Preventing Particulate Matter Pollution: Strategies For Clean Air

Particulate matter (PM) is a common proxy indicator for air pollution and is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. These particles can be emitted directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires. They can also form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions between chemicals. Outdoor air pollution was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year in 2019, with 89% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries. To prevent particulate matter air pollution, individuals can take actions such as using electric vehicles, avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high, and using indoor air purifiers. Governments and industries can also play a role in reducing particulate matter emissions by implementing regulations and guidelines, such as the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

How to Prevent Particulate Matter Air Pollution

Reduce exposure to outdoor pollution by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI)

Outdoor air pollution in both cities and rural areas is a serious issue, causing an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the Air Quality Index (AQI) to help people understand the level of air pollution and take appropriate action to protect their health.

The AQI is a scale that runs from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater air pollution and health risks. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. The AQI is based on the measurement of several key air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.

Checking the AQI can help you reduce your exposure to outdoor pollution. The AQI is available through various sources, such as AirNow.gov, WAQI.info, and AirNow. You can also receive AQI notifications and updates through email services like EnviroFlash. Additionally, you can refer to the Air Quality Flag Program, which helps community organizations notify citizens of harmful conditions and adjust their outdoor activities accordingly.

By staying informed about the AQI, you can make informed decisions to protect your health. For example, on days with high AQI values, you may choose to limit your time outdoors, especially if you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. You can also use this information to advocate for policies and practices that improve air quality and reduce particulate matter pollution.

Avoid proximity to sources of harmful particle pollution, such as busy roads

Exposure to harmful particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM), can have severe health consequences. Fine particles, or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health. These particles are small enough to enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and cancers. Outdoor air pollution was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year in 2019, with 68% of these being due to ischaemic heart disease and stroke.

Given the health risks associated with particle pollution, it is important to take steps to avoid proximity to sources of harmful particle pollution, such as busy roads. Here are some ways to do this:

• Check the Air Quality Index (AQI): The AQI is a useful tool that indicates the level of outdoor air pollution on a given day. It can help you understand when to take action to protect your health, such as limiting your time near busy roads.
• Limit time spent near busy roads: If possible, reduce the amount of time you spend near busy roads, especially during peak traffic hours. This can include choosing alternative routes for your daily commute or when running errands.
• Use public transportation: Instead of driving your own vehicle, opt for public transportation options such as buses or subways/metros, which produce less pollution per person. This helps reduce your exposure to traffic-related air pollution and also contributes to lowering overall emissions.
• Create distance from roadways: When near a busy road, try to maintain as much distance as possible between yourself and the source of pollution. For example, if you are walking, move to the side of the footpath farthest from the road. If exercising or engaging in outdoor activities, choose locations away from major roads or highways.
• Support roadside barriers: Planting vegetation barriers, such as trees and bushes, alongside roadways can help reduce pollution concentrations by altering airflow and intercepting pollution. Support community initiatives or local government efforts to implement these strategies.
• Choose cleaner forms of transportation: When purchasing a vehicle, opt for electric or hybrid options, which produce less pollution than traditional petrol or diesel cars. This will help reduce your personal contribution to particle pollution and improve the air quality in your community.

By following these strategies, you can actively reduce your exposure to harmful particle pollution from busy roads and improve your respiratory health.

Use a high-efficiency air cleaner to remove particles

If you're looking to improve the air quality in your home or office, a high-efficiency air cleaner is a great option to consider. These devices are designed to effectively remove particles from the air, including allergens, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants.

When choosing an air cleaner, look for one with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing microscopic particles that can be harmful to your health. They are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is an extremely fine particle size. To put this into perspective, a human hair typically measures between 20 and 180 microns in diameter.

There are a variety of air cleaner models available on the market, each with its own unique features. For example, the Coway Mighty air purifier consistently delivers impressive performance, removing more than 99% of smoke particles in just 30 minutes on its high setting. The Blueair Blue Pure 511 is another excellent option, especially for smaller spaces like dorm rooms, offices, or children's bedrooms. It cleared 96.9% of smoke particles in half an hour on its highest setting and is extremely quiet and energy-efficient.

When selecting an air cleaner, it's important to consider the size of the room where you'll be using it. Most air purifiers list the maximum or ideal room size for optimal efficiency. If you have higher ceilings or an open floor plan, opt for a purifier that can accommodate a larger area. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a helpful metric that indicates the effectiveness of an air cleaner in removing particles. A higher CADR means the purifier will clean the air in a room more quickly and frequently.

In addition to HEPA filters, some air cleaners also incorporate other technologies to improve air quality. For example, some models use activated carbon or charcoal filters, which are highly porous and effective at absorbing gas pollutants, odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This type of filter is particularly useful for removing fumes, smoke, and chemicals from the air. Other air cleaners may feature ionizer functions, which claim to attract and capture particles more efficiently.

Minimise the use of harsh chemicals and adopt practices that reduce particle generation

Minimising the use of harsh chemicals and adopting practices that reduce particle generation is crucial in the fight against particulate matter air pollution. This is especially important in indoor spaces, where solid or liquid particles can be suspended in the air, leading to adverse health effects, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies. Here are some ways to minimise the use of harsh chemicals and adopt practices that reduce particle generation:

Minimise the use of harsh chemicals

• Avoid using cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals. Opt for natural, eco-friendly alternatives that are less likely to contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Choose natural personal care products: Many conventional personal care products, such as deodorants, perfumes, and hair sprays, contain chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution. Opt for natural, organic alternatives with minimal chemical ingredients.
• Go for natural pest control methods: Conventional pest control products can contain harsh chemicals that can linger in the air. Instead, explore natural pest control methods, such as essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or natural repellents.

Adopt practices that reduce particle generation

• Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in your home or office, especially during activities that generate particulate matter, such as cooking or using fireplaces. Use exhaust fans or open windows to remove pollutants from the indoor air.
• Smoking cessation: If you smoke, consider quitting. Tobacco smoke is a significant source of indoor particulate matter and can adversely affect the health of those around you. Quitting smoking will not only improve your health but also reduce indoor particle pollution.
• Regular cleaning and dusting: Maintain a clean indoor environment by regularly dusting, sweeping, and mopping. Use microfiber cloths and damp-mopping techniques to capture and remove dust particles from surfaces.
• Use air purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters to help capture and remove particulate matter from the indoor air. Place them in areas where particle generation is most likely, such as kitchens or living rooms.
• Control humidity levels: Maintain optimal humidity levels in your indoor spaces to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can release particulate matter into the air. Use dehumidifiers or exhaust fans in areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Additionally, on a broader scale, policy changes can be implemented to reduce outdoor air pollution, which will have a positive impact on indoor air quality as well. These include promoting cleaner transport options, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and increasing the use of renewable power sources.

Conserve energy by using solar power, bio-gas, and rainwater harvesting

Solar power is a popular and easily accessible renewable energy source that can be harnessed to reduce daily power consumption. Photovoltaic solar panels can store excess energy for use on rainy days, and they also enable you to reduce your carbon footprint, which can qualify you for tax incentives. Similarly, passive solar heating can be achieved through south-facing windows, capturing heat and sunlight to distribute to nearby rooms, reducing energy consumption.

Biogas is another renewable energy source that can be used to conserve energy. Biogas is produced when organic materials (plant and animal products) are broken down by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment, a process called anaerobic digestion. This process recycles organic materials and converts them into energy (gas) and valuable soil products (liquids and solids). Biogas can be collected from landfills, which are a significant source of methane emissions, and used as energy, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, when livestock manure is used to produce biogas, anaerobic digestion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and odours, and up to 99% of manure pathogens.

Rainwater harvesting is an effective method of water conservation, which can be implemented in residential and commercial buildings. It involves collecting rainwater from roofs or other surfaces and storing it in tanks or cisterns. While rainwater is not suitable for drinking or cooking, it can be used for various applications such as washing clothes, watering gardens, and flushing toilets. By using rainwater, you can reduce your usage of the municipal water supply, lower water bills, and reduce your environmental footprint.

Combining rainwater harvesting with water-saving fixtures, such as efficient toilets and washing machines, can further increase water savings, contributing to overall water efficiency and conservation. Properly filtered and disinfected rainwater can even be transformed into potable water, providing a viable water source in areas with limited or poor-quality water access.

By adopting these methods of energy and water conservation, we can reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions