Definition of Air pollution:

Air pollution is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, or biological
materials that cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage other living organisms
such as food crops, or damage the natural environment or built environment.

The atmosphere is a complex dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to support life
on planet Earth. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized
as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems. According to WHO air
pollution is define as contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical,
physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are
common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include
particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and
indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases, which can be fatal.

Pollutants which cause Air Pollution:

A substance in the air that can be adverse to humans and the environment is known as an
air pollutant. Pollutants can be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. In
addition, they may be natural or man-made. Pollutants can be classified as primary or
secondary. Usually, primary pollutants are directly produced from a process, such as ash
from a volcanic eruption, the carbon monoxide gas from a motor vehicle exhaust or sulfur
dioxide released from factories. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Rather, they
form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact. An important example of a
secondary pollutant is ground level ozone — one of the many secondary pollutants that
make up photochemical smog. Some pollutants may be both primary and secondary: that is,
they are both emitted directly and formed from other primary pollutants.
Major primary pollutants produced by human activity include:
Sulfur oxides (SOx) - especially sulfur dioxide, a chemical compound with the formula SO 2.
SO2 is produced by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum
often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide. Further
oxidation of SO2, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus
acid rain. This is one of the causes for concern over the environmental impact of the use of
these fuels as power sources.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - especially nitrogen dioxide are expelled from high temperature
combustion, and are also produced naturally during thunderstorms by electric discharge.
Can be seen as the brown haze dome above or plume downwind of cities. Nitrogen dioxide
is the chemical compound with the formula NO2. It is one of the several nitrogen oxides. This
reddish-brown toxic gas has a characteristic sharp, biting odor. NO 2 is one of the most
prominent air pollutants.
Carbon monoxide (CO)- is a colourless, odourless, non-irritating but very poisonous gas. It is
a product by incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood. Vehicular
exhaust is a major source of carbon monoxide.
Volatile organic compounds - VOCs are an important outdoor air pollutant. In this field they
are often divided into the separate categories of methane (CH4) and non-methane
(NMVOCs). Methane is an extremely efficient greenhouse gas which contributes to
enhanced global warming. Other hydrocarbon VOCs are also significant greenhouse gases
via their role in creating ozone and in prolonging the life of methane in the atmosphere,
although the effect varies depending on local air quality. Within the NMVOCs, the aromatic
compounds benzene, toluene and xylene are suspected carcinogens and may lead to
leukemia through prolonged exposure. 1,3-butadiene is another dangerous compound
which is often associated with industrial uses.
Particulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM), atmospheric particulate
matter, or fine particles, are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas. In contrast,
aerosol refers to particles and the gas together. Sources of particulates can be man made or
natural. Some particulates occur naturally, originating from volcanoes, dust storms, forest
and grassland fires, living vegetation, and sea spray. Human activities, such as the burning of
fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and various industrial processes also generate
significant amounts of aerosols. Averaged over the globe, anthropogenic aerosols—those
made by human activities—currently account for about 10 percent of the total amount of
aerosols in our atmosphere. Increased levels of fine particles in the air are linked to health
hazards such as heart disease, altered lung function and lung cancer.
Persistent free radicals connected to airborne fine particles could cause cardiopulmonary
disease. Toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, especially their compounds.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - harmful to the ozone layer emitted from products currently
banned from use. Ammonia (NH3) - emitted from agricultural processes. Ammonia is a
compound with the formula NH3. It is normally encountered as a gas with a characteristic
pungent odor. Ammonia contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial
organisms by serving as a precursor to foodstuffs and fertilizers. Ammonia, either directly or
indirectly, is also a building block for the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals. Although in
wide use, ammonia is both caustic and hazardous.
Odors — such as from garbage, sewage, and industrial processes
Radioactive pollutants - produced by nuclear explosions, nuclear events, war explosives, and
natural processes such as the radioactive decay of radon.

Secondary pollutants include:

Particulates created from gaseous primary pollutants and compounds in photochemical

smog. Smog is a kind of air pollution; the word "smog" is a portmanteau of smoke and
fog. Classic smog results from large amounts of coal burning in an area caused by a
mixture of smoke and sulfur dioxide. Modern smog does not usually come from coal but
from vehicular and industrial emissions that are acted on in the atmosphere by ultraviolet
light from the sun to form secondary pollutants that also combine with the primary
emissions to form photochemical smog.

Ground level ozone (O3) formed from NOx and VOCs. Ozone (O3) is a key constituent of
the troposphere. It is also an important constituent of certain regions of the stratosphere
commonly known as the Ozone layer. Photochemical and chemical reactions involving it
drive many of the chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere by day and by night.
At abnormally high concentrations brought about by human activities (largely the
combustion of fossil fuel), it is a pollutant, and a constituent of smog.

Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) - similarly formed from NOx and VOCs.

Minor air pollutants include:

A large number of minor hazardous air pollutants. Some of these are regulated in USA
under the Clean Air Act and in Europe under the Air Framework Directive

A variety of persistent organic pollutants, which can attach to particulates

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds that are resistant to
environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes.
Because of this, they have been observed to persist in the environment, to be capable of
long-range transport, bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue, biomagnify in food
chains, and to have potential significant impacts on human health and the environment.

Controlled burning of a field outside of Statesboro, Georgia in preparation for spring

planting

Sources of air pollution refers to the various locations, activities or factors which are
responsible for the releasing of pollutants into the atmosphere. These sources can be
classified into two major categories which are:

Anthropogenic sources (man-made sources) mostly related to burning different

kinds of fuel

"Stationary Sources" include smoke stacks of power plants, manufacturing facilities

(factories) and waste incinerators, as well as furnaces and other types of fuel-burning
heating devices. In developing and poor countries, traditional biomass burning is the
major source of air pollutants; traditional biomass includes wood, crop waste and dung.[5]
[6]

"Mobile Sources" include motor vehicles, marine vessels, aircraft and the effect of sound
etc.

Chemicals, dust and controlled burn practices in agriculture and forestry management.
Controlled or prescribed burning is a technique sometimes used in forest management,
farming, prairie restoration or greenhouse gas abatement. Fire is a natural part of both
forest and grassland ecology and controlled fire can be a tool for foresters. Controlled
burning stimulates the germination of some desirable forest trees, thus renewing the
forest.
 Fumes from paint, hair spray, varnish, aerosol sprays and other solvents

Waste deposition in landfills, which generate methane. Methane is highly flammable and
may form explosive mixtures with air. Methane is also an asphyxiant and may displace
oxygen in an enclosed space. Asphyxia or suffocation may result if the oxygen
concentration is reduced to below 19.5% by displacement.

Military, such as nuclear weapons, toxic gases, germ warfare and rocketry

Natural sources

Dust from natural sources, usually large areas of land with few or no vegetation

Methane, emitted by the digestion of food by animals, for example cattle

Radon gas from radioactive decay within the Earth's crust. Radon is a colorless, odorless,
naturally occurring, radioactive noble gas that is formed from the decay of radium. It is
considered to be a health hazard. Radon gas from natural sources can accumulate in
buildings, especially in confined areas such as the basement and it is the second most
frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking.

Smoke and carbon monoxide from wildfires

Vegetation, in some regions, emits environmentally significant amounts of VOCs on

warmer days. These VOCs react with primary anthropogenic pollutants—specifically,
NOx, SO2, and anthropogenic organic carbon compounds—to produce a seasonal haze of
secondary pollutants.

Volcanic activity, which produce sulfur, chlorine, and ash particulates

Emission factors ( Pollution cause by Industry)

Air pollutant emission factors are representative values that people attempt to relate the
quantity of a pollutant released to the ambient air with an activity associated with the release
of that pollutant. These factors are usually expressed as the weight of pollutant divided by a
unit weight, volume, distance, or duration of the activity emitting the pollutant (e.g.,
kilograms of particulate emitted per tonne of coal burned). Such factors facilitate estimation
of emissions from various sources of air pollution. In most cases, these factors are simply
averages of all available data of acceptable quality, and are generally assumed to be
representative of long-term averages.

There are 12 compounds in the list of POPs. Dioxins and furans are two of them and are
intentionally created by combustion of organics, like open burning of plastics. The POPs are
also endocrine disruptor and can mutate the human genes.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has published a compilation of air
pollutant emission factors for a multitude of industrial sources The United Kingdom,
Australia, Canada and many other countries have published similar compilations, as well as
the European Environment Agency
Indoor air quality
Report of air quality monitoring, New Delhi, India.

A lack of ventilation indoors concentrates air pollution where people often spend the majority
of their time. Radon (Rn) gas, a carcinogen, is exuded from the Earth in certain locations and
trapped inside houses. Building materials including carpeting and plywood emit
formaldehyde (H2CO) gas. Paint and solvents give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as
they dry. Lead paint can degenerate into dust and be inhaled. Intentional air pollution is
introduced with the use of air fresheners, incense, and other scented items. Controlled wood
fires in stoves and fireplaces can add significant amounts of smoke particulates into the air,
inside and out. Indoor pollution fatalities may be caused by using pesticides and other
chemical sprays indoors without proper ventilation.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fatalities are often caused by faulty vents and
chimneys, or by the burning of charcoal indoors. Chronic carbon monoxide poisoning can
result even from poorly adjusted pilot lights. Traps are built into all domestic plumbing to
keep sewer gas and hydrogen sulfide, out of interiors. Clothing emits tetrachloroethylene, or
other dry cleaning fluids, for days after dry cleaning.

Though its use has now been banned in many countries, the extensive use of asbestos in
industrial and domestic environments in the past has left a potentially very dangerous
material in many localities. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting
the tissue of the lungs. It occurs after long-term, heavy exposure to asbestos from asbestos-
containing materials in structures. Sufferers have severe dyspnea (shortness of breath) and are
at an increased risk regarding several different types of lung cancer. As clear explanations are
not always stressed in non-technical literature, care should be taken to distinguish between
several forms of relevant diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),
these may defined as; asbestosis, lung cancer, and Peritoneal Mesothelioma (generally a very
rare form of cancer, when more widespread it is almost always associated with prolonged
exposure to asbestos).

Biological sources of air pollution are also found indoors, as gases and airborne particulates.
Pets produce dander, people produce dust from minute skin flakes and decomposed hair, dust
mites in bedding, carpeting and furniture produce enzymes and micrometre-sized fecal
droppings, inhabitants emit methane, mold forms in walls and generates mycotoxins and
spores, air conditioning systems can incubate Legionnaires' disease and mold, and
houseplants, soil and surrounding gardens can produce pollen, dust, and mold. Indoors, the
lack of air circulation allows these airborne pollutants to accumulate more than they would
otherwise occur in nature.

Health effects cause by Air Pollution 

Air pollution is a significant risk factor for multiple health conditions including respiratory
infections, heart disease, and lung cancer, according to the WHO. The health effects caused
by air pollution may include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing, asthma and
aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. These effects can result in
increased medication use, increased doctor or emergency room visits, more hospital
admissions and premature death. The human health effects of poor air quality are far
reaching, but principally affect the body's respiratory system and the cardiovascular system.
Individual reactions to air pollutants depend on the type of pollutant a person is exposed to,
the degree of exposure, the individual's health status and genetics.

The most common sources of air pollution include particulates, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and
sulfur dioxide. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution have caused approximately 3.3 million
deaths worldwide. Children aged less than five years that live in developing countries are the
most vulnerable population in terms of total deaths attributable to indoor and outdoor air
pollution .

The World Health Organization states that 2.4 million people die each year from causes
directly attributable to air pollution, with 1.5 million of these deaths attributable to indoor air
pollution. "Epidemiological studies suggest that more than 500,000 Americans die each year
from cardiopulmonary disease linked to breathing fine particle air pollution. . ."[16] A study by
the University of Birmingham has shown a strong correlation between pneumonia related
deaths and air pollution from motor vehicles. Worldwide more deaths per year are linked to
air pollution than to automobile accidents. A 2005 study by the European Commission
calculated that air pollution reduces life expectancy by an average of almost nine months
across the European Union Causes of deaths include aggravated asthma, emphysema, lung
and heart diseases, and respiratory allergies. The US EPA estimates that a proposed set of
changes in diesel engine technology (Tier 2) could result in 12,000 fewer premature
mortalities, 15,000 fewer heart attacks, 6,000 fewer emergency room visits by children with
asthma, and 8,900 fewer respiratory-related hospital admissions each year in the United
States.

The US EPA estimates allowing a ground-level ozone concentration of 65 parts per billion,
would avert 1,700 to 5,100 premature deaths nationwide in 2020 compared with the current
75-ppb standard. The agency projects the stricter standard would also prevent an additional
26,000 cases of aggravated asthma, and more than a million cases of missed work or school.

The worst short term civilian pollution crisis in India was the 1984 Bhopal Disaster. Leaked
industrial vapours from the Union Carbide factory, belonging to Union Carbide, Inc., U.S.A.,
killed more than 25,000 people outright and injured anywhere from 150,000 to 600,000. The
United Kingdom suffered its worst air pollution event when the December 4 Great Smog of
1952 formed over London. In six days more than 4,000 died, and 8,000 more died within the
following months. An accidental leak of anthrax spores from a biological warfare laboratory
in the former USSR in 1979 near Sverdlovsk is believed to have been the cause of hundreds
of civilian deaths. The worst single incident of air pollution to occur in the US occurred in
Donora, Pennsylvania in late October, 1948, when 20 people died and over 7,000 were
injured

A new economic study of the health impacts and associated costs of air pollution in the Los
Angeles Basin and San Joaquin Valley of Southern California shows that more than 3800
people die prematurely (approximately 14 years earlier than normal) each year because air
pollution levels violate federal standards. The number of annual premature deaths is
considerably higher than the fatalities related to auto collisions in the same area, which
average fewer than 2,000 per year.

Diesel exhaust (DE) is a major contributor to combustion derived particulate matter air
pollution. In several human experimental studies, using a well validated exposure chamber
setup, DE has been linked to acute vascular dysfunction and increased thrombus formation.
This serves as a plausible mechanistic link between the previously described association
between particulates air pollution and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Effects on cardiovascular health

A 2007 review of evidence found ambient air pollution exposure is a risk factor correlating
with increased total mortality from cardiovascular events (range: 12% to 14% per a 10
microg/m3 increase). PMID 19235364.

Air pollution is also emerging as a risk factor for stroke, particularly in developing countries
where pollutant levels are highest.[30] A 2007 study found that in women air pollution is
associated not with hemorrhagic but with ischemic stroke.[31] Air pollution was also found to
be associated with increased incidence and mortality from coronary stroke in a cohort study
in 2011. Associations are believed to be causal and effects may be mediated by
vasoconstriction, low-grade inflammation or autonomic nervous system imbalance or other
mechanisms.

Effects on COPD and asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis
and emphysema.

Researches have demonstrated increased risk of developing asthma and COPD from
increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution. Additionally, air pollution has been
associated with increased hospitalizations and mortality from asthma and COPD.

A study conducted in 1960-1961 in the wake of the Great Smog of 1952 compared 293
London residents with 477 residents of Gloucester, Peterborough, and Norwich, three towns
with low reported death rates from chronic bronchitis. All subjects were male postal truck
drivers aged 40 to 59. Compared to the subjects from the outlying towns, the London subjects
exhibited more severe respiratory symptoms (including cough, phlegm, and dyspnea),
reduced lung function (FEV1 and peak flow rate), and increased sputum production and
purulence. The differences were more pronounced for subjects aged 50 to 59. The study
controlled for age and smoking habits, so concluded that air pollution was the most likely
cause of the observed differences.

It is believed that much like cystic fibrosis, by living in a more urban environment serious
health hazards become more apparent. Studies have shown that in urban areas patients suffer
mucus hypersecretion, lower levels of lung function, and more self diagnosis of chronic
bronchitis and emphysema.

Links to cancer

A review of evidence regarding whether ambient air pollution exposure is a risk factor for
cancer in 2007 found solid data to conclude that long-term exposure to PM2.5 (fine
particulates) increases the overall risk of nonaccidental mortality by 6% per a 10 microg/m3
increase.PMID 19235364
 Exposure to PM2.5 was also associated with an increased risk of mortality from lung
cancer (range: 15% to 21% per a 10 microg/m3 increase) and total cardiovascular
mortality (range: 12% to 14% per a 10 microg/m3 increase). PMID 19235364

The review further noted that living close to busy traffic appears to be associated with
elevated risks of these three outcomes (increase in lung cancer deaths, cardiovascular deaths,
and overall nonaccidental deaths. PMID 19235364

The reviewers also found suggestive evidence that exposure to PM2.5 is positively associated
with mortality from coronary heart diseases and exposure to SO2 increases mortality from
lung cancer, but the data was insufficient to provide solid conclusions.

In 2011, a large Danish epidemiological study found an increased risk of lung cancer for
patients who lived in areas with high nitrogen oxide concentrations. In this study, the
association was higher for non-smokers than smokers.[44] An additional Danish study, also in
2011, likewise noted evidence of possible associations between air pollution and other forms
of cancer, including cervical cancer and brain cancer.

Effects on children

Around the world, children living in cities with high exposure to air pollutants are at
increased risk of developing asthma, pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections.
Because children are outdoors more and have higher minute ventilation they are more
susceptible to the dangers of air pollution. Risks of low initial birth weight are also
heightened in such cities.

The World Health Organization reports that the greatest concentrations of particulates are
found in countries with low economic world power and high poverty and population growth
rates. Examples of these countries include Egypt, Sudan, Mongolia, and Indonesia. However
even in the United States, despite the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, in 2002 at least
146 million Americans were living in non-attainment areas—regions in which the
concentration of certain air pollutants exceeded federal standards. These dangerous pollutants
are known as the criteria pollutants, and include ozone, particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. Protective measures to ensure children's health are being
taken in cities such as New Delhi, India where buses now use compressed natural gas to help
eliminate the "pea-soup" smog.

Health effects in relatively "clean" areas.

Even in the areas with relatively low levels of air pollution, public health effects can be
significant and costly, since a large number of people breathe in such pollutants. A 2005
scientific study for the British Columbia Lung Association showed that a small improvement
in air quality (1% reduction of ambient PM2.5 and ozone concentrations) would produce a
$29 million in annual savings in the Metro Vancouver region in 2010. This finding is based
on health valuation of lethal (death) and sub-lethal (illness) effects.
Reduction efforts

There are various air pollution control technologies and land use planning strategies available
to reduce air pollution. At its most basic level land use planning is likely to involve zoning
and transport infrastructure planning. In most developed countries, land use planning is an
important part of social policy, ensuring that land is used efficiently for the benefit of the
wider economy and population as well as to protect the environment.

Efforts to reduce pollution from mobile sources includes primary regulation (many
developing countries have permissive regulations), expanding regulation to new sources
(such as cruise and transport ships, farm equipment, and small gas-powered equipment such
as lawn trimmers, chainsaws, and snowmobiles), increased fuel efficiency (such as through
the use of hybrid vehicles), conversion to cleaner fuels (such as bioethanol, biodiesel, or
conversion to electric vehicles).

How to Prevent Air Pollution

While a variety of effective laws have been set for the regulation of air pollution, there are
still plenty of things that people may do to prevent this type of pollution from getting out of
hand. If you feel that individual preventive measures don’t amount to anything, rest
assured that every bit of effort adds to a collective energy to prevent air pollution.

Within the United States, between 1970 and 2006, citizens benefited from a significant
reduction in yearly pollution emissions, as carbon monoxide emissions dropped from 197
million to 80 million tons. A little more than half of 31 million tons of sulfur dioxide
emissions were cut down. A decrease in nitrogen oxide, lead, and particulate emissions was
also seen.

a) Drive Less:

Cars and trucks are responsible for around half of the air pollution in the world. The best way
to approach a reduction in vehicle-related air pollution is to drive less and exercise smart
driving habits. One way to cut air pollution is to take fewer trips in a car or truck. Some
people are reluctant to lessen their weekly driving because they feel they will be stuck in the
house with no where to go.

However, there are many different ways to embrace the combination of alternative modes of
transportation with a modified driving routine. Acceptable options may include carpooling,
walking, riding a bike, shopping by phone or mail, riding public transportation, and
telecommuting.

b) Smart Driving Practices:

The way that you control and maintain your car or truck helps prevent air pollution. A driver
should gradually accelerate or use cruise control when traveling on the highway. It is
suggested to avoid topping off at the gas station. Tires should highlight proper inflation.

Cars should undergo regular tune-ups that pass local smog checking programs. A car that
creates smoke should have the problem immediately fixed to prevent further contamination of
the air. When taking the car out for a spin, you should limit the amount of time on the road by
combining most of your errands into one trip. As you move from one place to another,
obeying the speed limit is suggested.

c) New Car Purchases:

The next car that you bring into your household could highlight the most efficient and lowest
polluting model on the assembly line. Today, consumers can choose from a non-polluting
vehicle or one that produces zero emissions. To identify possible clean and fuel efficient
selections, a list of suggested vehicles are found through the U.S. Department of Energy
Clean Cities website; the DOE/EPA Fuel Economy guide; and the EPA’s Green Vehicle
guide. When traveling in a car on days where unhealthy air is a problem, driving the newest
automobile does the most good. The most up-to-date vehicles typically cause less pollution
than older models [5].

d) Select Air-Friendly Products:

The home, yard, and office are common places where products containing harmful smog-
forming chemicals are used. Preventing this type of air pollution is achieved by selecting
water-based products or items that possess low amounts of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). When painting, you should choose water-based paints with labels containing the
words, “zero-VOC.” Instead of using a sprayer (which increases the spread of harmful
chemicals), painting with a brush is suggested. When storing solvents, airtight containers help
contain the product to prevent leaks and spills. When mowing the lawn, ignore gas-powered
models and purchase a push or electric lawn mower.

e) Save Energy:

A reduction in air pollution also comes when individuals make a strong effort to save energy.
Whenever fossil fuel is burned, air pollution takes place. This means using less gasoline,
natural gas, and electricity (that comes from burning power plant materials) greatly helps.
Individuals may transform careless and wasteful habits by implementing a few changes in
their household behaviours. This may include turning off lights when leaving a room;
replacing incandescent lights with fluorescent lighting; and purchasing energy-saving
appliances.

You may also set your thermostat to automatically turn off the heater or air conditioner when
you no longer need them in an effort to conserve energy. When possible, use a fan instead of
an air conditioner during the summertime. Instead of turning on the oven for minute tasks,
heat smaller meals in the microwave. In the bathroom, low-flow showerheads save energy.
Instead of turning on the dryer after each wash, clothes may dry on a clothesline when
weather permits.

f) Reduce Waste:

A great amount of energy goes into the making and selling of everyday products. Preventing
additional air pollution occurs when we lower the amount of energy we use, which in turn,
helps to also save money. Individuals may choose recycled products; select items with
recyclable packaging; reuse paper bag; use both sides of print and photocopy paper; and
follow local recycling regulations pertaining to paper, plastics, and metals.
g) Forget the Small Stuff: The amount of air pollution one comes in contact with on a
daily basis includes the tiny particles of dust, soot, and acid droplets that often get
caught in the lungs. As these particles continue to accumulate and affect the lungs, more
problems arise, such as an increase in asthma attacks, bronchial and other lung
diseases. A decrease in resistance to infections, as well as early death in the elderly and
sick often takes place. Nonetheless, humans can still do their part to prevent air
pollution.

On days of unhealthy air levels, one may avoid the use of wood stoves or fireplaces.
Siding with rakes or using a broom when taking care of the exterior of the home helps
when you bypass the use of leaf blowers and other kinds of equipment that raises a high
amount of dust into the air. When traveling on unpaved roads, it is important to drive
slowly. On days with unhealthy air levels, driving for shorter periods of time is highly
suggested.

h) Prevent Indoor Pollution:

At least 80% of most people spend their time indoors, which supplies its own kind of
harmful air pollution. Smokers send air pollution levels through the roof with their
unhealthy habits; therefore sending them outside to do their “dirty” work is suggested.
Limiting the amount of household products that contain harmful chemicals is also
recommended. This includes cleaning agents, paints, and glues.

Ventilation is also required to lessen the amount of indoor air pollution. When cleaning,
baking soda may work just as well as harsher chemical cleaners. Gas appliances and
heaters should undergo regular inspections and maintenance. The inside of the home
should be kept clean on a regular basis in order to eradicate dust and mold
accumulation.

i) Support Clean Air Programs:

A reduction in air pollution also takes place when you support the programs geared
towards your local levels. Some people write letters to their local newspaper when
government action regarding healthy air is faltering. Speaking with elected officials is
another way to put in a good word for clean air.