Air
Air is an invisible mixture of various gases. It exists naturally in our environment. Oxygen is one of the various gases present in the air that we breathe. Furthermore, various gases present in air causes air pollution.
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution happens when gases, dust, dirt, pollen, soot, viruses, etc. contaminate the air making it unclean, unhealthy, and toxic to breathe. The amount of air pollution present in the air determines its effects on humans, animals, plants, and the entire ecosystem. Hence, the amount of pollution in the air affects the level of harm it poses to humans, animals, and plants.
Some common but extremely dangerous air contaminants are
01 Particulate Matter
Small breathable dust particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. And it can easily enter deep into the lungs.
02 Harmful Gases
There are numerous gases in the air. But they become harmful when they exceed their desired limits. Some examples are Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Carbon Monoxide, etc.
There are two types of Air Pollution
01 Indoor Air Pollution
According to the WHO, when dust, gases, and allergens contaminate the air in indoor spaces like homes, offices, schools, etc. it is known as indoor air pollution. Indoor air can be 10 times worse than outdoors. Because these pollutants are trapped in closed spaces and cannot move freely.
02 Outdoor Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution occurs when dangerous air pollutants contaminate the air outdoors. This can happen due to natural events. Such as forest burning and volcanic eruptions or due to human activities such as garbage burning, etc.
According to the UN health organization air pollution exposure caused an estimated 1.1 million deaths in India in 2016 among people of all ages.
You must have read or heard somewhere that pollution levels are high or low.
But what exactly does that mean?
High levels of air pollution indicate that the air is heavily contaminated. Thus, it can hurt people more severely. Low air pollution levels imply few health risks. But How do we determine if air pollution is high or low? By calculating the average air pollution concentration over a standard time, we can determine the quality of the air. It is divided into six categories depending upon the level of harm they can do and this index is known as the Air Quality Index (AQI). Hence, we can determine the quality of the air around us with the use of this index. For example, an AQI value of 45 is considered good but AQI levels above 300 represent hazardous air quality.
Where does air pollution come from?
Cooking, tobacco smoke, burning fuels and kerosene, mold, air fresheners, nail polish removers, pet dander, and many more. When there is no circulation of air and indoor air is trapped inside, CO2 levels will rise.
Tobacco smoke
Cigarette smoking is not only injurious to the person who is smoking. But it is equally injurious to people indoors who inhale second-hand smoke.
Burning Fuels & Kerosene
Incomplete combustion of fuels in various home appliances such as stoves, furnaces, etc. release CO and PM.
Air fresheners
Air fresheners and cleaning agents are a potential source of VOCs. If used in excess amounts, they can cause headaches, nausea, etc.
Cooing Fumes
Cooking activities can emit various air pollutants. Humidity levels inside the home can increase when more water is used in cooking.
Pet Dander
This acts as a stressor for respiratory disorders as well as a trigger for asthma attacks. Therefore, animal contact must be reduced as much as possible
Photocopiers & Printers
These are O3 emitters in a home or office setting. Ozone levels, when exceeding the limits can cause various health effects.
Vehicles, factories, garbage burning, dust, power plants, construction and demolition activities, oil refineries, emissions from aircraft and planes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, etc.
Power Plant
Industries and power plants are the main source of air pollution sources outdoors. Emissions from power plants cause photochemical smog.
Garbage Burning
Emissions from burning garbage produce various toxic gases and air pollutants such as CO, CO2, NO2, Smoke, dust, etc.
C&D activities
Waste generated at construction and destruction activities substantially increase PM2.5 and PM10 levels in the air, hence in the nearby areas.
Unpaved roads
Unpaved roads emit particulate matter, PM pollution (PM2.5, PM10), dust, and debris. Hence, it can increase the overall PM levels of that area.
Oil refineries & brick kilns
Pre-processing and processing of oil and bricks emit various pollutants including toxic metals, particulates, toxic gases like methane, etc.
Wildfires & Volcanic eruptions
These are natural sources of outdoor air pollution. Because they emit carbon monoxide, black carbon, etc. which is injurious to wildlife as well.
Health Impacts By Air Pollution
Headaches, dizziness, nausea
Difficulty in breathing, Sweating
Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat
Worsen asthma & respiratory diseases
Damages to the lungs and kidney
Cancer
How you can effectively reduce air pollution
Adopt these simple yet effective tips and play your part in improving air quality.
Indoor Solutions
Control indoor air pollution sources
Actively identify and eliminate sources of indoor air pollution, such as cleaning agents, aerosol sprays, tobacco smoke, etc.
Improve ventilation
Trapped spaces can feel stuffy and stale. Hence, good ventilation is a major factor when it comes to improving indoor air quality
Monitor your humidity levels
Excess moisture will promote mold and mildew growth and increases the chances of viral infections. Germ dispersion is easy in low humidity.
Keep your indoor spaces clean
Keeping your indoor spaces clean will help in reducing episodes of allergies build-up on certain surfaces indoors.
Outdoor Solutions
Reduce Emissions
Walk or ride. Avoid cars or bikes for short distances. Encourage usage of public transport, carpooling, biking, and support initiatives such as e-vehicles.
Avoid Waste Burning
Avoid the burning of waste and garbage in the open and adopt proper garbage disposal methods. Because open burning can release pollutants into the air.
Plant more trees
Planting more trees will assist in the natural filtration of air pollutants. This will further help in reducing the overall air pollution levels in the air.
Support clean air initiatives
Participate in local clean air programs. As to offer your support to groups that work to improve outdoor air quality.
Encourage your family and friends to adopt these tips to reduce air pollution and the health effects that people face when exposed to air pollution.
Air Quality Solutions
Choose Your Air Quality Monitor To Measure Air Pollution
