Air Pollution is a serious health hazard in the US and around the globe  (click here to download a copy of the information below).  The lists below give some idea of how serious a threat it is.
  


The top list shows the external or environmental agent that causes death.  The second list is the physiological or internal bodily function that ultimately leads to your demise.  Keep in mind that many of these numbers are difficult to measure and some may contain a great deal of uncertainty (they are also somewhat out of date).  The row that is highlighted, toxic agents, contains estimates of deaths caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution, water pollution, and exposure to materials such as asbestos and lead both in the home and at the work place.  It is estimated that 60% of the deaths are due to exposure to particulate matter, something that we will examine in a little more detail this week.


Air pollution is a serious hazard worldwide.  Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report that estimated air pollution kills 3 million people worldwide prematurely across the globe.  Interestingly indoor air pollution is, in many places, a more serious threat than outdoor air pollution.  In that regard, here's a link to an article titled "Open-Fire Stoves Kill Millions.  How Do We Fix It?" (it appeared in the Dec. 2012 issue of Smithsonian Magazine). 

The Blacksmith Institute  (now Pure Earth Blacksmith Institute) listed the Top 10 polluted places in the world in a 2007 report.  The report has received a lot of worldwide attention.  If you go to this address (click on 2007 at the top edge of the page) you can view the report online or download and print a copy of the report.  Click here to see a 2013 update of the list.  These lists are included just in case you are interested.  And note all types of pollution are considered, not just air pollution.