Air Pollution: Everyday Actions Causing Harmful Emissions

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires. Burning fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, as well as wood, can also cause air pollution.

Burning fossil fuels

Nitrogen oxides are particularly harmful as they contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide dissolves into water, creating sulfuric acid. This can lead to the acidification of freshwater sources, such as lakes and streams.

Particulate matter is any solid particle or liquid droplet found in the air. These particles can be released directly from sources such as car exhausts and factories, or they can form through chemical reactions in the air. Regions that burn more fuels, such as city centres or power facilities, tend to have higher concentrations of particulate matter in the air.

The health risks associated with air pollution from burning fossil fuels are significant. Research from Harvard University and other institutions found that air pollution from burning fossil fuels was responsible for about one in five deaths worldwide in 2018, with children, pregnant women, and elderly people being especially vulnerable to the negative health effects.

Car exhaust

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires. Car exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution, as cars burn fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel, releasing harmful particles and gases into the air. These emissions can include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can be harmful to human health, even at low levels. Nitrogen oxides can react with other compounds in the air to form smog, which can reduce visibility and cause respiratory problems. Particulate matter refers to tiny solid and liquid particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, potentially causing or exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Volatile organic compounds can react with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant that can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma symptoms.

To reduce air pollution from car exhaust, individuals can take several measures. Firstly, consider using alternative modes of transportation whenever possible, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation. Carpooling and ride-sharing can also help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Additionally, maintaining your vehicle properly, such as keeping the engine tuned and the tyres inflated, can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. When purchasing a new vehicle, opt for electric or hybrid models, which produce fewer emissions than traditional petrol or diesel cars.

Furthermore, be mindful of idling your vehicle unnecessarily, as this wastes fuel and releases pollutants into the air. Turn off your engine when parked or waiting, especially in areas with poor ventilation, such as underground parking garages. If you live in an area with high air pollution levels, try to limit your time outdoors during peak pollution hours, typically during rush hour traffic or on hot, stagnant days. Stay informed about air quality conditions in your area by utilising tools such as air quality monitors or apps, and take appropriate precautions, such as wearing masks rated for particulate matter filtration when necessary.

In addition to individual efforts, policy changes and infrastructure improvements can significantly reduce air pollution from car exhaust. Governments and local authorities can implement measures such as low-emission zones, congestion charges, and improved public transportation systems to discourage car usage and promote cleaner alternatives. Investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and offering incentives for the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles can also accelerate the transition to a cleaner transportation sector.

Wildfires

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires.

The impact of wildfire smoke on air quality can be severe, leading to increased levels of particulate matter and hazardous gases in the atmosphere. Particulate matter, composed of tiny solid and liquid particles, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing respiratory problems and exacerbating existing heart and lung conditions. Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas released during wildfires, can also have serious health consequences, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion.

Additionally, wildfires can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant that can irritate the lungs and worsen respiratory conditions. The smoke and pollutants released by wildfires can also have long-term effects on the environment, impacting ecosystems and contributing to climate change. Wildfire smoke can affect visibility, reducing it to less than a mile in some cases, and can also impact air travel, leading to flight delays and cancellations due to hazardous conditions.

To protect yourself from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke, it is essential to stay informed about air quality conditions and take appropriate precautions. Monitoring air quality indices and staying indoors with windows closed can help reduce exposure. Wearing masks labelled "NIOSH" with "N95" or "P100" ratings can also provide protection against smoke particles. It is crucial to be prepared, especially for individuals living or working in wildfire-prone areas, by keeping a small stock of masks and staying away from harmful smoke as much as possible.

Dust

Additionally, dust can also be a byproduct of industrial processes, such as mining, manufacturing, and power generation. In these cases, dust particles may contain harmful substances, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxic compounds, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.

To reduce dust pollution, it is important to minimise the creation and dispersion of dust particles. This can be achieved through various means, such as implementing dust control measures at construction sites, using dust suppression techniques in industrial processes, and practising good housekeeping to prevent the accumulation of dust in indoor environments.

Furthermore, the use of masks and respirators can also help to reduce the impact of dust pollution on individuals. As mentioned earlier, in areas prone to wildfires or other sources of heavy dust, wearing masks labelled "NIOSH" with "N95" or "P100" printed on them can provide effective protection against dust particles.

Factories

The burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, is a major source of air pollution. Coal-fired power plants emit nitrogen and sulfur oxides, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride gases, and arsenic, lead and other metals. Natural gas is the least polluting fossil fuel for power generation, but it still emits nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.

Metal smelters that process and refine mineral ores and scrap metal create silica and metallic dust during initial crushing and grinding. Heating and smelting processes produce emissions of sulfur and carbon oxides. Aluminum smelting can emit arsenic particulates, while lead and gold refining produces mercury and cyanide emissions.

The food processing industry also releases particulates into the atmosphere. Bulk material handling of grains and flour produces dust, while frying and smoking processes release soot into the air. Rendering and washing in meat and fish processing plants produce volumes of liquid waste that leave mold and bacterial residues that pollute the air.

Air pollution from factories can be controlled through the installation of filters and scrubbers to clean exhaust fumes, and by taking steps to minimize the generation of pollution at the source.

Frequently asked questions