What are the Health Risks of Burning Fossil Fuel?
Turnkey Instruments Australia
Health Risks of Fossil Fuel Burning
Burning fossil fuels releases dangerous pollutants that pose a serious threat to human health, especially through fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. This pollution is linked to a wide range of health problems, and robust monitoring is essential for protecting communities and reducing harm.eesi+1
The combustion of coal, oil, and gas releases air pollution that leads to asthma, cancer, heart disease, poor birth outcomes, and premature death. Pollutants are not only hazardous to those living near power stations but can travel hundreds of kilometers, impacting distant populations. Air pollution from fossil fuels is responsible for millions of deaths globally each year, making it a leading contributor to global health emergencies.dea+3
PM2.5: Fine Particulate Pollution
PM2.5 refers to fine airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which are able to penetrate deep into the lungs. Exposure to PM2.5 has been shown to directly increase rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and lung cancer. Long-term exposure reduces overall life expectancy, particularly harming children, the elderly, and people with preexisting health conditions.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+3
The Role of Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring enables authorities to detect where pollution is highest and respond with appropriate warnings and interventions to reduce exposure. By tracking pollution sources and levels of PM2.5, regulators can enact controls on emissions and enforce environmental standards—measures proven to save lives and improve public health. Real-time monitoring systems empower communities by offering timely data that can inform behavior and policy, helping to mitigate the dangers posed by fossil fuel pollution.tsi+3
Burning fossil fuels is a clear threat to public health. PM2.5 pollution is particularly deadly, but well-designed air quality monitoring programs offer a crucial tool for identifying risks, taking preventive action, and moving toward healthier, cleaner air for all.health.nsw
Key statistics since 2010 reveal that fossil fuel pollution has been responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide and continues to impact global health at alarming levels.hsph.harvard+2
Mortality Rates and Premature Deaths
Fossil fuel air pollution caused more than 8 million deaths globally in 2018, making it responsible for approximately 1 in 5 deaths worldwide.ucl+1
Ambient air pollution from fossil fuels results in an estimated 5.13 million (range 3.63–6.32 million) excess deaths per year globally, accounting for about 82% of all deaths that could be avoided by controlling anthropogenic emissions.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih+1
PM2.5 exposure deaths increased by roughly 23% from 2010 to 2021, even as overall exposure levels in some regions declined due to population growth and aging.stateofglobalair
In the United States, fossil fuel pollution led to 350,000 premature deaths in 2018 alone.eesi
Disease Burden and Health Costs
Major causes of death related to fossil fuel pollution include ischemic heart disease (~30%), stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (~16% each), lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1
Health and economic costs from fossil fuel burning totaled US$2.9 trillion in 2018, which is about 3.3% of global GDP, or US$8 billion per day.climateandhealthalliance
In China and India, the largest numbers of attributable deaths from PM2.5 are reported, accounting for nearly 58% of the global total.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
The U.S. incurs health costs over $820 billion annually from fossil-fuel air pollution and climate change impacts.climateandhealthalliance
Regional Patterns
| Region | PM2.5 Deaths (2018, est.) | Main Diseases |
|---|---|---|
| Global | 5–8 million/year hsph.harvard+2 | Heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer |
| United States | 350,000/year eesi | Heart disease, respiratory illness |
| China | ~1.4 million/year pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih | Cardiovascular, respiratory |
| India | ~0.87 million/year pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih | Cardiovascular, respiratory |
These statistics underscore the profound global health impacts of fossil fuels, especially through PM2.5 pollution, and highlight the urgent need for cleaner energy sources and stricter emissions controls.
- https://hsph.harvard.edu/climate-health-c-change/news/fossil-fuel-air-pollution-responsible-for-1-in-5-deaths-worldwide/
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2021/feb/fossil-fuel-air-pollution-responsible-1-5-deaths-worldwide
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38030155/
- https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077784
- https://www.stateofglobalair.org/pollution-sources/pm25