Air

What is Air Pollution?

Pollution is now a commonplace term, that our ears are attuned to. We hear about the various forms of pollution and read about it through the mass media. Air pollution is one such form that refers to the contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outside. A physical, biological or chemical alteration to the air in the atmosphere can be termed as pollution. It occurs when any harmful gases, dust, smoke enters into the atmosphere and makes it difficult for plants, animals, and humans to survive as the air becomes dirty.

Air pollution can further be classified into two sections- visible air pollution and invisible air pollution. Another way of looking at air pollution could be any substance that holds the potential to hinder the atmosphere or the well being of the living beings surviving in it. The sustainment of all things living is due to a combination of gases that collectively form the atmosphere; the imbalance caused by the increase or decrease in the percentage of these gases can be harmful to survival.

The Ozone layer considered crucial for the existence of the ecosystems on the planet is depleting due to increased pollution. Global warming, a direct result of the increased imbalance of gases in the atmosphere has come to be known as the biggest threat and challenge that the contemporary world has to overcome in a bid for survival.

Types of Pollutants

In order to understand the causes of Air pollution, several divisions can be made.

Primarily air pollutants can be caused by primary sources or secondary sources. The pollutants that are a direct result of the process can be called primary pollutants. A classic example of a primary pollutant would be the sulfur-dioxide emitted from factories

Secondary pollutants are the ones that are caused by the intermingling and reactions of primary pollutants. Smog created by the interactions of several primary pollutants is known to be as a secondary pollutant.

Various Causes of Air pollution

1. The burning of fossil fuels

Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles are one the major cause of air pollution. Pollution emitting from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes cause an immense amount of pollution. We rely on them to fulfill our daily basic needs of transportation.

But, their overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases are polluting the environment. Carbon Monoxide caused by improper or incomplete combustion and generally emitted from vehicles is another major pollutant along with Nitrogen Oxides, that is produced from both natural and man-made processes.

2. Agricultural activities

Ammonia is a very common byproduct from agriculture-related activities and is one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere. Use of insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers in agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful chemicals into the air and can also cause water pollution.

3. Exhaust from factories and industries

Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air. Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of the earth and there is no area that has not been affected by it. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution.

4. Mining operations

Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large equipment. During the process dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution. This is one of the reasons which is responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers and nearby residents.

5. Indoor air pollution

Household cleaning products, painting supplies emit toxic chemicals in the air and cause air pollution. Have you ever noticed that once you paint the walls of your house, it creates some sort of smell which makes it literally impossible for you to breathe?

Suspended particulate matter popular by its acronym SPM, is another cause of pollution. Referring to the particles afloat in the air, SPM is usually caused by dust, combustion, etc.

Disastrous Effects of Air pollution

1. Respiratory and heart problems

The effects of air pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the body. Several million are known to have died due to direct or indirect effects of Air pollution. Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly suffer from pneumonia and asthma.

2. Global warming

Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due to global warming. With increased temperatures worldwide, increase in sea levels and melting of ice from colder regions and icebergs, displacement and loss of habitat have already signaled an impending disaster if actions for preservation and normalization aren’t undertaken soon.

3. Acid rain

Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air pollutants, becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can cause great damage to human, animals, and crops.

4. Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a condition where a high amount of nitrogen present in some pollutants gets developed on sea’s surface and turns itself into algae and adversely affect fish, plants and animal species. The green colored algae that are present on lakes and ponds is due to the presence of this chemical only.

5. Effect on wildlife

Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to move to a new place and change their habitat. The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect sea animals.

6. Depletion of the ozone layer

Ozone exists in the Earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As the ozone layerwill go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin and eye related problems. UV rays also have the capability to affect crops.

When you try to study the sources of Air pollution, you enlist a series of activities and interactions that create these pollutants. There are two types of sources that we will take a look at Natural sources and Man-made sources.

Natural sources of pollution include dust carried by the wind from locations with very little or no green cover, gases released from the body processes of living beings (Carbon dioxide from humans during respiration, Methane from cattle during digestion, Oxygen from plants during Photosynthesis). Smoke from the combustion of various inflammable objects, volcanic eruptions, etc along with the emission of polluted gases also makes it to the list of natural sources of pollution.

While looking at the man-made contributions towards air pollution, smoke again features as a prominent component. The smoke emitted from various forms of combustion like in biomass, factories, vehicles, furnaces, etc. Waste used to create landfills generate methane, that is harmful in several ways. The reactions of certain gases and chemicals also form harmful fumes that can be dangerous to the well being of living creatures.

Solutions For Air Pollution

1. Use public mode of transportation

Encourage people to use more and more public modes of transportation to reduce pollution. Also, try to make use of carpooling. If you and your colleagues come from the same locality and have same timings you can explore this option to save energy and money.

2. Conserve energy

Switch off fans and lights when you are going out. A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity. You can save the environment from degradation by reducing the number of fossil fuels to be burned.

3. Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Do not throw away items that are of no use to you. In-fact reuse them for some other purpose. For e.g. you can use old jars to store cereals or pulses.

4. Emphasis on clean energy resources

Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal are on high these days. Governments of various countries have been providing grants to consumers who are interested in installing solar panels for their home. This will go a long way to curb air pollution.

5. Use energy efficient devices

CFL lights consume less electricity as against their counterparts. They live longer, consume less electricity, lower electricity bills and also help you to reduce pollution by consuming less energy.

Several attempts are being made worldwide on a personal, industrial and governmental levels to curb the intensity at which air pollution is rising and regain a balance as far as the proportions of the foundation gases are concerned. This is a direct attempt at slacking Global warming. We are seeing a series of innovations and experiments aimed at alternate and unconventional options to reduce pollutants. Air pollution is one of the larger mirrors of man’s follies, and a challenge we need to overcome to see a tomorrow.

What Is Air Pollution?

DEFINITION

Air pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or compounds (including those of biological origin) in the air, at levels that pose a health risk. In an even broader sense, air pollution means the presence of chemicals or compounds in the air which are usually not present and which lower the quality of the air or cause detrimental changes to the quality of life (such as the damaging of the ozone layer or causing global warming).

Causes

Air pollution is probably one of the most serious environmental problems confronting our civilization today. Most often, it is caused by human activitiessuch as mining, construction, transportation, industrial work, agriculture, smelting, etc. However, natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and wildfires may also pollute the air, but their occurrence is rare and they usually have a local effect, unlike human activities that are ubiquitous causes of air pollution and contribute to the global pollution of the air every single day.

Most Common Types of Air Pollutants

A large number of contaminants may pollute the air in a large variety of forms. Almost any toxic chemical could make its way into the atmosphere to pollute the air that we breathe. Aerosol particles (clouds of liquid and solid particles in a gas) that are found in the air may also contain pollutants.

The chemical compounds that lower the air quality are usually referred to as air pollutants. These compounds may be found in the air in two major forms:

in a gaseous form (as gases),
in a solid form (as particulate matter suspended in the air).

Examples of Air Pollutants

In most cases, air pollutants cannot be seen or smelled. However, that does not mean that they do not exist in high enough amounts to be a health hazard! Additionally, a number of gases are linked to the so-called "greenhouse effect", which means that those gases retain more heat and thus contribute to the overall global warming. The most common example of a greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, which is emitted from many industrial processes. Another example is methane, which is also an explosive gas.

Examples of the main air pollution causes:

The Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Air pollution has serious effects on the human health. Depending on the level of exposure and the type of pollutant inhaled, these effects can vary, ranging from simple symptoms like coughing and the irritation of the respiratory tract to acute conditions like asthma and chronic lung diseases.

Skin problems and irritations can develop due to prolonged exposure to several air pollutants, and a variety of cancer forms may develop after inhaling air contaminants. Do not neglect potential diseases caused by air pollution.

Air pollutants that have serious negative effects on the human health can be classified as toxic and non-toxic.

TOXIC POLLUTANTS

Carcinogenic

asbestos, PCE, TCE, vinyl chloride (VC), benzene, PAHs (such as benzo[a]pyrene), ethylene dibromide (EDB), ethylene dichloride (EDC), PCBc, As, Cd, Ni, Cr, some Hg compounds, arsenic oxide, some nitrates, pesticides/insecticides/herbicides, radon;

Non-Carcinogenic

lead, carbon monoxide, ammonia, acetone

NON-TOXIC POLLUTANTS

These pollutants can still asphyxiate by oxygen depletion, therefore they are still not safe in certain quantities and/or contexts.

Non-explosives:

carbon dioxide

Explosives:

methane

Sulfur Oxides Poisoning

Sulfur oxides are all around us. Some of them are naturally occurring (for instance in volcanic eruptions), and relatively harmless; some, however, can be man-made as a byproduct of industrial processing, and are extremely toxic.

Chemical Properties

Sulfur oxides can be any of several compounds formed by sulfur and oxygen. The most common are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3). Sulfur dioxide is a very poisonous gas that can occur both naturally or anthropogenically; it is colorless and smells like a match that has just been struck. Sulfur trioxide is also highly poisonous, highly reactive and very corrosive.

Uses

Sulfur dioxide can be used for several things:

aid in the preparation of sulfuric acid and sulfites
refrigerant,
disinfectant
food preservative
as a bleach for various items (flour, grains, fruit, textile fibers, gelatin etc.)

Toxicity

Sulfur dioxide is a common pollutant in most civilized countries, from industrial processing plants (coal, oil, cement, metal, wood, copper, electric power plants etc.). It can cause various serious health problems, especially with long-term exposure, exposure to critical levels, exposure in children or in people with preexisting heart and lung conditions:

temporary respiratory problems
chronic bronchitis
emphysema
decreased fertility
coughing
stomach pain
menstrual disorders
nausea
inhibition of thyroid function
headache
convulsions
dizziness

Nitrogen Oxides Poisoning

Nitrogen oxides are present all around us, as a mostly unfortunate byproduct of industrial civilization. While they have many beneficial uses, they can also be heavy pollutants.

Chemical Properties

Nitrogen oxides are gases made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Many of them can be man-made and extremely harmful to human health. The most common ones are nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Most of them are colorless or brownish at room temperatures, and have a distinctive smell.

Uses

Nitric oxide is used to bleach rayon and produce nitric acid. Nitrogen dioxide is used to produce among other chemicals rocket fuels and explosives. Nitrogen dioxide is sometimes used to bleach flour.

Toxicity

Nitrogen oxides are polluting the air through car exhaust, electric power plants, the burning of various fuels, cigarette smoking, electroplating, welding etc.

When combined with volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides form smog; when combined with sulfur dioxides, they form acid rain.

Depending on the level and length of exposure, nitrogen oxides can cause serious health problems:

Breathing difficulties
Throat spasms
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Dizziness
Lung fluid build-up
Decreased fertility in women
Mental confusion
Birth defects
Coughing

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a known pollutant, almost omnipresent in present-day cities around the world. It is produced during the process of burning fuel (gasoline, oil, diesel, wood, charcoal etc.). This means it’s present in vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke, as well as unvented spaces where fuel is being burned.

Chemical Properties

Carbon monoxide (one carbon molecule + one oxygen molecule) is a toxic colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas with the chemical formula CO.

Uses

Carbon monoxide is commonly used in the production of several kinds of chemicals. It is part of the processing, preparation or production of phosgene, methanol etc., used in meat coloring, as well as in metallurgy to extract metals from ores. It is also naturally present in the human body, as a neurotransmitter.

Toxicity

Effects depend on the concentration of carbon monoxide you are exposed to, and can include the following:

Confusion, vision and balance problems
Loss of consciousness
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Memory loss
Miscarriage
Birth defects
Damage to the nervous system

Carbon Dioxide Poisoning

Carbon dioxide is a natural compound present in the atmosphere, in Earth’s water and land etc. It absorbs heat and contributes to global warming, which makes it both useful and very dangerous to humans’ future.

Chemical Properties

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in volcanic eruptions, tree felling, spring water etc., and anthropogenically, especially in the burning of fuels, but also through the various industrial uses of carbon dioxide. Its chemical formula is CO2.

Uses

There are dozens of uses for carbon dioxide:

Refrigeration
Food processing
Metal works
Cement production
Carbonation of soft drinks
Fertilizers
Lime manufacturing
Extinguishers
Gas extraction
Electric power plant
Brewing
Waste incinerators

Toxicity

Carbon dioxide can be very toxic to humans when inhaled or in direct contact, especially in confined spaces. Exposure can lead to serious health problems:

Hyperventilation
Loss of vision
Muscle contractions
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Numbness
Dizziness
Unconsciousness
Nervous system damage
Memory loss
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Skin burns
Elevated blood pressure
Birth defects

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Pollution

Volatile organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon and can quickly turn into vapors or gases. These VOCs can be released by a number of products or items in contemporary life, from burning gasoline or coal to solvents, glues, dry-cleaning products etc., and they contribute to air pollution and serious health conditions.

Chemical Properties

Organic compounds by definition contain carbon, and they are the basis of life. Volatile organic compounds are thus called because they can easily turn from solids into vapors or gases (think of glues or gasoline, more specifically of the vapors and toxic gases they can release). They can contain fluorine, bromine, sulfur, nitrogen and other elements.

Uses

Volatile organic compounds can be found in household products or items commonly used in contemporary society, from gasoline to office supplies. Some of their uses are:

paint thinners
degreasers
aerosol cans
dry-cleaning products
paints
photographic supplies
printers and photocopying machines and supplies

Toxicity

Whenever the weather is hot, VOCs are more likely to be present in the air we breathe, and therefore more dangerous to human health. Not all VOC are known to be toxic, however in some cases there are clear negative effects, depending on the compound, the length and intensity of the exposure. Formaldehyde, diesel exhaust, styrene, benzene and perchloroethylene are known or suspected carcinogens, and heavy traffic, smoking and various types of workplace exposure can pose serious health risks. Known health effects include:

respiratory tract problems
headaches
fatigue
dizziness
nausea
liver and/or kidney damage
problems of the central nervous system

Particulate Matter Pollution

Particulate matter is the generic name used for the particles that exist in the air around us. Some particles are microscopic, others are big enough to be seen with the naked eye. Some are benign, others are highly toxic.

Chemical Properties

PM, or particulate matter, can be of various sizes. The Environmental Protection Agency uses two: PM-10 (10 micrometers or less) and PM-2.5 (2.5 micrometers or less).
The main source of particulate matter is burning fuels, meaning anything from diesel and gasoline to wood and leaves. Construction sites, roadwork, factories and quarries are other sources of particulate matter.

Toxicity

High concentrations of fine particulate matter can accumulate in the lungs or along the respiratory tract and become harmful for humans. The longer the exposure and the higher the amount of particulate matter, the more serious the effects, including:

coughing
shortness of breath
irritation of the respiratory tract
hoarseness and wheezing
lung dysfunctions
chronic bronchitis
cancer, especially lung cancer

Gaseous Hg Poisoning

Mercury is known to be extremely harmful to human health in any form, a strong neurotoxin that can occur naturally or be released from power plants and many other sources and spread across land, soil, air and water.

Chemical Properties

Mercury is a heavy metal that, at room temperature, occurs in liquid form, but with an already high vapor pressure.

Uses

There are many uses for mercury in liquid form; however, there are relatively few uses when it is in gaseous form. Mercury vapors enable electricity to produce ultraviolet light that then produces fluorescent light. Some electron tubes, skin tanning lamps, disinfection lamps also use gaseous mercury.

Toxicity

While mercury is very toxic when it builds up in water and soil, it is even more dangerous when in gaseous form, because it is all the more easily inhaled, swallowed or deposited on our body.

The toxic effects of gaseous mercury include:

Developmental problems
Reproductive problems
Thyroid dysfunction
Kidney dysfunction
Neuropsychological problems

Ammonia Poisoning

Ammonia is a naturally occurring compound that can also be manufactured. When naturally occurring, it is present in decaying matter, but also in water, soil, and air. When manufactured, it is most often found in liquid form and has numerous industrial and household uses. It is commonly sold in liquid form and is a corrosive chemical.

Chemical Properties

The chemical formula for ammonia is NH3. It is a colorless gas with a distinctive, unpleasant odor. It is a source of nitrogen for the living world, however in large amounts it can be quite toxic.

Uses

There are numerous uses for manufactured ammonia:

Fertilizer
Pesticides
Explosives
Synthetic fibers
Cleaning products
Fuel cells
Industrial stabilizers
Refrigerants
Floor wax
Smelling salts
Rocket fuel
Leather tanning

Toxicity

High levels of ammonia can be extremely harmful to human health. Toxic effects include:

Eye, skin, throat irritation
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Laryngitis
Chest pain
Asthma
Increased blood pressure
Abdominal pain
Lung fluid build-up
Lung collapse
Seizures
Blindness

Air Pollution Causes

Air pollution may be caused by various processes, either natural or anthropogenic (man-made). Some of them leave evident traces in the air; others can go unnoticed unless specific tests are conducted - or until you become ill from their effects.

Natural Causes

Volcanic activities – volcanic eruptions emit a series of toxic gases (including sulfur and chlorine) as well as particulate matter (ash particles) but are usually restricted to localized areas;
Winds and air currents – can mobilize pollutants from the ground and transport them over large areas;
Wildfires – add carbon monoxide, as well as particulate matter, to the atmosphere (containing organic contaminants such as PAHs); could affect significant areas, although in general they are restricted and may be contained;
Microbial decaying processes – microorganisms which are present in any environment have a major role in natural decaying processes of living organisms as well as environmental contaminants; this activity results in the natural release of gases especially methane gas;
Radioactive decay processes – for example, radon gas is emitted due to natural decay processes of Earth’s crust which has potential to accumulate in enclosed spaces such as basements;
Increasing temperatures – contribute to an increase in the amounts of contaminants volatilizing from polluted soil and water into the air.

Anthropogenic Causes

Mining and smelting – emit into the air a variety of metals adsorbed on particulate matter that is suspended in the air due to crushing & processing of mineralogical deposits;
Mine tailing disposal – due to their fine particulate nature (resulting after crushing and processing mineral ores) constitute a source of metals to ambient air which could be spread by the wind over large areas;
Foundry activities – emit into the air a variety of metals absorbed on particulate matter that is suspended in the air due to processing of metallic raw materials (including the use of furnaces);
Various industrial processes may emit both organic and inorganic contaminants through accidental spills and leaks of stored chemicals or the handling and storage of chemicals – especially of volatile inorganic chemicals
Transportation – emits a series of air pollutants (gases – including carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides - and particulate matter) through the tailpipe gases due to internal combustion of various fuels (usually gasses such as oxides of carbons, of sulfur, of nitrogen, as well as organic chemicals as PAHs)
Construction and Demolition activities – pollute the air with various construction materials. Of special threat is the demolition of old buildings which may contain a series of banned chemicals such as PCBs, PBDEs, asbestos.
Coal Power Plants – when burning coal this may emit a series of gases as well as particulate matter with metals (such as As, Pb, Hg) and organic compounds (especially PAHs);
Heating of buildings – emits a series of gases and particulate matters due to burning fossil fuels;
Waste Incineration – depending on waste composition, various toxic gases, and particulate matter is emitted into the atmosphere;
Landfill disposal practices – usually generate methane due to the intensification of natural microbial decaying activity in the disposal area;
Agriculture – pollute the air usually through emissions of ammonia gas and the application of pesticides/herbicides/insecticides which contain toxic volatile organic compounds;
Control burning in forest and agriculture management – includes controlled burning that will emit gases and particulate matter (similar to wildfires described above)
Military activities – may introduce toxic gases through practices and training;
Smoking – emits a series of toxic chemicals including a series of organic and inorganic chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic;
Storage and use of household products such as paint, sprays, varnish, etc that contains organic solvents which volatilize in the air (hence the smell we all feel while using them);
Dry cleaned clothes - may retain and emit in the atmosphere small amounts of chlorinated solvents (such as PCE) or petroleum solvents that have been used by the dry cleaners; this could eventually create a health risk if the clothes returned from the dry cleaners are stored in enclosed indoor spaces.

Smoking: a Polluting Habit

The damage to health caused by smoking is widely known and largely standard fare. In this article are laid out some of the other effects of smoking, from the tobacco plant to the cigarette butt. These areas are no less important and their polluting profile should be understood as well.

A perhaps lesser known aspect of the smoking process is the pollution it causes. This begins already at the growth stage. To expedite tobacco growth pesticides are used liberally – tobacco companies have suggested pesticide be applied 16 times alone in the period from planting the seeds in the greenhouse and shifting the crops into fields. Pesticides themselves are known to have negative effects on both the environment and on human health. Not only can they impair the cognitive development of young children, they have also been shown to be at the root of numerous ailments – around a million people die annually from pesticide-induced poisoning.

The natural world is also affected. In America, studies have shown that repeated exposure to the insecticide DDT has caused egg-shell thinning which in turn has led to bald eagle population decline in the US. Pesticides are a broad pollutant: they affect our water, soil, air and, consequently, us. Traces have even been found in breast milk. Tobacco farming requires a heavy use of such chemicals. Most crops do need pesticide. The issue with tobacco is that it is itself a polluter as it is smoked and disposed of, so the environmental impact of its process is doubled.

The polluting side of cigarette production, let alone when smoking actually commences, is worth noting. The quantity of paper required is considerable. 6km of paper is needed every hour for cigarettes and their packaging. There have been attempts by tobacco companies to increase use of recycled paper but the effect of these schemes is as yet negligible. Since tobacco is a lucrative cash crop, there have also been reports of illegal deforestation in some areas to make room for tobacco growth.

According to one study published at the turn of the century, “an estimated 200 000 hectares of forests/woodlands are removed by tobacco farming each year”. Aside from the disastrous impact these logging operations have on the local ecosphere, deforestation directly contributes to pollution since trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide and the industrial machinery needed to harvest and process the timber also belch out pollutants.

Cigarettes and Pollution

The cigarette itself is also a significant polluter. According to the World Health Organisation, a billion people smoke often, many of whom can be found in poorer countries. Add to this the 14mg of pollutants created by each smoked cigarette, and it becomes easier to visualize the damage smoking is doing to our environment, human and natural. The problem continues after the cigarette is consumed. In the UK, cigarette stubs can be seen everywhere, comprising 35% of total litter on our streets.

Globally, according to an article published a few years ago, cigarette butts form up to 50% of all litter on city streets, and are particularly prominent in beach habitats. The cigarette butt issue is a major reason as to why we should promote the use of e-cigarettes over traditional cigarettes. By comparison, e-cigarettes have a very low pollutant profile. This is because their chemical reactions are simpler and less toxic. For a rich source of other e-cigarette-related information, check out e-cigreviews.org.uk.

In our hearts, we all know that smoking is bad for our health. For anyone thinking of quitting, spelling out the health benefits of quitting can be a powerful motivator. Here are just some of the health improvements you’ll see, if you stop smoking.

The Health Benefits of Stopping Smoking

Lower stress

Whilst some people claim that they smoke to calm their stress levels, it has actually been proved that non-smokers suffer less from stress than smokers. Quitting will reduce your overall stress levels, making you feel happier and calmer.

Improved fertility

Smoking has a negative effect on both men and women, in terms of fertility. Men’s sperm can be less potent, and women can find it harder to get pregnant. Stopping smoking reverses this, and also reduces the chances of miscarriage and improves the chances of having a healthy baby.

Live longer

Statistics relating to smoking and longevity make for grim reading, with around half of all long-term smokers dying prematurely, from diseases such as lung cancer or heart disease. No matter what age you decide to stop smoking, it will increase the odds of you living to a healthier, happier old age.

Nicer smelling breath and looking teeth

As any non-smoker will confirm, smoking causes your teeth to stain and become yellowed, and your breath to smell. All that will improve after giving up, and you’ll also lessen the chances of gum disease or premature tooth loss.

Improved skin

Regular smoking can give people a pale, creased complexion, but this can be reversed by giving up. Non-smokers have been shown to have fewer wrinkles and younger looking skin.

Heightened sense of smell and taste

As well as making your clothes smell and your teeth and nails go yellow, smoking cigarettes actually dulls your sense of smell and taste. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes affect the tongue through a process known as vascularisation, making the taste buds lose their shape over time. Smoking doesn’t kill taste buds, but it does make them much less effective at sending signals to your brain about the food you’re eating. Once you’ve stopped smoking, your taste buds and sense of smell will recover, allowing you to really enjoy food once again.

Breathe easier

Smoking has a huge impact on your lung function and your ability to breathe easily. In less than a year, people who have given up smoking should see a 10% improvement in lung capacity, and should breathe more easily and cough less.

Increased energy

Within just a few weeks of quitting, your blood circulation will improve noticeably, and your immune system will be rejuvenated. You’ll have more energy for physical exercise, such as walking or running, and you’ll be less susceptible to viruses and minor ailments.

In short, every aspect of smoking, from tobacco growth to cigarette butts, is a serious pollutant. Smoking is on the decline in the UK and other European countries, but remains strong in developing countries. It cannot be said that smoking is the most significant polluter. But given the habit’s enduring popularity globally, its contribution to world pollution should be appreciated.

Sources and Effects of Common Air Pollutants

Air pollution is a growing problem around the world, with individuals and nations alike pumping enormous volumes of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere every day. These pollutants are not only dangerous to the health and wellbeing of plants, animals, and people, but they are also a major contributor to recent climate shifts observed across the globe.

Cutting down on the volume of pollutants produced is a crucial step in managing our negative effect on the climate. How can this be achieved? One of the first and most important steps is identifying some of the most common and prevalent pollutants, understanding where they come from, and recognizing their effects. This knowledge will help you to identify the key ways in which you can cut down on air pollution and contribute to a global decline in the volume of pollutants found in the air.

With this in mind, here are some of the most important pollutants to know.

1. Carbon Monoxide (CO): Carbon Monoxide is a highly toxic and dangerous pollutant, infamous for its lack of identifying color and smell. At one point, this gas was extremely prevalent in homes for use in domestic heating before it was found to be unsuitable, and it has since been replaced by much safer solutions such as natural gas and electricity. However, this gas is far from extinct in human use.

Sources: Most commonly, Carbon Monoxide is produced by combustion engines running without modern catalytic convertors. Other common sources of Carbon Monoxide are old gas and fuel appliances, incinerators, and even cigarettes.

Effects: Carbon Monoxide can have a profound effect on the environment as it is extremely poisonous, and can contribute to very dangerous ground-level air and ozone conditions.

2. Lead (Pb): Lead has long been known to be a dangerous substance. Once commonplace in nearly all gas and aviation fuels, there has since been tremendous effort to reduce the amount of lead found in these substances. Since the introduction of lead-free gasoline, the volume of lead in the atmosphere has dropped enormously.

Sources: While efforts have been made to remove lead from fuel, it continues to be present in some aircraft fuel. Similarly, the outpouring of lead from metal processing plants, and the release of lead from waste processes such as incineration and battery acid production means that there is still enough lead in the air to recognize it as a dangerous pollution.

Effects: Lead can not only poison humans, but it also has a profound effect upon natural ecosystems. Contaminating air, soil, and water, lead can cause damage to flora and fauna alike.

3. Ozone (O3): Ozone is not inherently bad. After all, the ozone layer is one of the major protections mankind has against harmful solar radiation. However, ground level Ozone has become a major problem in recent years.

Sources: Ground level Ozone is formed by chemical reactions between multiple different oxides found in the air, which – when exposed to sunlight – can form new compounds and leave Ozone as a by-product. The majority of the emissions which make up Ozone come from the usual suspects such as car exhausts, factory processing, electric utilities and power plants, and even some chemical solvents.

Effects: Ozone is a dangerous substance for most living organisms, and as such an increase in ground level Ozone has a notable effect on human health as well as the overall health of multiple ecosystems on land and in the seas.

4. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Nitrogen Dioxide is one of the oxides which can react to produce Ozone, but that is far from its only negative effect. Nitrogen Dioxide is one of the gases that one most commonly thinks to when considering air pollution: thick, brown, and choking, it is one of the more visibly harmful pollutants.

Sources: Nitrogen Dioxide, like many other pollutants, is most often released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels in car engines, airplane engines, factories, and power plants.

Effects: In addition to being a choking and obstructive gas in the air, Nitrogen Dioxide also has the propensity to react with other agents to form nitric acid and organic nitrates, contributing to the formation of acid rain.

Needless to say, Nitrogen Oxide has a huge effect on humans, increasing the likelihood of respiratory problems, cancers, and other lung problems. Acid rains produced by Nitrogen Dioxide are extremely harmful to plants and animals across the world, and can lead to further problems in water systems.

5. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Sulfur Dioxide is a substance most closely associated with the steam age and locomotives, as the biggest culprit in its production is coal combustion. However, these days are not so far gone as you may have thought.

Sources: To this day, locomotives, ships, planes, and other equipment still produce huge volumes of Sulfur Dioxide. Industrial processes, particularly ore extraction and purification, are also producers of the gas.

Effects: Sulfur Dioxide, like Nitrogen Dioxide, is a compound which often mixes with other pollutants in the air to form harmful acids, but it is also harmful on its own. Common effects of Sulfur Dioxide poisoning are respiratory problems, eye problems, and even heart and circulatory problems. Importantly, Sulfuric Acid, created by the mixing of sulfur with water, is a potent acid which is not only destructive to human property but also to trees, soils, and water systems.

6. Particulate Matter (PM): Particulate Matter is something a lot more visible and tangible than the components listed above, but is no less dangerous or harmful. The matter generally consists of soot, dirt, and chemical byproducts produced through combustion or chemical mixing.

Sources: Particle matter is produced by nearly every single process involving chemicals and fuels, as well as more innocuous processes such as farming and road construction. Any process which produces a physical byproduct will generally result in particulate matter.

Effects: Particle Matter ranges from annoying to extremely dangerous, often hampering visibility on roads and causing respiratory problems. Particulate Matter is associated with a range of heart, lung, and eye conditions in humans, and is also linked to an increased likelihood of developing cancers later in life.

While a lot of work has been done to reduce the prevalence of Particulate Matter in the air, it still comprises a considerable risk to public health as well as to environmental integrity. Particulate Matter is especially harmful to animals in the wild, with mammals being disproportionately affected due to their size and comparatively sensitive respiratory systems.

What Can You Do To Help Reduce Air Pollution?

So what can you do to help reduce air pollution?

Raise awareness. Whether it be through joining non-profits, activist groups, or even just posting about the matter online, raising people’s awareness about air pollution and its causes is an important step in reducing the problem around the world.

Try to minimize travel in cars and airplanes. While driving is often unavoidable, there are many who could quite easily cut down on their fuel consumption by making use of public transportation or even bikes. Similarly, making use of a more fuel-efficient vehicle is a good way to make the car travel you do undertake much less harmful. Keeping a car serviced and safe will dramatically improve its fuel-efficiency and reduce the volume of emissions it releases. Airplanes are among the worst contributors to air pollution, so consider staying in the country when vacationing.

Conserve energy where possible. Since electricity production releases a huge number of air pollutants, using as little energy as possible can help minimize the amount produced in any one day. If you spread the message too, you can have a noticeable impact on electricity production. Simply changing lightbulbs to energy efficient alternatives, turning off appliances when not in use, and reducing the amount of time spent in front of the television or on the computer are good starts.

Make use of 3 R’s. Who wouldn’t have heard of 3 words Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reduce simple means reducing the consumption of goods like plastic bags that can hurt the environment. Reuse means reusing the same thing for some different purpose; like reusing the old jar for storing cereals or pulses. Recycling stands for recycling old items so that they can be made into some useful products again.

Get your car’s engine tune up. Keeping your car’s engine tune up will make sure that it does not consume more fuel and gives you a better mileage.

Keep tires properly inflated. Cars consume more gasoline when tires are not properly inflated. Keep the air pressure to optimum level will reduce your impact on the environment.

Make use of renewable electricity where possible. Installing your own solar panels for even small tasks can help to conserve electricity which would otherwise be provided by power plants.

Get energy audit done for your home. Get energy audit done and ask the auditor about changes that you can make in order to ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible. They can give you recommendations that will help you out and even save you money in the long run.

Consider going green. There are various ways to go green without even spending a extra penny. For e.g.: use public mode of transportation instead of car, opt for eco-friendly hotels when go out on a holiday, buy items with less packaging, buy energy-efficient appliances, use daylight as much as possible, avoid buying plastic water bottles, and many more.

Plant trees and plants, as these can help to increase the amount of breathable air available, and reduce levels of certain pollutants that cause harm to the environment.

What is Air Quality Index?

Air quality index (AQI) is a numerical scale used for reporting day to day air quality with regard to human health and the environment. The daily results of the index are used to convey to the public an estimate of air pollution level. An increase in air quality index signifies increased air pollution and severe threats to human health. In most cases, AQI indicates how clear or polluted the air in our surrounding is, and the associated health risks it might present. The AQI centers on the health effects that may be experienced within a few days or hours after breathing polluted air.

AQI calculations focus on major air pollutants including: particulate matter, ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). Particulate matter and ozone pollutants pose the highest risks to human health and the environment. For each of these air pollutant categories, different countries have their own established air quality indices in relation to other nationally set air quality standards for public health protection.

According to Wikipedia,

AN AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) IS A NUMBER USED BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC HOW POLLUTED THE AIR CURRENTLY IS OR HOW POLLUTED IT IS FORECAST TO BECOME. AS THE AQI INCREASES, AN INCREASINGLY LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION IS LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE INCREASINGLY SEVERE ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS.

How Does Air Quality Work/Determined?

On an hourly basis, the concentration of each pollutant in the air is measured and converted into a number running from zero upwards by using a standard index or scale. Calculated number for every pollutant is termed as a sub-index. The highest sub-index for any given hour is recorded as the AQI for that hour. In simple terms, AQI is like a yardstick that ranges from zero to five hundred (0-500). The index is a relative scale, meaning, the lower the index the better the quality of air and the lesser the health concern, and vice versa. The concentration of each pollutant varies, therefore, AQI values are grouped into ranges assigned to a standardized public health warnings and color code.

For instance, an AQI value of 0 to 50 means good air quality with limited possibility of affecting public and environmental health. On the other hand, an AQI value of 300 to 500 represents hazardous air quality with greater potential to affect public and environment health. The commonly accepted value is 100 as it corresponds to the generally approved air quality standards as set to safeguard public health. AQI levels below 100 are highly satisfactory while values beyond 100 are regarded to harm human health. As the AQI values get higher, it even poses more serious health concerns.

During days that the AQI is recorded to be elevated, the institution of public health might: offer advice to sensitive groups such as the children, those with respiratory problems, and the elderly to keep away from outdoor activities; take action to improve air quality by introducing measures for reducing emissions; or recommend the use of air pollution masks, especially in severe cases of air pollution.

Formula for Calculating Air Quality Index

Air quality index is calculated by a linear function by determining the concentration of the pollutant. The equation below is used to compute AQI.

Where:

I = the (Air Quality) index,

C = the pollutant concentration,

C {low} = the concentration breakpoint that is ≤ C,

C {high} = the concentration breakpoint that is ≥ C,

I {low} = the index breakpoint corresponding to C {low},

I {high} = the index breakpoint corresponding to C {high}.

Air Quality Index Categories

The AQI is divided in six categories and each category is meant to correspond to different health concern levels. Below is an explanation of the categories and their meanings.

0 – 50 indicates “Good” AQI. At this level the quality of air is deemed to be satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

51 – 100 indicate “Moderate” AQI. This means acceptable Air quality. However, some pollutants might arouse modest health concern for a limited number of people. For instance, persons who are remarkably sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.

101 – 150 indicate “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” AQI. This category may not be able to affect the general health of the public. However, children, older adults, and persons with lung disease are at a greater risk from ozone exposure. Older children, adults and people with lung and heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to particulate matter.

151 – 200 indicate “Unhealthy” AQI. In this category, every person might experience some adverse health effects. Sensitive group members may experience more serious effects. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should cut back or reschedule strenuous activities.

201 – 300 indicate “Very Unhealthy” AQI. This would issue a health alert to mean that everybody may experience very serious health implications. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should significantly cut back or reschedule strenuous activities.

Greater than 300 indicate “Hazardous” AQI. Air quality at this level is life-threatening and would issue warnings of emergency conditions for the entire population.

At a glance, the table below provides the Air Quality Index (AQI) categories

Air Quality Index (AQI) Values	Levels of Health Concern	Colors
*When the AQI is in this range*:	*..air quality conditions are:*	*…as symbolized by this color:*
0-50	Good	Green
51-100	Moderate	Yellow
101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Orange
151 to 200	Unhealthy	Red
201 to 300	Very Unhealthy	Purple
301 to 500	Hazardous	Maroon

How Can I Avoid Exposure to Unhealthy Air?

The AQI is calculated for four major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. You need to take following simple steps to avoid exposure to unhealthy air:

Prolonged Exertion: Prolonged exertion is any outdoor activity that you do intermittently for several hours and may cause you to breather slightly faster than normal. When air is unhealthy outside, you can reduce intake of unhealthy air by reducing how much time you spend on this type of activity.

Heavy Exertion: Heavy exertion means intense outdoor activities that cause you to breathe hard. When air quality is bad outside, you can protect your health by reducing the amount of time you spend on this activity or by substituting it with less intense activity.

Four Major Types of Air Pollutants

Ozone: Ozone is a gas found in the air we breathe. Several people who are active outdoor are sensitive to ozone as ozone levels are high outdoors. When you do physical activity, it causes faster and deep breathing which draws more ozone into the body. Good ozone is present naturally in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Bad ozone forms near the ground when pollutants react chemically in sunlight.

Particulate Pollution: Particle pollution (also known as “particulate matter”) consists of a mixture of solids and liquid droplets. Some particles are emitted directly; others form when pollutants emitted by various sources react in the atmosphere. People with heart or lung disease are more sensitive to particulate pollution. Particulate pollution comes in 2 sizes: Fine particles (those 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter) and Coarse particles (particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers).

Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It forms when the carbon in fuels does not completely burn. The major sources of carbon monoxide are vehicles exhaust, industrial processes, natural sources such as wildfires. Carbon monoxide can enter into the body through lungs and binds to hemoglobin. It is a substance in blood that carries oxygen to cells. In the body, it (carbon monoxide) reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s organs and tissues.

Sulfur Dioxide: Sulfur dioxide, a colorless, reactive gas, is produced when sulfur-containing fuels such as coal and oil are burned. Major sources of sulfur dioxide include power plants, refineries, and industrial boilers. It is more commonly found near industrial complexes.

AQI colors

Each AQI category is assigned a specific color to make it easier for people to understand the unhealthy levels of air pollution. For example, the color red means that conditions are “unhealthy for everyone.” Please see the table for various color meanings of each AQI category.

Air Quality Index Levels of Health Concern	Numerical Value	Meaning
Good	0 to 50	Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk
Moderate	51 to 100	Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	101 to 150	Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
Unhealthy	151 to 200	Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Very Unhealthy	201 to 300	Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Hazardous	301 to 500	Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects

What is Air Quality?

“Air quality” refers to the condition of the air within our surrounding. Good air quality pertains to the degree which the air is clean, clear and free from pollutants such as smoke, dust and smog among other gaseous impurities in the air. Air quality is determined by assessing a variety of pollution indicators. Good air quality is a requirement for preserving the exquisite balance of life on earth for humans, plants, animals and natural resources. As such, human health, plants, animals and natural resources are threatened when pollution in the air reach high concentrations.

Poor air quality can affect or harm human health and/or the environment. Air quality can be degraded by natural or man-made sources. Natural sources include volcanic eruption, windstorm dust. Man-made source include pollution from moving vehicles, toxic gases from industries, coal powered plants, burning wood or other material in open air, landfills. Both these sources can seriously affect the overall air quality and can lead to severe health problems for humans.

According to British Columbia (BC),

The term “air quality” means the state of the air around us. Good air quality refers to clean, clear, unpolluted air. Clean air is essential to maintaining the delicate balance of life on this planet — not just for humans, but wildlife, vegetation, water and soil. Poor air quality is a result of a number of factors, including emissions from various sources, both natural and “human-caused.”

How is Air Quality Degraded?

Air quality is degraded by the day to day emissions from different air pollution sources. These include: stationary sources such as power plants, manufacturing facilities, smelters, motor machines, and burning wood and coal; mobile sources such as trucks, buses, planes and cars; and natural sources such as volcanic eruptions, and windstorm dust. The pollutants from these sources are released into the air which can affect the health of humans, animals and our environment. The quality of air depends on 3 factors: the amount of pollutants, the rate at which they are released in the atmosphere, and how long they are trapped in an area.

The air pollution sources emit a wide range of pollutants classified under different categories that include Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), particulate matter, Hydrocarbons (HC) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), Lead, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Smog. In most regions, noticeable air quality degraders include smoke, dust, CO, NOx, SO2, HC, and smog from factories, power plants, automobiles, and smelters especially around urban and industrial areas.

Many of these air pollutants occur as gases, but some are very tiny solid particles, such as dust, smoke or soot. Air pollution from various sources can affect indoor air as well. Removing the pollutants from indoor air can improve the quality of your indoor air. Indoor air pollutants include cigarette smoke, mould, dust mites, pet dander, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and radon gas.

If air pollutants are in an area with good airflow, they will mix with the air and quickly disperse. Air pollutants tend to remain in the air when when there are certain conditions like light winds or mountains that restrict the transport of these pollutants away from an area. When this happens, pollution concentrations can increase rapidly.

How to Improve Air Quality?

With all those toxic pollutants in the atmosphere, it isn’t easy to get fresh as it used to be. Due to increase in number of vehicles and industries on a large scale, the air quality has gone from bad to worse in lat few decades. Every year, millions of people across the globe die due to inhaling of toxic gases present in the atmosphere.

There are several measures which we can take to make air quality better not only for us but even for coming generations. If not done in proper and timely manner, the worsening air quality can cause severe harm to entire planetary ecosystem.

Dealing With Traffic and Vehicle Emissions

In a bid to improve air quality, dealing with automobile emission is the first choice for action. Beginning by reducing the numbers of automobile traffic and use of cleaner vehicles is the best course of action towards cutting down on emissions locally. Promoting public transport and proper urban planning can as well aid in reducing traffic numbers. Nowadays, journeys have become shorter and affordable due to introduction of fast electric trains and other forms of cheaper public transport.

By promoting public transport, it is easy to get people out of their vehicles which suggest that it’s an obvious answer to reducing the number of cars on the road. Air pollution reduction can also be accomplished through speed reduction, promoting use of electric/hybrid cars, rerouting traffic, and introducing access restrictions. Through this, CO2, lead, smoke, and particulate matter from road traffic emissions can considerably reduce thereby improving air quality. Besides use of cleaner vehicles and promotion of public transport, use of green fuels is a good alternative for improving air quality.

Dealing With Industrial Emissions

Factories and industrial manufacturing companies are another main concern when it comes to air pollution. Industries are the biggest air pollution sources as they emit high scores of pollutants into the air on daily basis. Due to the industrial emissions, the globe faces a great challenge of acid rain, ozone layer depletion, and global warming. Primary regulation policies by environmental agencies are required to regulate industrial emissions with an aim of large scale structural emission reduction from industrial facilities.

Control devices termed as “pollution eating nano-particles” can as well offer effective ways to reduce industrial air pollution by absorbing or destroying toxic emissions and contaminants from industries. It is realized through installation of particulate control devices in exhaust streams. Good examples include Titanium dioxide and ultraviolet light. Installed in an industrial facility, titanium dioxide reduces pollution by absorbing toxic emissions while ultraviolet light breaks up NOx gases and VOCs. Other control devices include electrostatic precipitators, dust cyclones, particulate scrubbers, and bag-houses. Switching to use of renewable energy is the most effective mechanism for improving air quality standards in industrial manufacturing.

Establishment of Policies and Clean Air Action Plans

Air quality improvement equally requires a string of directives, support, and initiatives geared towards emission reduction not only locally but internationally as well. Local, national and international environmental protection agencies need to work hand in hand to ensure the set air quality levels are met. It’s a commitment that can only be achieved through an effective environmental action plan, strategies and policies directed towards addressing the underlying air pollution challenges. For instance, the Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs have set standards for restricting air pollution and it has since resulted to a new directive for clean and quality air. Established about a decade ago, the directives have managed to set in place emission goals and standards for air quality.

Objectives are set whereby all sorts of air pollutants have to be regulated and cut down to a standard level and also managed within the scope of the challenges experienced. In challenging situations, deadlines for complying must be instituted and upheld. As such, creation of action plan directives similar to CAFE’s, EPA’s or any other devoted environmental protection agency can offer a wonderful advancement in the direction of improving air quality.

To work towards the attainment of improving the air quality situation, each state and nation without air regulation policies can make it a requirement to develop an action plan for cleaning the air within their jurisdiction. In addition to development of an action plan, implementation is essential as it defines the efforts that will improve and attempt to regulate the air pollution levels and to improve the air quality of the region.

Also through various environmental protection and clean air support programs, states and nation can establish a monitoring criteria for pollutants. One similar program is the Ambient Air Monitoring that has been adopted by various nations and states. Through the program, statistics can be collected regarding air quality by measuring samples so as to estimate the attainment of the set air quality standards. In this sense, pollution trends can be observed throughout the jurisdiction region to deter or reduce air pollution crisis. Other air quality monitoring programs can encompass Air Pollution Monitoring and Enhanced Ozone Monitoring.

Air pollution reduction efforts can also involve land-use, urban, and transportation planning strategies. The utilization of these strategies can assess the root causes of air pollution and to install measures for dealing with the challenges experienced.

Accordingly, environmental clean air policies and programs can be established to address issues regarding quality of air as a factor directly impacting on human health and the environment. The world, particularly regions burdened with the air pollution challenge, can thus improve air quality by adopting or establishing clean air action plans and support programs.

Conclusion

Reducing emissions contributing to poor air quality, climate change, and ozone layer depletion requires collaborative effort and long-term commitment. To be part of the required solution, society, people, businesses, manufacturing facilities, and government authorities need to work as a team to realize positive outcomes of having a healthier and more sustainable environment.

In general, the sources, causes and impacts of air quality are interlinked. That means, dealing with one air quality concern can very much lessen other categories of air pollution. For instance, cutting back on fossil fuel usage not only helps to reduce emission of particulate matter but also lessens CO2, CO and NOx emissions from vehicle exhaust. In the long run, efforts to improve air quality reward the entire humanity by improving human wellbeing and health, reducing the costs of health, and increasing environmental productivity.

41 Super Easy Ways To Stop Air Pollution

The air that we breathe today is full of toxic and hazardous pollutants. Pollution in the environment could leave mother Earth sapped of its beauty and biodiversity. Each year millions of people die all around the world due to different pollution related problems. The key to live a healthy life is to identify the sources of air pollution and implement practical ways so that you can help stop air pollution.

If you have been looking to get in on the whole environmental movement, then you’ve likely been trying to look at the various options that you have when it comes to preventing pollution problems from becoming a bigger issue. In this article, we’re going to give you 41 different ideas that you can try out for yourself so that you can contribute to stopping air pollution in your area and in the world around you.

Use Public Transportation: Use your vehicle a lot less often. Carpool and rideshare when you have the ability to do so and consider using public transportation instead of walking; that way, you aren’t contributing to all of the issues that the air is already dealing with before adding your car to the mix.

2. Drive Smart: If you are driving on a regular basis, make sure that you are driving smart instead of wasting gas. Drive within the speed limit, make sure that there aren’t a lot of things in your car that will weigh it down, and do all that you can to conserve the amount of gas that you will be using on a regular basis.

3. Do Regular Car Check Up: Its important for you to go for regular check up of your car to make sure it does not consume extra fuel. This will not only save you money but your car will also last longer.

4. Keep Car Tires Properly Inflated: Car consume more fuel when tires are not properly inflated and aligned. Keeping them properly inflated will lessen your impact on the environment.

5. Buy Energy Efficient Vehicles: Buy vehicles and other items that are helpful to the environment. There are so many options that you have now that are either efficient on gas or they are hybrids, so you don’t have to worry about them putting additional gas and pollution into the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a new car, go energy efficient if you can.

6. Consider “going green”: There are so many options for going green out there and a lot of them come with tax breaks that can make it even easier for you to do so. Look into your local, state, and even federal initiatives in order to see if they have something that can help you change your tune.

7. Plant a Garden: Plant a garden that is going to give the air the nutrients that it needs to be cleaner. There are so many plants out there that will eat up the junk in the atmosphere. Do your research and see what one(s) you can grow easily and that will help the world around you.

8. Use Low-VOC or Water-based Paints: Use paints that are based with water and not oil. The less oil products that you are using, the better off that you’re going to be because that means less oil is being produced overall.

9. Turn Off Lights When not in Use: Don’t keep the lights or other electric devices on. The more traditional power that you are using, the more energy you’re wasting and the more that you’re polluting the air.

10. Buy Green Electricity: Buy electricity generated from renewable energies i.e. hydroelectric, wind or solar power.

11. Make use of Solar Energy: Consider using solar power instead of regular power. Solar power can save a ton of energy for you and, on top of that, it could also end up saving you a lot of cash in the long run as well.

12. Use Natural Gas Instead of Charcoal: Use a propane or natural gas grill instead of charcoal. Then, you’re not putting fossil fuels into the air, which can be incredibly detrimental to the world around you.

13. Use a EPA Certified Woodstove: Use a EPA certified woodstove or fireplace instead of oil. Once again, the less oil you use, the better it is for the atmosphere.

14. Dry Clothes on Clothesline: Dry your clothes on a clothesline instead of trying to dry your clothes in a dryer. The less energy that you use, the better off it will be.

15. Always Use Recyclable Products: Always use recyclable products if you have access to them and the ability to choose them. They take less power to make than other products.

16. Use Both Sides of Paper: Use both sides of a piece of paper. Otherwise, you’re just being wasteful with the things that you are using.

17. Reuse Paper Bags: Reuse paper bags; they work really well for almost anything you can imagine and they are recycled in the first place.

18. Avoid Plastic Bags: They are made from oil products and they can hurt the environment because it takes them forever to decompose (and some never decompose).

19. Choose Products With Minimal Packaging: When it comes to buying items from outside, consider buying those with minimal packaging and are reusable. Even if they are packaged, try to buy the one with least packaging.

20. Use Broom Instead of Leaf Blower: Don’t use items that are going to kick up a lot of dust into the air; consider using other items instead. For example, instead of using a leaf blower, why not consider using a broom instead?

21. Don’t Use Hazardous Chemicals: If you’re using materials that have a lot of chemicals and smell strongly, consider using them outside and/or not using them at all.

22. Quit Smoking: Quit smoking and encourage those around you to do the same. The smoke is terrible for you and for the air quality around you as well.

23. Insulate the Leakages: Utilize insulation in and around your home in order to make it so that you don’t have to use as much energy in order to heat your home.

24. Consolidate Your Trips: Try to make sure that everything that you’re doing can be done in one trip instead of going out several times in your vehicle. That way, you’re using less gas while you’re out and about.

25. Get an Energy Audit Done: Get an energy audit on your home that is related to energy efficiency, and ask the auditor about changes that you can make in order to ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible. They can give you recommendations that will help you out and even save you money in the long run.

26. Use Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors if you have areas that are going to use a number of different appliances and then, if you can, make sure that you turn it off when you aren’t using anything on the surge protector. This saves energy and the items that you have plugged in as well.

27. Use Fan Instead of AC: If it isn’t incredibly hot outside, you may want to consider using a fan instead of air conditioning if you can. It takes a lot less power and energy to take care of it.

28. Use Blankets When it is Cold Outside: On the other side of that coin, if it isn’t exceptionally cold, consider just putting a blanket or extra layers on to take the chill off instead of wasting heat.

29. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Recycle as much as you can so that it can be reused later on in other products. That way, you aren’t adding to the problem by adding additional products to the mix of what is going on.

30. Buy Items Made From Recycled Materials: If possible, purchase items made up from recycled materials rather than buying fresh products. This will reduce the need to buy new raw materials to produce fresh items. When you are on a shopping spree, look for items having a recycle logo or are at-least made from recyclable content.

Cut Down on Junk Mail: If you’ve been receiving a lot of junk mail every week, its time for you to avail services of various such companies that can help you to get rid of these mails in your mailbox and save millions of trees that are being axed worldwide to produce paper.

32. Buy Rechargeable Batteries: Every year billions of batteries are sold and then disposed off after use. Buy a charger and few sets of rechargeable batteries and that should pay off in no time.

33. Buy ENERGY STAR Products: Whenever you buy new electronic products for your home or office, always buy ENERGY STAR products. These products have to meet certain requirements for energy savings.

34. Use Cold Water Instead of Hot: It’s better for the environment if you opt to go ahead and use cold water for your laundry instead of hot water, because you aren’t going to have to use your hot water heater, which uses extra fuel and puts it into the environment.

35. Eat Organic Food: Eat things that are made locally, like vegetables and meats. That means that they don’t have to get transported as far to get to you (on top of that, it’s also making a big difference for your local economy as well, which can help you even more in the long run).

36: Grown Your Own Fruits and Vegetables: If you have a lawn at your own backyard, consider starting a garden to grow fruits and vegetables. The fruits and vegetables that you buy from the market have had to travel several miles before reaching your plate. So growing then in your home would be a great way to stop air pollution.

37. Ask your Employer For WFH Facility: For a change, ask you employer for work from home facility. With so many options available for audio and video conferencing, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to carry left over work to home. This will not only help you to reduce you trips to office and save money but also helps you to reduce pollution.

38. Contribute: See if your state or local government already has initiatives that could end up helping you to contribute to making the air quality in and around your area better than it would have been otherwise.

39. Talk to Local Representatives: Talk to your local representatives and government officials about the concerns that you have related to the clean air issues in your community and encourage them to act on it and take care of those issues so that we can leave our world a better place for our children.

40. Educate Your Companions: Let the people around you know about how they can contribute to clean air initiatives and educate them about all of the different ways that they can take care of the environment themselves.

41: Join an Environmental Group: In case you are willing to contribute towards growing pollution in your area, consider joining any environmental group. You can meet people, discuss issues and share ideas on what you can do about it. Spread the work and ask to join in this noble cause.

These, obviously, are not the only ways that you can go ahead and stop air pollution from an even bigger problem than it already is. What are you doing that we have listed on this life? And, what did we miss that you think could make a huge difference when it comes to trying to help the atmosphere and the environment in general? Leave us a comment so that we can all learn from each other and explore the big world of preventing issues that are related to pollution in our environment and around the world that we currently are living in.