Tips for raising Air Pollution

Some time back, I had a chance to visit the city where I have stayed for around 8 years. Usually, when we go back to the city after some time, we can see some new infrastructure and developments. I also got the same feeling when I went back and apart from that I got the feeling that the air was completely polluted. I see the rise in the number of vehicles and air conditioners in every home, as well as other new developments along with this air pollution. Do you know why it happened? Air Pollution. Air pollution is the contamination of the outdoor or indoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. The combustion of fossil fuels is one of the main drivers or causes of air pollution, which is the source of greenhouse gas emissions. High-level pollution mostly affects low and middle-income countries. Air pollution is one of the leading risk factors for early death. Traffic-related air pollution is a mixture of gasses and particles and has most of the elements of human-made air pollution. Exposure to air pollution may lay a foundation for chronic diseases and cancer.

Major reasons for Air Pollution:

1. Vehicle Emissions – Automobiles run on fuels like diesel and petrol.
2. Industrial Processes – Industrial activities like manufacturing, smelting, and mining.
3. Waste Management – Improper disposal of wastes and burning.
4. Construction Activities – Construction and demolition release dust that can pollute the air.

Precautions in the Short Term:

1. Wear a mask whenever you go out.
2. Check the air quality index before you go out.
3. Stay in your home during peak pollution hours.
4. Use air purifiers in your home.
5. Limit your outdoor activities.

Long-term solutions:

1. Advise people to use public transport and use walking or biking.
2. Reduce energy consumption and switch off appliances when not in use.
3. Plant and care trees.
4. Start using electric cars and two-wheelers.
5. Stop burning your garbage.
6. Use paper bags instead of plastic bags.
7. Avoid using crackers during festivals or celebrations.
8. Use products with low chemical content and organic properties.

Hazards of Air Pollution:

1. Respiratory Issues – Air pollution will lead to problems like wheezing, cough, asthma, etc.
2. Lung Disease – Prolonged exposure to pollution leads to serious lung problems and even lung cancer.
3. Eye Irritation – Because of polluted air, itchy, burning, or red eyes, and it could also result in infections.
4. Heart Diseases – The pollutants may penetrate into the bloodstream, and it can also lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Summary

Air pollution has become a bigger problem all over the world, and it is affecting people’s lives. Continuous exposure will lead to serious problems and will deteriorate your health so we must take necessary precautions. When you breathe polluted air, the polluted air passes through your lungs into your bloodstream, and from there, it reaches your heart, brain, and other organs. It can even affect the developing fetus. Air pollution accounts for a large portion of deaths related to several major diseases.

Sources or References:

1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
2. https://www.stateofglobalair.org/hap
3. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution