POLLUTION IN THE AIR AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

Air pollution is described as a change in air quality that is measured by chemical, biological, or physical contaminants in the atmosphere. As a result, air pollution refers to the undesired presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, as well as an abnormal increase in the quantity of certain atmospheric constituents. Air pollution can be divided into two categories: visible and invisible.

• Locally, this refers to the air quality within a few kilometres’ radius.
• At distances of a few kilometres to a thousand kilometres, regional pollutants such as acid rain, photochemical reactions, and water quality degradation
• Global ozone depletion and warming due to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2)

Causes of Air pollution

Air pollution is generally caused by the presence of hazardous compounds in the atmosphere, which are mostly created by human activity, however natural occurrences including such volcanic eruptions, dust storms, and wildfires can also degrade air quality.

1. Combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, generating electricity and road transport, produces air pollutants such as nitrogen and sulphur dioxide.
2. Industry and factory emissions, which release enormous amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and organic substances into the air.
3. Agricultural activities, which emit toxic substances as a result of both the usage of pesticides, insecticides, or fertilisers.
4. Waste production, primarily due to landfill methane production

PARTICULATE MATTER (PM)

When coal, gasoline, diesel fuels, and wood are burned, PM is released into the environment as a complex mixture of both solid and liquid particles suspended throughout air. Chemical interactions of nitrogen oxides with organic substances in the atmosphere also produce it. PM can also be found in plants and cattle. PM is produced in large cities by vehicles, trucks, and coal-fired power stations.

The size and content of the particles, as well as the degree and duration of the exposure, as well as the gender, age, and responsiveness of the person who is exposed, all influence the health impacts of PM. Coughing, sore throat, burning eyes, and chest tightness are some of the symptoms of exposure. PM can also provoke asthma or cause premature mortality, especially in the elderly and those who already have a medical condition.

OZONE

UV light interacts with nitrogen oxides and organic molecules to produce O3. O3 is an antioxidant that causes changes in the airways depending on the concentration and time of exposure.

Air pollution Prevention

There are a number of approaches that may be used to avoid, control, and ultimately minimise air pollution:

1. Production of clean energy and renewable fuels

Moving away from fossil fuels and substituting them with alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal is by far the most basic solution to air pollution.

2. Efficiency and energy conservation

It is critical to produce renewable energy. However, adopting responsible practices and using more energy-efficient gadgets is just as vital as reducing our energy consumption.

3. Transport that is environmentally beneficial

Air pollution could be reduced by switching to electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as encouraging shared mobility (carpooling and public transportation).

4. Construction that is environmentally conscious

Green construction attempts to design ecologically sustainable and resource-efficient structures from conception through destruction in order to reduce carbon emissions.

Air quality measurements

chemiluminescence, flame ionisation, and other laser-based technologies are used in measurement equipment. These devices can be found near traffic, far from traffic, or near industrial zones, for example. The Air Quality Index is a value scale that is created from all of the collected data (AQI).

Currently, millions of people are afflicted by air pollution. Information on the impact of pollution on patients with respiratory impairments has been given. O3 and PM, for example, might exacerbate asthma symptoms or cause premature death in the elderly, especially those who already have respiratory or cardiovascular problems. Pollutants also trigger the effects on allergenic pollen grains, leading to a rise in pollen-induced asthma cases. 

As a result, there is a compelling justification for action to minimise air pollution, which can take numerous forms. Urban planning, technological advancements (e.g., the design of new low-pollution vehicles), and the implementation of new regulations at the federal level are just a few examples. Lowering combined black carbon or O3 levels is projected to save over 3 million lives and enhance crop yields by 50 million tonnes each year. Cooking stove improvements would also cut firewood usage and deforestation in underdeveloped countries. Improved brick kilns used in regions of Asia And South America, on the other hand, consume half the fuel that traditional kilns do.

Conclusion

Air pollution is rapidly becoming a major public health issue affecting millions of people throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization, 2.4 million people die each year as a result of the health effects of air pollution. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, mitigation efforts including adjustments in diesel engine technology could lead to fewer early deaths. This review: (i) addresses the overall impact of air pollution on respiratory disease; (ii) presents evidence that reducing air pollution can help prevent disease; and (iii) highlights the influence of concerted policies on population health when governments take action to reduce air pollution.