which are polluting at 10 times recommended safe levels.

But it warns that a major threat now comes from efforts in wealthy nations to drive the green agenda, leaving people exposed to pollution in airtight homes, schools and workplaces.

The report by the WHF, an umbrella group which includes the British Heart Foundation, reveals the extent of the health crisis caused by outdoor and indoor pollution.

In particular, it highlights the risks posed by net zero policies to boost energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.

“Indoor air pollution still poses an issue in more affluent areas/countries and modern buildings,” the report warns, flagging high levels of pollutants from cooking, heating, house dust, cleaning products, beauty creams and bioaerosols from mould and pets.

“As the world transitions towards net zero, a concern is that energy efficiency measures will make buildings more airtight, reducing the egress of pollutants via ventilation and increasing the build-up of pollutants from indoor sources.”

The report warns that tiny invisible particles in air pollution affect heart rhythm, blood clotting, the build-up of plaques in arteries, and blood pressure, as well as worsening respiratory diseases and other conditions.

The study, launched on Saturday at this year’s World Heart Summit in Geneva, says cardiovascular deaths from air pollution will lead to millions of preventable deaths every year unless governments introduce legislation to tackle the issue.

It says far more must be done to research indoor air pollution in domestic housing, schools, and workplaces.

Impact of air pollution on cardiovascular conditions

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths globally, with more than 20 million deaths every year.

Research shows the death toll from air pollution is greatest for those with heart and circulatory conditions.

The study by the WHF, which is a partner of the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that the number of deaths from cardiovascular conditions caused by air pollution have been on the rise over the past decade and is set to increase further.

Experts said air quality levels have barely improved despite a range of measures recommended by WHO agencies.

Outdoor pollution alone has been found to cause around 2 million deaths from heart disease and 1 million deaths from stroke.

Air pollution comes from many sources, including transport, industry and wildfires, but the report also details how indoor air pollution poses a serious health risk.

The report, titled Clearing the Air to Address Pollution’s Cardiovascular Health Crisis, shows the sources of pollution and their effects on the heart and circulation.

Beyond the smoke and smog that we can see, tiny invisible particles can get deep into the lungs, heart, and other organs.

Even short-term exposure to air pollution can have many effects throughout the cardiovascular system, and long-term exposure worsens chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and diabetes.

Adverse effects are even seen on mental health, dementia and in pregnancy.

‘Air pollution spares no one’

Dr Mark Miller, of the University of Edinburgh and the WHF chair of the Air Pollution and Climate Change Expert Group, said: “Air pollution is ubiquitous, sparing no one.

“Both outdoor and indoor pollution are driving deaths from cardiovascular disease which still claims the most lives every year. The impacts of air pollution from several sources add up, often widening gaps in healthcare for those also vulnerable to pollution, and worsening outcomes regardless of demographic.”

Particles that damage air quality vary in composition and size, with PM2.5 being the air pollutant most closely linked to detrimental health effects.

The WHO recommends countries do not exceed 5 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre. Most are far beyond that threshold, and only 64 per cent have any form of established legislation that includes outdoor air quality standards.

While the elderly, children, and those with a lung or heart condition are among those most susceptible to air pollution, short- and long-term exposure affects everyone to varying degrees.

Overall, lower income countries have higher levels of stroke and heart disease mortality from both outdoor and household air pollution than higher income countries.

The report shows links between type of disease risk and particular sources of pollution including all major cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke.

Global air pollution-related healthcare costs are already projected to surge from $21 billion (£16.4 billion) in 2015 to $176 billion (£138 billon) in 2060.

Dr Miller said: “We must combat air pollution’s stranglehold that is causing so many unnecessary deaths and ill health. We need to accelerate the implementation of air quality guidelines and minimise the use of fossil fuels.

“Improving transport standards, the provision of clean domestic fuels, smart infrastructure, urban design and agricultural policies can all help air quality. The current air pollution crisis in many parts of the world reflects known pollutants and could worsen with the emergence of others, all of which underscores the importance of preventive action now.”