Over 91,000 premature deaths annually in the United States can be attributed to air pollution stemming from oil and gas industries, with individuals of color disproportionately affected.

In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, researchers have linked tens of thousands of premature deaths in the United States to air pollution from the oil and gas industries. The study, which is the first to examine the health hazards arising from pollution generated across all stages of the oil and gas lifecycle, sheds light on the disproportionate impact of these pollutants on minority and disadvantaged communities.

The US, being the world's largest producer of both oil and natural gas, and together with coal, the single-largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions, has seen a significant increase in its oil and gas production and consumption in recent years. This rise in production and consumption has resulted in emissions from alteration processes, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption that predominantly affect Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations, particularly in infamous hotspots like Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" and eastern Texas.

The study found that fine particles (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and other hazardous air pollutants are responsible for 91,000 premature deaths, 10,350 preterm births, 216,000 childhood-onset asthma cases, and 1,610 cancer cases every year in the US. PM2.5, an atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, poses the greatest risk to human health and is linked to various health issues, including premature mortality, heart or lung diseases, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, and other respiratory symptoms.

Previous studies have pointed at the disproportionate impact of pollutants on these minority and disadvantaged communities. In 2019, scientists estimated that Hispanics and African-Americans in the US breathe in 63% and 56% more health-harming pollution than they respectively produce, while Caucasian communities are exposed to 17% less air pollution than they make.

The highest health burdens from air pollution caused by the oil and gas industry in the USA are particularly found near hotspots such as industrial areas and regions with high traffic, often affecting marginalized ethnic groups including Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic populations. Specific cities or regions are not named explicitly in the search results, but these areas are characterized by proximity to oil and gas operations and related pollution sources.

The study also revealed that PM2.5 causes the average person to lose approximately 2.3 years of life expectancy. Globally, PM2.5 is associated with approximately 7 million deaths every year.

In an effort to combat this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new, more stringent guidelines on air pollution in September 2021. The 24-hour PM2.5 safe limit set by WHO is 15 μg/m3, while the annual PM2.5 threshold is 5 μg/m3.

Between 2017 and 2023, US oil and gas production has increased by 40%, and consumption by 8%, according to the Guardian. This increase in production and consumption has raised concerns about the health implications for the communities living near these operations.

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of air pollution, it is crucial to address the disproportionate impact on minority and disadvantaged communities. The study serves as a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to work together to reduce emissions and promote cleaner, healthier environments for all.

Over 91,000 premature deaths annually in the United States can be attributed to air pollution stemming from oil and gas industries, with individuals of color disproportionately affected.