Air pollution has a wide range of impacts in major cities such as Riyadh, affecting human health, the environment, and the buildings where people live and work. These impacts vary depending on the type of pollutants and their concentration levels. However, because pollutants—whether gases or fine particulate matter—can disperse and travel over long distances, their effects often extend far beyond the immediate vicinity of their emission sources. Nevertheless, areas closest to these sources are generally the most affected due to their exposure to higher concentrations of pollutants.
Short-term exposure to moderate levels of air pollution generally has a lesser impact on young and healthy individuals and is unlikely to result in long-term health effects. However, more vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions, may be affected even by moderate pollution levels. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to illness, and irritation of the respiratory system, which may manifest as coughing.
Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution—even at moderate concentrations over extended periods—can lead to more serious health consequences. It may contribute to respiratory diseases such as asthma, as well as more severe conditions including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and even cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.7 million premature deaths occurred in 2012 as a result of exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air. Around 80% of these deaths were attributed to ischemic heart disease and stroke, 14% were caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or acute lower respiratory infections, and 6% resulted from lung cancer (World Health Organization, 2014).
Air pollution can damage plants and animals, negatively affecting biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Air pollution can also damage buildings and infrastructure. Suspended particulate matter can settle on surfaces, causing them to darken, while acidic gases contribute to the deterioration of buildings and agricultural crops. Ground-level ozone also negatively affects plant and animal production.
Air pollution has adverse effects on the health of the planet. It is closely linked to global warming, which is largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels and the associated emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
