Recent Pollutants: A Growing Concern For Our Planet

Air pollution is the emission of pollutants into the air, which are detrimental to human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths worldwide each year. A recent UN study found that while some chemical pollutants are decreasing, new ones are constantly emerging. Pollutants of concern include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These pollutants can be emitted from both anthropogenic sources, such as diesel vehicles, and natural sources, such as wildfires. Climate change also plays a role in increasing certain air pollutants, such as mold and pollen, and contributing to the severity of wildfires, which can release particulate matter into the atmosphere.

Household activities, such as cooking and heating with dirty technologies, emit harmful pollutants

Household activities, such as cooking and heating with dirty technologies, are a significant source of harmful pollutants. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 2.3 billion people worldwide lack access to clean cooking technologies and rely on burning solid fuels like wood, charcoal, coal, dung, and crop residues in rudimentary stoves or three-stone fires. This practice releases dangerous particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic pollutants, resulting in indoor air pollution levels that can be up to 20 times higher than the WHO's air quality guidelines.

The ingestion of kerosene is the leading cause of childhood poisonings, and it is also linked to a large fraction of severe burns and injuries in low- and middle-income countries. The lack of access to clean fuels and technologies disproportionately affects women and children, who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood. In 2021, 49% of the global rural population relied on polluting fuels and technologies, compared to only 14% in urban areas.

The combustion of solid fuels and kerosene in households contributes to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Incomplete combustion produces particulate matter and other pollutants that irritate the airways and lungs, impair immune responses, and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. According to the WHO, household air pollution causes approximately 3.2 million premature deaths each year. Additionally, indoor air pollution contributes to ambient outdoor air pollution, including toxic gases, particulate matter, and black carbon.

To address the issue of household air pollution, the WHO has issued guidelines for indoor air quality, providing evidence-based guidance on clean fuels and technologies. These include solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, alcohol fuels, and improved biomass stoves that meet emission targets. Implementing these guidelines can reduce emissions, improve health, and protect the environment.

Furthermore, climate change is exacerbating the challenges of reducing air pollution. Climate change-fueled wildfires and extreme heat are contributing to worsening air quality, exposing more people to harmful levels of pollutants. As climate change intensifies, it will become increasingly difficult to meet pollution standards and protect public health. Therefore, it is crucial to promote the adoption of clean household energy sources and technologies, improve ventilation and housing design, and raise awareness about the importance of clean energy practices to mitigate the impact of household activities on air pollution.

Ambient air pollution is caused by high-temperature combustion in vehicles, industries, and power generation

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for approximately 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. Ambient air pollution, specifically, caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths globally in 2019, with 89% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Ambient air pollution is primarily caused by high-temperature combustion processes in vehicles, industries, and power generation facilities. High-temperature combustion releases various pollutants into the air, which are detrimental to human health. One of the major pollutants produced by high-temperature combustion is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO2 is a reddish-brown gas that irritates airways and exacerbates respiratory diseases. It is released during the combustion of fuels in transportation, industrial processes, heating, and power generation. Another pollutant, carbon monoxide (CO), is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels, such as wood, petrol, charcoal, natural gas, and kerosene. CO is predominantly emitted by motor vehicles and can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems, exhaustion, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations.

Particulate matter (PM) is another significant contributor to ambient air pollution. PM refers to inhalable particles composed of sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. These particles come in various sizes, with PM2.5 and PM10 being the most common and relevant to human health. PM2.5 particles can be directly emitted from combustion processes in vehicles, industries, and power generation, or formed through secondary processes, such as chemical reactions between gases.

Additionally, industrial processes and power generation activities produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as by-products. PAHs are organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen, and they contribute to ambient air pollution. Ozone (O3), a major component of smog, is also formed through photochemical reactions with pollutants emitted from vehicles and industrial processes.

To combat ambient air pollution caused by high-temperature combustion in vehicles, industries, and power generation, several measures can be implemented. These include adopting cleaner modes of power generation, such as renewable combustion-free power sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. Additionally, improving energy efficiency in homes, industries, and transportation can help reduce ambient air pollution. Prioritizing rapid urban transit, walking, and cycling networks in cities can also contribute to reducing vehicle emissions. Furthermore, implementing clean technologies in industries to reduce smokestack emissions and improve waste management practices can mitigate ambient air pollution.

Incomplete combustion of fuels and chemical reactions between gases produce indoor and outdoor air pollution

Air pollution is the release of pollutants into the air, which can be detrimental to human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around seven million deaths worldwide each year are linked to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Incomplete combustion of fuels and chemical reactions between gases are significant contributors to this issue.

Incomplete combustion occurs when there is a limited supply of oxygen during the burning of fuel. This can result in the production of various compounds, some of which are more toxic than the original substances being oxidised. For example, incomplete combustion can produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans, and carbon monoxide (CO). These compounds can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, oil, or gas, often contains carbon and hydrogen. When these fuels undergo incomplete combustion, the hydrogen atoms are oxidised to water, which is not a pollutant. However, the carbon can combine with oxygen to form carbon monoxide (CO) or particulate carbon. Particulate carbon is of particular concern as it can irritate the lining of the lungs, exacerbate asthma, and potentially cause cancer. Additionally, it contributes to global dimming, which may lead to reduced rainfall.

Indoor air pollution is also influenced by incomplete combustion processes. For instance, activities such as smoking tobacco, cooking, and burning wood, candles, or incense can generate particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. These pollutants can undergo complex reactions with other indoor sources, such as household cleaning products and air fresheners, further degrading indoor air quality.

Furthermore, chemical reactions between gases contribute to outdoor air pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted from natural and human-made sources, are oxidised in the atmosphere to form carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. VOCs are precursors for the formation of ozone, a secondary air pollutant. The reaction of VOCs with other atmospheric gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), in the presence of sunlight, leads to the production of ground-level ozone. This pollutant is of significant concern in urban areas, where it can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) have strong evidence of adverse health effects

Air pollution is defined as the release of pollutants into the air, which are detrimental to human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths globally each year.

Particulate matter (PM), especially small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter, poses significant health risks. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to PM has been linked to premature death in individuals with heart or lung disease, increased respiratory symptoms such as airway irritation and coughing, and adverse effects on both lung and heart health. People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and individuals from minority or low socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of PM exposure.

Additionally, the impact of air pollution extends beyond the direct health effects of pollutants like ozone and particulate matter. Climate change, fueled by air pollution, exacerbates the challenges of protecting public health. Climate change-driven wildfires and extreme heat contribute to the degradation of air quality, intensifying the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere. This, in turn, poses further risks to human health, as highlighted by the American Lung Association's 2023 State of the Air report, which revealed that over 120 million Americans reside in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) like pesticides and industrial chemicals are found in human milk, air, water, and food

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 7 million deaths occur annually due to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Climate change exacerbates the problem, making it more challenging to meet pollution standards and protect public health.

One significant contributor to air pollution is energy production and use, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. In addition to air pollution, pollutants can also contaminate water and food sources, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

Among the various pollutants, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) stand out for their longevity and ability to travel long distances. POPs are toxic chemicals that adversely impact human health and the environment. They are intentionally produced for agriculture, disease control, manufacturing, or industrial processes. For example, pesticides like DDT are used to control mosquitoes carrying malaria, while PCBs have industrial applications. Unfortunately, these chemicals have had unintended consequences, becoming global pollutants.

POPs are transported by wind and water, affecting people and wildlife far from their release sites. They persist in the environment, accumulating and passing through the food chain. People are primarily exposed to POPs through contaminated food, but they are also found in water and breast milk. The Stockholm Convention, signed by 91 countries and the European Community, aims to reduce or eliminate the production and release of 12 key POPs.

The presence of POPs in human milk underscores the extent of their infiltration into our lives. POPs can be transferred through the placenta and breast milk to developing offspring, impacting reproductive, developmental, behavioural, neurological, endocrine, and immunological health. Studies have linked POPs to adverse effects in wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals, serving as a warning for potential human health risks.

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