Practical steps to lower your health risks from outdoor air pollution

Air pollution affects everyone. According to WHO, in 2019, 99% of the world’s population lived in places where air quality did not meet WHO guidelines. Outdoor air pollution was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide that year, with 89% of those deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

The main danger comes from fine particulate matter (PM). These are tiny particles in the air made of sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water. Breathing them is linked to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancers. WHO estimates that 68% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to heart attacks and strokes, 14% due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 14% due to acute lower respiratory infections, and 4% due to lung cancer.

What you cannot control alone

WHO states clearly that most sources of outdoor air pollution are well beyond the control of individuals. Reducing pollution requires concerted action by policy-makers in energy, transport, waste management, urban planning and agriculture. Successful policies include shifting to clean power generation, improving building energy efficiency, using cleaner vehicles and managing waste without open burning.

However, as residents of Mongolia, we can still make choices that lower our personal exposure and support cleaner air.

Everyday steps to reduce your exposure

While you wait for broader changes, you can take practical steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Choose how you travel. WHO highlights prioritizing walking and cycling networks, as well as rapid public transit, as successful ways to reduce pollution. When safe and weather permits, choose walking, cycling or public transport instead of driving a private car.
• Reduce household emissions. Access to clean household energy for cooking, heating and lighting greatly reduces ambient air pollution, according to WHO. If possible, use cleaner fuels and efficient stoves rather than burning raw coal or wood.
• Avoid burning waste. Open incineration of solid waste is a major source of pollution. WHO recommends waste reduction, separation, recycling and reuse as low-cost alternatives to burning trash.
• Watch for heavy traffic. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas commonly released from fuel combustion in transportation. Try to avoid exercising or spending long periods near busy roads where vehicle exhaust is heavy.

When to seek medical help

Because air pollution is linked to heart and lung problems, pay attention to warning signs. If you or a family member experiences sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke, call 103 immediately. For ongoing coughs, wheezing or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about how to manage your symptoms safely.

Protecting our health from air pollution takes both personal habits and community-wide action. Every small step toward cleaner energy and less waste helps improve the air we all share.