Air Pollution Day: Protect Your Health & The Environment.

The importance of air to a human’s health and well-being can’t be described in words. In fact, one of the major factors keeping us alive is the air around us. 

However, the air we breathe today is under threat due to increasing pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for nearly 7 million deaths annually (1). In short, it is a silent threat which is impacting millions of lives globally. 

It is important to note that these numbers can be reduced if—individuals, communities, NGOs, NPOs and global and national Government bodies contribute together to solving this global problem. 

“Air Pollution Day” is observed every year on the 7th of September, and now this is a call to action for everyone to recognise the impact of polluted air on their lives and the environment.

Basics of Air Pollution

The fresh air becomes polluted when it is contaminated with harmful pollutants like gases, particulate matter, or biological molecules, and this is what we call air pollution. 

WHO has specific global air quality guidelines that are evidence-based policies to improve air quality and reduce the harmful effects of air pollution. However, what is concerning is that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guidelines and contains harmful pollutants. (2)

Below are some of the most hazardous air pollutants: 

• Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5): These tiny particles, like dust, dirt, and smoke, are suspended in the air. Particularly, PM2.5 and PM10 are the most dangerous; they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. 
• Ozone (O3): At ground level, ozone is the main component of smog and can cause respiratory problems, majorly for children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Nitrogen dioxide is particularly emitted from vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants. This harmful gas can trigger lung infections and asthma in humans, causing respiratory problems. 
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): The next harmful air pollutant is carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that you can’t even see, taste or smell. This is the reason why it may cause permanent brain injury or death. 
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): This gas is emitted from burning fossil fuels like coal, which can lead to acid rain and respiratory issues.

What Causes Air Pollution?

There are not one or two, but many reasons behind the increasing air pollution, with human activities being the main cause.

• Factories and Power Plants:

Factories and power plants burn coal, oil, or gas to create energy, which releases harmful gases like sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). 

• Transportation: 

Today, everyone prefers to travel by their own vehicle. This is why the number of vehicles on the roads is increasing, and so is air pollution, as these emit harmful gases like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. 

Here comes the role of a PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate. It ensures that your vehicle meets the emission standards and is in accordance with environmental norms. Also, having this certificate is a legal requirement to get car insurance and drive on Indian roads. 

• Open Garbage Waste Burning: 

People are burning garbage outside their homes, ignoring how harmful this can be to their overall health and the health of surrounding people, animals and the environment. It releases toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), dioxins, and a lot of smoke into the air.

• Agricultural Activities: 

This pointer might sound not so relevant to some, but yes, agricultural activities are one of the reasons behind air pollution. Today, farmers use fertilisers and pesticides to ensure good quality and quantity of crops. Due to this, ammonia and other chemicals are released into the atmosphere, which, unfortunately, contributes to climate change and air pollution. 

Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution has a two-fold impact on health and climate. Read on to find out. 

Health Impact

• Breathing Problems

Air pollution can cause serious breathing issues. When one breathes in polluted air, tiny harmful particles enter the lungs and cause coughing, wheezing, and more severe conditions like asthma and bronchitis. 

• Heart Diseases

Polluted air doesn’t just affect the lungs; it can also harm the heart. The contaminants in the air can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which, unfortunately, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

• Reduced Life Expectancy

Individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution may experience shortened life expectancy. According to 2019 research, air pollution shortens the average person's lifespan by 1.8 years. (3)

Now, it’s obvious that the impact of air pollution can’t be reduced overnight or quickly, just as it didn’t happen all at once. So, to protect your health, it’s wise to buy a health insurance policy, as it will help you cover the costs of all health-related concerns. 

Climate Impact

• Global Warming

Have you ever noticed how the seasons don’t seem to follow their usual patterns anymore? Summers are hotter and longer, while winters are unpredictable, and the worst part is that extreme weather events are becoming even more common. 

These disruptions are largely due to global warming, and air pollution plays a major role in this process by releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere.

• Smog and Haze

Have you ever seen a thick, smoky haze covering a city (similar to the one in the banner image of this article)? That’s smog, a sign of air pollution that affects both the environment and our health. It forms when pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mix with sunlight. This creates ground-level ozone, a harmful type of pollution. 

Smog also makes it difficult to see clearly, which can make driving dangerous. 

• Damage to Ecosystems

Air pollution severely damages ecosystems in different ways. Pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides create acid rain, which harms forests, rivers, and lakes by making the soil and water more acidic. This acid rain can weaken trees, reduce plant growth, and harm wildlife.

How the Impact of Air Pollution Can Be Reduced? 

If humans are the main reason behind air pollution, they can also contribute to reducing its impact. Here’s how. 

• Plant More & More Trees

This is one of the most effective and best ways by which you can contribute to reducing air pollution. All you need to do is plant trees as much as you can and encourage others as well. 

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air. They release oxygen through photosynthesis, which helps clean the air we breathe.

• Switch To Renewable Energy Sources

To reduce the need for fossil fuels (a major source of air pollution), switch to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. 

You can do this by installing solar panels on homes or businesses. By doing so, you can enjoy dual benefits, i.e., savings on light bills as well as you get to breathe fresh air. 

• Minimise Waste Burning

By burning the waste, you can easily get rid of it, but let us tell you, it’s harmful to both the environment and your health. So, instead of burning it, you can dispose of it in a dumping yard or through a door-to-door waste collection service. 

• Stop Using Plastic Bags 

Do you know plastic bags can’t be destroyed easily? It takes 1,000+ years for plastic bag degradation in a landfill, and still, they don’t break down completely. Now, imagine how harmful this situation will be to the environment. Plus, animals sometimes eat plastic bags by mistake, thinking they’re food. This can make them sick or even kill them. 

All these situations can be avoided if you use reusable bags. Start saying “No” to shopkeepers who offer plastic bags. Instead, ask for a paper bag or bring your own reusable bag with you. By making this small change, you help reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

• Start Carpooling or Switch To Electric Vehicles (EVs) or Hybrid Cars

As already discussed above, the increasing number of vehicles on the road is one of the major reasons behind air pollution. 

To cut down the numbers, start carpooling or switch to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid cars. 

When you carpool, there will be fewer cars on the road. This means less traffic and lower emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides, ultimately reducing air pollution. 

Also, carpooling can save you money on fuel and vehicle maintenance. You can share the costs of gas, tolls, and parking with others. This makes commuting more affordable for everyone involved.

“In a nutshell, our small efforts towards reducing air pollution can have a huge impact on our lives, our surroundings and the environment.”