Eradicating Air Pollution: Innovative Strategies For Clean Air

Air pollution is a serious global health problem that requires collective action to control emissions of primary pollutants and precursors that react to form secondary pollutants. While effective policies to reduce emissions at their sources are the best course of action, individual actions can also help reduce exposure and health risks. This includes reducing vehicle usage, using energy-efficient appliances, choosing sustainable products, and limiting exposure to chemicals. Governments and regulatory bodies are taking steps to reduce toxic air pollutants, but individual actions can make a significant collective impact on air quality and personal health.

Reduce car usage, opt for walking, biking, carpooling or public transport

Reducing car usage in favor of walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation is an effective way to reduce air pollution.

Walking

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), walking for 30 minutes or cycling for 20 minutes on most days can reduce mortality risk by at least 10%. Active commuting, such as walking to work or school, is associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 30% decrease in type 2 diabetes risk. Additionally, cancer-related mortality is 30% lower among those who commute by bike. Walking and cycling can also help reduce physical inactivity, which causes one million deaths per year in the European Region, according to WHO.

Biking

Biking is another excellent alternative to driving. It not only reduces air pollution but also provides health benefits to the biker. According to WHO, evidence shows that investments in policies that promote safe biking can play a crucial role in shaping health, mitigating climate change, and improving the environment.

Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to reduce air pollution and save money on gas costs. Many cars have seats for four to five passengers, yet a significant number of personal car trips are taken with only one occupant. Carpooling allows multiple people to share a ride, reducing the number of cars on the road and, consequently, the amount of pollution emitted.

Public Transportation

Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and trams, can significantly reduce air pollution compared to private car usage. Making public transportation free or more affordable can incentivize people to leave their cars at home and choose more sustainable travel options. This has been demonstrated in the Estonian city of Tallinn, where free public transportation increased usage by 14% in the first year.

Other Tips to Reduce Car Usage

• Opt for walking or biking for shorter distances whenever possible.
• Utilize carpooling apps or websites to find ride-sharing opportunities.
• Choose energy-efficient and lower-emitting vehicles when purchasing a car.
• Limit idling your vehicle and remove unnecessary items to reduce weight and fuel consumption.
• Combine trips and plan your route to minimize driving distance and time.

Conserve electricity, use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs

Conserving electricity is a great way to reduce air pollution. Power plants burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, so reducing electricity usage will also reduce the amount of pollution emitted.

One way to conserve electricity is to use energy-efficient appliances. When purchasing appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a government-backed symbol that guarantees the appliance will consume less energy than standard models. For example, Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters can save a household of four people $550 per year compared to a standard electric water heater. Other energy-efficient appliances to look out for include gas appliances, heaters, and water heaters. Regularly maintaining and inspecting these appliances will also help conserve energy.

Another way to conserve electricity is to use energy-efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light. They also come in various shades, so you don't have to sacrifice your preferred color temperature. Although they may be more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and longer lifetimes mean they cost less in the long run. When replacing your light fixtures with energy-efficient bulbs, consider using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). These bulbs save up to 75% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, there are other ways to conserve electricity. One way is to turn off appliances and equipment when they are not in use. This includes turning off lights at night and unplugging appliances when they are not in use. Another way to conserve electricity is to reduce energy waste. This can be done by insulating your home, using window treatments for extra insulation, and sealing leaks. You can also set your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter. Using a fan instead of air conditioning can also help conserve electricity.

By conserving electricity and using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, you can reduce air pollution and improve the environment. These actions can also lead to lower electricity bills and reduced energy consumption.

Avoid gas-powered lawn equipment, opt for hand-powered or electric alternatives

The use of gas-powered lawn equipment is a significant contributor to air pollution. Small engines like those on lawnmowers often lack pollution control devices, emitting harmful pollutants that can trigger asthma attacks and worsen respiratory illnesses.

To reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality, opt for hand-powered or electric lawn equipment. Electric lawn mowers are quieter, lighter, and easier to manoeuvre than their gas-powered counterparts. They also produce no emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option. While electric mowers may be more expensive upfront, they are cheaper to maintain and operate in the long run, with lower annual maintenance and gas costs.

Hand-powered lawn equipment is another excellent alternative, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. Hand-powered tools are particularly suitable for smaller gardens or lawns, as they do not require electricity or batteries and can be easily operated manually.

When choosing electric lawn equipment, consider both wired and battery-powered variants. Battery-powered mowers have improved significantly in terms of power and performance, offering convenience and flexibility, especially for larger yards where cord length may be a limitation. On the other hand, corded electric mowers are limited by their range, as voltage decreases with increasing cord length.

By switching to hand-powered or electric alternatives, you can reduce air pollution, lower your environmental impact, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for yourself and your community.

Limit exposure to air pollutants, especially for those with health conditions

Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, and odours, in quantities that can harm human health. These pollutants are inhaled and can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, face a higher risk of adverse health effects from air pollution exposure.

To limit exposure to air pollutants, especially for vulnerable individuals, it is important to take precautionary measures. Firstly, reduce indoor air pollution by limiting the use of wood-burning stoves, gas stoves for heating, and open fires. Opt for electric or propane alternatives, and ensure proper ventilation when using any fuel-burning appliances. Additionally, minimise the use of household chemicals that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM). Choose natural, eco-friendly cleaning products whenever possible, and always follow manufacturer instructions to prevent evaporation of chemicals into the air.

When it comes to outdoor air pollution, try to limit your time near busy roads or industrial areas, as these areas tend to have higher levels of pollutants. If you live near these areas, consider investing in air purifiers for your home to reduce indoor particulate matter. When outdoors, check air quality alerts and try to avoid spending prolonged periods outside when air pollution levels are high. If you need to drive, keep your windows closed and use the air recirculation setting to prevent outside air from entering the vehicle.

For those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, pay close attention to air quality alerts and limit outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. If possible, create a clean air environment at home by using air purifiers with HEPA filters, which can help reduce particulate matter and improve indoor air quality. When venturing outdoors, wear a well-fitted mask, such as an N95 respirator, to reduce the amount of particulate matter you inhale.

Finally, advocate for systemic changes to reduce air pollution. Support initiatives that promote sustainable transportation, such as electric vehicles, public transport, and bike lanes. Encourage local businesses and city officials to adopt environmentally friendly practices and promote educational programs to raise awareness about air pollution and its health impacts. By combining individual actions with collective efforts, we can effectively limit exposure to air pollutants and create healthier environments for everyone, especially those with health conditions.

Buy energy-efficient vehicles, with low emissions, or opt for electric

When considering a new vehicle, it is important to look for the most efficient, lowest-polluting option. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions. They are highly energy efficient, with approximately 87-91% of the battery's energy being used to propel the vehicle. This is in stark contrast to gasoline vehicles, which only convert about 16-25% of energy from gasoline into movement.

All-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically produce lower tailpipe emissions than conventional vehicles and, when running on electricity, produce zero tailpipe emissions. This is a significant advantage, as tailpipe emissions from conventional vehicles contribute to smog, haze, and health problems, including releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.

While it is important to note that the life cycle emissions of an electric vehicle depend on the source of electricity used to charge it, EVs generally have a life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles in areas with relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production. In these regions, EVs are associated with lower total greenhouse gas emissions during their lifetime, even accounting for the electricity used to charge them.

To further reduce the environmental impact of EVs, consider recycling EV batteries. This reduces the need for new materials and the emissions associated with manufacturing new batteries. Additionally, look for energy-efficient charging options, such as charging during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower, and consider installing a dedicated 240-volt outlet for faster charging.

By choosing energy-efficient vehicles with low emissions or opting for electric, you can play a significant role in reducing air pollution and improving the environment and public health.

Frequently asked questions