Human Activities And The Air We Breathe

Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is caused by a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and agricultural practices contribute significantly to air pollution. These activities release harmful chemicals and gases into the atmosphere, leading to increased concentrations of pollutants in the air we breathe. The impact of air pollution extends beyond human health, as it also contributes to climate change and environmental degradation.

Burning fossil fuels

PM 2.5, a subset of PM, is of particular concern due to its tiny size—about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair. These fine particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, penetrating the lung tissue, and entering the bloodstream, causing serious health issues. They can also linger in the air for extended periods. According to a study by the Global Burden of Disease in 2015, the annual death toll attributed to PM 2.5 was calculated to be 4.2 million. More recent research, focusing solely on PM 2.5 pollution from burning fossil fuels, has yielded even higher mortality estimates.

The combustion of fossil fuels has severe health implications, especially for children, the elderly, individuals on low incomes, and people of colour. Fossil fuel pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths each year, exceeding the number of deaths caused by HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. It is a significant contributor to lower-respiratory infections in children and has been linked to worsening asthma symptoms. The areas most affected by fossil fuel pollution include China, India, western Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the US Northeast and Midwest.

Additionally, burning fossil fuels has contributed to the climate crisis, increasing the average global temperature by 1°C, with temperatures briefly passing the critical 1.5°C milestone. To limit global warming and mitigate its impacts, a rapid transition to renewable energy sources is imperative. The IPCC has warned that fossil fuel emissions must be halved within a short period to prevent further temperature rise. Despite commitments made in the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions, fossil fuel companies continue to be major polluters, investing predominantly in oil and gas instead of low-carbon alternatives.

Vehicle emissions

Particulate matter, a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets, is of particular concern. It includes chemicals such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon, and mineral dust, which are released from vehicles as a result of fossil fuel combustion. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is extremely small, measuring 30 times thinner than a human hair, and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, leading to serious health issues. Ultrafine particulate matter, even smaller at 100 nanometers or less, can penetrate even deeper, reaching the bloodstream and affecting major organs.

Motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, play a significant role in global warming pollution. Tailpipe emissions from these vehicles account for over one-fifth of the United States' total global warming pollution. Heavy-duty vehicles, which make up about 10% of all vehicles on the road, contribute disproportionately to air pollution. They generate more than 25% of global warming emissions, 45% of NOx emissions, and nearly 60% of direct PM2.5 emissions from on-road vehicles.

The rise in urbanization has led to an increase in private transport usage, further exacerbating vehicular emissions. The number of vehicles on the road is rapidly growing, with developing countries witnessing a tremendous increase in the use of motorized vehicles. This trend poses a significant challenge in the effort to reduce air pollution.

To address this issue, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has implemented policies and standards to reduce emissions from transportation sources. These include stringent emissions standards for passenger vehicles and heavy-duty diesel vehicles, as well as investments in clean vehicle technology. The deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric buses and trucks, is crucial in reducing vehicle pollution and improving air quality.

Industrial processes

The industrial sector encompasses a range of activities, including manufacturing, power generation, and oil and gas development. For instance, iron, steel, and rubber product manufacturing, as well as power generation, produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as by-products. PAHs are organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen, and they have been linked to adverse health effects, including slower brain-processing speeds and more pronounced symptoms of ADHD in children.

Additionally, industrial processes often involve the burning of sulfur-containing materials, such as coal, oil, and gas, which releases toxic sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, collectively known as sulfur oxides. These gases contribute to the formation of acid rain when they react with water droplets in the atmosphere. Lead, a heavy metal, is another pollutant associated with industrial activities, particularly ore and metals processing, as well as the burning of leaded fuel for aircraft and vehicles.

To address pollution from industrial processes, several strategies can be employed. One approach is to implement pollution control technologies, such as installing scrubbers or catalysts in industrial plants to remove harmful emissions like NOx. Additionally, transitioning to renewable energy sources or nuclear power in the industrial sector can significantly reduce air pollution. The "cap and trade" method is another strategy, where a limit is placed on the amount of pollution a company is allowed to emit, providing incentives for companies to reduce their pollution levels.

The impact of industrial processes on air quality is significant, and it is crucial to adopt sustainable practices and regulations to mitigate their environmental and health effects. By transitioning to cleaner fuels, maximizing energy efficiency, and adopting renewable energy sources, we can effectively reduce air pollution and improve public health and environmental outcomes.

Cigarette smoke

The tobacco industry's carbon footprint is also significant, with the production, processing, and transportation of tobacco contributing a substantial amount of CO2 emissions, further exacerbating global warming. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the environmental impact of the tobacco industry, noting that tobacco products are the most littered item on the planet, with cigarette filters containing microplastics and being the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide. The cost of cleaning up discarded tobacco products falls on taxpayers, with China, India, Brazil, and Germany incurring billions of dollars in expenses annually.

Agricultural practices

Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide. While air pollution is caused by both human-made and natural sources, human activities have significantly exacerbated the problem. One significant contributor to air pollution is agricultural practices, which release various pollutants into the atmosphere.

Additionally, the application of pesticides in agriculture can also negatively impact air quality. Aerial spraying of pesticides can expose farm workers and nearby communities to harmful chemicals, leading to potential health issues. Limited regulations surrounding factory farms have been detrimental to the quality of life for those living in adjacent areas, impacting their health and the local economy.

Another consequence of agricultural practices is the release of hydrogen sulfide. This occurs when manure lagoons are stirred to resuspend solid waste, resulting in high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas being released into the atmosphere. Hydrogen sulfide is denser than air, and unless dispersed by wind, it hangs low to the ground, posing health risks to those nearby.

Furthermore, certain agricultural activities, such as burning crop remnants, contribute to poor air quality. This practice, commonly employed to clear fields after harvesting, releases smoke and particulate matter that can worsen respiratory health, particularly in children. While this method is inexpensive for farmers, it comes at the cost of air quality and public health.

To address these issues, sustainable agricultural practices have been proposed. Implementing cover crops, for instance, can help retain soil moisture, avoid greenhouse gas emissions, and increase nutrient availability for subsequent cash crops. Additionally, no-till farming practices can aid in sequestering carbon in the soil, preventing erosion, and reducing particulate matter from entering the air. By adopting more sustainable methods, agriculture can play a role in mitigating air pollution and its associated health risks.

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