Air Pollution: Tips For A Cleaner Tomorrow

Air pollution is a serious global health problem that can increase the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. While we wait for governments to act, there are several ways individuals can reduce the risks of adverse health effects from air pollution and prevent further pollution. This includes reducing energy use, using eco-friendly transportation, limiting outdoor activities on high pollution days, and using environmentally safe products.

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

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In fact, they are the largest source of air pollution in Washington State. Vehicle exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution in Minnesota, too. The burning of gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde. Vehicles also emit carbon dioxide, a common human-caused greenhouse gas.

To reduce air pollution, it is advisable to reduce car usage and opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or public transport instead. Walking and biking are great alternatives to driving, as they are environmentally friendly, good for your health, and can save you money. If you need to travel longer distances or have mobility issues, consider taking public transportation, such as the bus or train, which are also efficient and eco-friendly options. Carpooling with colleagues, friends, or neighbours is another excellent way to reduce traffic congestion and per-person emissions, especially in urban areas.

If you must drive, there are still ways to reduce your environmental impact. Firstly, consider investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid or electric car. While these vehicles may have a higher initial cost, they are becoming more affordable as they become more common. Alternatively, you can choose a compact, fuel-efficient gas vehicle. If you require a larger vehicle, compare the fuel economy of different models to find the most efficient option. Keeping your tires properly inflated can also improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

In addition to choosing more efficient vehicles, you can reduce pollution by maintaining your car and keeping it in good repair. Follow the owner's manual for recommended maintenance and oil changes. If your vehicle has a "check engine" light, take it to a qualified technician for repairs. Fixing exhaust and oxygen sensor problems as soon as possible will also help reduce emissions. Finally, driving habits can influence your vehicle's pollution output. Observing speed limits, accelerating gradually, and anticipating the road ahead to avoid frequent stops and starts can all help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Conserve electricity and switch to energy-efficient appliances

Conserving electricity and switching to energy-efficient appliances are great ways to prevent air pollution. Here are some detailed tips to help you get started:

Conserve Electricity

• Adjust your thermostat: In the winter, set your thermostat to 68-70°F while you're home and lower it by 8-10°F when you're away or asleep. In the summer, let your house be warm when you're out and lower the temperature when you're home.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use: Get into the habit of turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when you don't need them. Unplug electronics when they're fully charged and not in use.
• Adjust window shades: Close blinds or curtains to reduce heating and cooling requirements.
• Choose renewable energy sources: Switch to green power generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. Consider installing rooftop solar panels to generate your own clean energy.
• Participate in local energy conservation programs: Many communities offer programs to help residents conserve energy and reduce their environmental impact.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Look for the ENERGY STAR label: When purchasing new appliances, electronics, or equipment, choose products with the ENERGY STAR label. These products are independently certified to meet strict energy efficiency standards, helping you save energy and money.
• Upgrade old appliances: Replace old appliances with newer, energy-efficient models. For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator uses 35% less electricity than an older model. Other efficient options include washing machines, heat pumps, air conditioners, and water heaters.
• Improve your home's efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient windows, which reduce heat exchange and air leaks, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. Adding insulation to your attic also helps retain heat in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer.

By conserving electricity and choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can reduce air pollution, lower your energy bills, and contribute to a healthier environment.

Avoid burning wood, trash, leaves or other materials

Burning wood, trash, leaves, or other materials releases smoke and toxic gases, including particulate matter and aldehydes, into the air. These pollutants can cause eye and nose irritation, breathing difficulties, coughing, headaches, and even heart conditions or pneumonia. They can also contaminate the soil, groundwater, and surface water sources, disrupting ecosystems. Therefore, it is essential to avoid burning these materials and find alternative methods for waste disposal and heating.

To prevent air pollution, do not burn trash, such as garbage, plastic, paper, old furniture, or construction materials. These items often contain chemicals that, when burned, release toxic gases and persistent pollutants into the environment. Residential trash burning can release more dioxin into the air than an industrial incinerator. Instead, dispose of trash through recycling, composting, or waste collection services, which can help ensure proper treatment and reduce the risk of air pollution.

Similarly, avoid burning wood, especially particleboard, treated, stained, painted, or wet wood. These materials release very toxic chemicals when burned, such as arsenic, which can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Opt for clean, dry, untreated, and unpainted wood for campfires or fireplaces, ensuring proper ventilation and following local regulations.

Leaves and other yard waste should also be avoided for burning. Instead, consider composting or recycling these materials. In some cases, local regulations may allow for controlled burning of yard waste, but it is crucial to follow guidelines and burn only approved materials to minimize the impact on air quality and the environment.

To stay informed about the air quality in your area, check daily air pollution forecasts and sign up for alerts. This awareness can help you make informed decisions about burning activities and take necessary precautions to protect your health and the environment.

Limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high

Exercising outdoors when air pollution levels are high can have harmful effects on your health, especially your lungs. A 2021 study published in the European Heart Journal found that those exposed to high levels of PM2.5 or PM10 were at "an increased risk" of cardiovascular diseases. The study also noted that higher-intensity exercises contributed to how much risk was posed.

The American Lung Association recommends that you limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high. Instead, move your workout indoors, such as walking in a shopping mall or using a gym. If you have children, limit the amount of time they spend playing outdoors if the air quality is unhealthy. Even if the air quality forecasts are good, avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby.

You can use local media, air quality apps, or websites like AirNow.gov to check your daily air quality. You can even sign up to get alerts and check the forecast for the next day. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a useful tool to help you determine when it is safe to exercise outdoors. When AQI levels reach "unhealthy" levels (101 AQI and above), it is no longer encouraged to exercise outdoors. Instead, opt for indoor exercises or venues with cleaner air, such as indoor gyms or shopping malls.

In addition to limiting outdoor exercise, you can also contribute to reducing air pollution by choosing eco-friendly transportation options. Consider walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation like buses or trains, especially for shorter distances. By reducing your vehicle usage, you can help decrease vehicle exhaust emissions, which are a major source of air pollution.

Plant and care for trees to filter pollutants

Trees are often referred to as the "lungs" of an ecosystem, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also act as the ecosystem's "liver", filtering pollutants like sulphur and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves.

Trees can improve air quality in two ways: directly and indirectly. Indirectly, trees can provide shade, reducing the need for conventional air conditioning and the emissions that come with it. Lower temperatures also decrease the risk of harmful pollutants like ground-level ozone, which is more common on hot days in cities.

Trees can directly remove pollutants from the air. The two main ways they do this are through dispersion and deposition. Dispersion occurs when clouds of particles crash into trees and plants, causing them to be dispersed and diluted by the air, reducing the risk of inhalation by humans. Deposition is when particles get trapped in the waxy, hairy leaves of trees and shrubs, and are washed away by rain.

When planting trees, it's important to choose the right species for the job. Bigger canopies and larger leaves can trap more particles, and leaves with rough, rugged, and hairy surfaces act as the "best filters".

Caring for trees involves ensuring they are healthy and able to perform their air-filtering functions. This includes regular watering, pruning, and fertilising. It's also important to protect trees from pests and diseases, and to ensure they have enough space to grow and spread their roots.

Frequently asked questions