Breathe Easy: Avoid Air Pollution With These Simple Tips

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people worldwide, with 99% of the global population living in areas that do not meet the World Health Organization's air quality guidelines. The combined effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. To combat this, individuals can take several measures to reduce their contribution to air pollution and protect themselves from its harmful effects. These include reducing vehicle usage, switching to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, using energy-efficient appliances, and advocating for cleaner air policies. Additionally, maintaining vehicles, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and supporting waste management initiatives can also help improve air quality.

How to Avoid Air Pollution

Reduce car usage, opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or electric vehicles

One of the most effective ways to avoid air pollution is to reduce car usage and opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or electric vehicles.

Walking

Walking is a great way to reduce air pollution and improve your health. It is a form of active transport that helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from motorized transport. Walking for 30 minutes on most days can reduce your mortality risk by at least 10%. It also helps to improve physical inactivity, which causes one million deaths per year in the European Region, according to the WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022.

Biking

Biking is another excellent alternative to driving, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Cycling for 20 minutes on most days can reduce your mortality risk by at least 10% and your risk of cancer-related mortality by 30%. It is also a great way to improve your health, as it helps to reduce physical inactivity and obesity, which are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to reduce air pollution and save money on gas. By sharing rides, you can cut down on the number of cars on the road and reduce traffic congestion. This also helps to reduce the number of miles driven by cars, which is the best way to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Carpooling can also build community and social connections, as it provides an opportunity to meet and connect with people in your neighborhood or workplace.

Electric Vehicles

Transitioning to electric vehicles is another effective way to reduce air pollution. Electric vehicles have much lower carbon pollution than conventional vehicles, and they can improve air quality. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are expected to become widely adopted, and they have the potential to reduce carbon pollution by up to 71% compared to more efficient conventional vehicles.

Limit backyard fires, especially in cities, to reduce smoke inhalation

Backyard fires are a significant contributor to air pollution, especially in cities where pollution levels are already elevated. Smoke from these fires can cause eye and lung irritation, headaches, dizziness, coughing, and wheezing, and can even lead to asthma attacks and death. Therefore, it is essential to limit backyard fires, especially in urban areas, to reduce smoke inhalation and protect public health.

To reduce the impact of backyard fires on air quality and public health, several measures can be implemented. Firstly, it is crucial to keep fires small and brief if they cannot be avoided altogether. In the Twin Cities, for example, it is illegal to burn any waste in a fire, even yard waste. Residents should only burn dry firewood and ensure the fire remains small, no more than 3 feet across. Additionally, fires should never be started during an air quality alert, and residents are encouraged to sign up for notifications about elevated air pollution levels.

Another way to limit the impact of backyard fires is to prioritize the use of alternative heat sources or cooking methods. Electric or hand-powered equipment can be used instead of fire-based methods, reducing smoke emissions and improving air quality. For example, switching to electric or hand-powered lawn and garden equipment can significantly reduce pollution, as gas-powered small engines often lack pollution control devices. Similarly, using energy-efficient appliances and heating systems at home can help decrease power plant emissions, as less energy consumption translates to fewer toxic fumes released into the atmosphere.

Planting and caring for trees in urban areas is another effective way to mitigate the impact of backyard fires. Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. They also help cool the surrounding area, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. Additionally, individuals can support local and national efforts to improve air quality. This includes advocating for policies that prioritize clean air and participating in programs that promote sustainable practices, such as the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, which helps businesses reduce waste, emissions, and regulatory obligations.

By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce the impact of backyard fires on air quality, especially in cities. Limiting these fires and following local regulations helps protect public health, particularly for vulnerable individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, young children, and older adults.

Turn off engines when idling and avoid refuelling at midday in the summer

Turning off your engine when idling is an effective way to reduce air pollution. Idling is when a driver leaves the engine running while the vehicle is parked. This can occur when waiting in drive-through lanes, outside schools or daycare centres, or when stopped in slow-moving traffic. While it may be unavoidable in some situations, such as when stuck in traffic, there are many instances where idling can be avoided. For example, you can turn off your engine if you're waiting for more than 10 seconds, or when warming up your car. Modern engines do not need to warm up, even in winter, and warming up the cabin interior by driving instead of idling is a healthier option. Idling releases hazardous pollutants, such as exhaust fumes, which have been linked to serious illnesses, including asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. Turning off your engine when idling can help reduce these harmful emissions and improve air quality.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid refuelling your vehicle at midday during the summer. This is because refuelling during the hottest hours of the day can increase air pollution. Instead, it is advised to refuel during the early or late hours of the day when temperatures are cooler. This simple practice can help reduce the release of dangerous fumes and contribute to improved air quality.

To further reduce air pollution, there are other measures you can take. For example, maintaining your vehicle by fixing exhaust and oxygen sensor problems can help you burn less fuel. You can also consider carpooling, biking, using public transportation, or working remotely to reduce your overall driving and fuel consumption. These small changes can collectively make a significant impact on improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for everyone.

In addition to these vehicle-related tips, there are other ways to reduce your contribution to air pollution. For instance, you can switch to using electric or hand-powered lawn equipment instead of gas-powered options, as they often lack proper pollution control devices. You can also reduce your energy consumption at home by choosing energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, as well as turning off electrical appliances when not in use. These actions will not only help improve air quality but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.

By turning off engines when idling, avoiding refuelling at midday in the summer, and adopting other sustainable practices, we can all play a part in reducing air pollution and creating a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Reduce energy consumption at home and work, and use energy-efficient appliances

Energy consumption is a major source of air pollution. Power plants emit toxic fumes, which are released when generating electricity and other sources of energy. Therefore, reducing energy consumption at home and work is crucial for improving air quality.

One way to reduce energy consumption is to use energy-efficient appliances. When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star label, which guarantees that the appliance consumes less energy than standard models. These models might have a higher upfront cost, but they will save you money on your electric bills in the long run. For example, induction stoves are more efficient than traditional electric or gas stoves. They also have features that are unavailable with other types of stoves. When it comes to refrigerators, avoid those with automatic ice makers and drink dispensers, as these increase energy use. Instead, set your refrigerator temperature to 37-40°F, and your freezer to 0-5°F, to prevent energy waste.

If you are not looking to buy new appliances, there are still ways to reduce energy consumption. For example, defrost manual-defrost freezers and refrigerators regularly, as frost buildup decreases efficiency. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean so that they reflect heat better, and always use a covered kettle or pan to boil water. When using a washing machine or dishwasher, wait until they are full, but do not overload them. Use the appropriate cycle and load size settings, and the high-speed spin setting on your washer to reduce water waste.

In addition to these appliance-specific tips, there are other ways to reduce energy consumption at home. Smart power strips can be used to shut off power to electronics when they are not in use, and smart thermostats can automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling when you are asleep or away. Window shades, shutters, and awnings can provide extra insulation, and solar panels can be installed to create your own clean energy. Finally, remember to turn off your engine when idling and avoid refuelling during the hottest hours of the day, as this releases more dangerous fumes.

Plant and care for trees to filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide

Trees are an excellent natural solution to combat air pollution. They directly remove pollutants from the air and act as the "lungs" of an ecosystem, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. Trees also act as the "liver" of an ecosystem, filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone through their leaves.

When choosing trees to combat air pollution, it is important to select the right species for the specific location. Some trees are more effective at filtering pollutants than others, and factors such as urban context and negative impacts on air quality, such as the production of allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), should be considered. Tools like the free software iTree Species provided by the US Forest Service can help identify the most suitable species for a particular location.

To plant and care for trees effectively for air pollution reduction, consider the following steps:

• Select tree species with high pollution absorption capacity: Research and choose tree species that are known for their ability to absorb and filter air pollutants effectively. Some species may be better suited for specific urban environments or have a higher capacity to absorb particular pollutants.
• Plant trees in strategic locations: Identify areas where trees can have the greatest impact on air quality. This may include planting trees along busy roads, in industrial areas, or around schools and residential neighbourhoods.
• Ensure proper planting techniques: Follow best practices for planting, including proper spacing, soil preparation, and watering techniques to give the trees the best chance of survival and growth.
• Maintain and care for the trees: Regular maintenance, such as pruning, watering, and fertilizing, is essential for the long-term health and effectiveness of the trees.
• Monitor air quality: Use air quality monitoring tools to track the impact of the tree-planting initiative. This data can help demonstrate the positive effects of the trees and guide future planting efforts.

By planting and caring for trees, individuals, communities, and governments can actively contribute to improving air quality, reducing the negative impacts of air pollution on human health, and creating a more sustainable environment.

Frequently asked questions