In developing countries, due to overpopulation, uncontrolled urbanisation and industrial developments, the hazards of air pollutants are increasing simultaneously. Ambient air pollution is considered the world’s most significant environmental health threat; concerning World Health Organization, exposure to air pollution is now considered a critical risk factor for major non-communicable diseases than ever thought in the past.
Highly impure air quality is mainly due to the direct burning of fossil fuels by power and automobile plants, transportation emissions, dust and industrial facilities forming Particulate matter (PM) in the air.
“Most air pollution comes from energy use and production. Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air. Air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide and methane raises the earth’s temperature.”
John Walke, Director of the Clean Air Project, part of the Climate and Clean Energy program at NRDC.
Sources of Exposure:
Environmental racism is not restricted to industrial areas or specific cities. It’s a known fact that primary environmental emissions are contributed through large scale human activities, industrial machinery, power stations, combustion engines and cars being vital contributors to current pollution. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy consumption from the global transport sector and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to increase by approximately 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures are necessary for the reduction of the increasing threat to air pollution by utilising multiple technologies like CO2 sequestering, energy-efficient industrial equipment, machines for a decrease in combustion processes of vehicular engines like AIC® (Active Intercooler) technology with improved thermal efficiency and engine combustion a reliable measure towards the green environment taken by Malaysian firm Kineflux. Usage of these devices and technologies can help reduce Greenhouse Gas production and help eliminate other pollutants from the atmosphere.
Air Pollutants and their Effects on the Environment.
Pollution is the contamination of the environment by any chemical, biological or physical agents that negatively affect the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Effects on Environmental Health of Air Pollution:
Let’s discuss Air Pollutants and their cumulative impacts on Environment and Human health. PM-
Smog and Soot:
Smog and Soot are formed from motor vehicles, power plants, or anything combusting fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, or gas. Smoke and Soot both are prevalent types of air pollutants Smot occurs when teh combustion of fossil fuel emissions react with sunlight. On the other hand, Soot is also a (PM), which comprises allergens and dust in gas or solid form present in the air.
Smog affects the eyes and throat, damage the lungs, causing asthma. Soo also penetrates lungs and bloodstreams, leading to heart attacks.
In 2020 a report from Harvard’s T. H. Chan showed COVID-19 mortality rates in areas with more soot pollution were higher than a correlation between the virus’s deadliness and long-term exposure to delicate particulate matter.
Hazardous air pollutants:
Multiple pollutants lead to serious health risks even if present in small amounts, like mercury, lead, dioxins and benzene. However, emitted during gas or coal combustion, benzene is also found in gasoline. This can cause eye, lung skin irritation and long term blood disorders. Dioxins are found in food, leading to liver disorders, further harming -immune and nervous systems. However, mercury and lead are much fatal and attack teh central nervous system and kidneys.
GHG Emissions:
Due to the trapped heat, GHG leads to warmer temperatures, further affecting the sea levels, extreme weather conditions and increased transmission of infectious diseases. As per 2018 statistics, CO2 emissions grew 1.7% in 2018 to reach a historic high of 33.1 Gt CO2. Far more significant amounts are being emitted of CO2 and methane, which are far more destructive for the environment; more than 140 countries realised and reached an agreement to reduce the use of chemicals found in air conditioners and refrigerators to avoid teh emissions of (HFCs) hydrofluorocarbons.
Mold and Pollen Allergens:
Mold and Pollen allergens are worsening due to the rapid climate change and can be hazardous to health. These allergens come from trees, weeds and grass carried by air, producing allergenic airborne pollutants.
Mold exposure can precipitate asthma attacks and also produces toxins dangerous to inhale.
Pollen is also considered a form of air pollutant. Climate changes extend the pollen production, making it more potent air allergens, making people suffer from runny noses, fevers, itchy eyes etc.
“Lab and field studies are showing that pollen-producing plants—especially ragweed—grow larger and produce more pollen when you increase the amount of carbon dioxide that they grow in,”
Conclusion:
Global climate change and health issues are essential points of concern for the government. The increasing emissions impact the ecological system overall, resulting in acid rain, global warming, greenhouse gas, and other climate changes. The emissions of these pollutants are related to more severe and extensive health problems to exposed humans.
(The WHO’s General Director, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,)
Called air pollution a “silent public health emergency” and “The new tobacco.”
2018-WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health.