Preventing Air Pollution: Practical Steps For Cleaner Air

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects the health and well-being of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths annually, with a significant impact on low- and middle-income countries. The sources of air pollution are diverse, including industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, power generation, and even household activities. However, there are numerous ways to prevent and reduce air pollution, ranging from individual actions to policy-level changes. This includes simple steps such as reducing energy consumption, using sustainable products, and limiting vehicle usage, as well as supporting policies that promote cleaner technologies, improved waste management, and access to clean energy solutions. By combining individual efforts with effective policies, we can significantly improve air quality and protect the health of people and the planet.

How to prevent air pollution

Reduce vehicle emissions

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In the US, vehicles produce 40% of the nation's smog-causing pollution and more than 25% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicle pollutants harm our health and contain greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde. In addition, vehicles emit carbon dioxide, the most common human-caused greenhouse gas.

• Maintain your vehicle: Newer vehicles have complex emission controls to keep them running as clean as possible. If any of these controls are not functioning correctly, your vehicle will pollute more. A check engine light on your dashboard means your vehicle needs repairs or maintenance. Take your vehicle to a qualified automotive technician.
• Keep tires properly inflated: This makes your vehicle run more efficiently and burn less fuel. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in the owner's manual.
• Drive efficiently: The way you drive can influence how much pollution your vehicle emits. Observing posted speed limits and accelerating gradually burn less fuel and emit fewer pollutants. Getting a vehicle moving from a complete stop uses the most energy, so go easy on the accelerator.
• Reduce idling: Unnecessary idling of cars, trucks, and school buses pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Modern vehicles do not require "warming up" in the winter, so there is no need to turn on the engine until you are ready to drive. Reducing idling from diesel school buses prevents children from being exposed to diesel exhaust and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle: When shopping for a new car, look for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These cars can help the environment while potentially saving you money on fuel costs. Use resources like the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy and Environment Label to find the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle that meets your needs.
• Consider alternative transportation: If possible, walk, bike, or carpool to your destination instead of driving alone. Public transportation, carpooling, and active transportation options can reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

Improve energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is a key way to prevent air pollution. Energy efficiency can be improved in buildings, vehicles, appliances, and equipment, and it is an inexpensive, low-impact way to reduce climate pollution, including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

One way to improve energy efficiency is to use energy-efficient appliances and heating systems. For example, using a well-maintained, energy-efficient washing machine can reduce the amount of electricity required to wash clothes. Similarly, ensuring your home is well-insulated and weatherproofed can reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home. This can be achieved by using weatherstrip tape, door sweeps, and blinds to reduce outside heat transfer. It is also important to keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature and to use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat.

Another way to improve energy efficiency is to reduce energy waste. This can be achieved by turning off electrical items that are not in use, using natural light instead of artificial light during the day, and using energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs. It is also beneficial to use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment instead of gas-powered tools, as these often lack pollution control devices.

Improving energy efficiency in vehicles is also important. This can be achieved by properly inflating tires, keeping engines tuned, and avoiding aggressive driving practices, such as jack rabbit starts. Additionally, carpooling, using public transportation, working from home, and grouping errands into one trip can all help to reduce vehicle emissions and improve energy efficiency.

By implementing these measures, we can reduce air pollution, improve public health, and save money on energy bills.

Limit backyard fires

Backyard fires are a significant contributor to air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas. Smoke from burning wood contains a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, which are harmful to human health. As such, there are several measures that can be taken to limit the negative impact of backyard fires.

Firstly, it is important to keep fires small and brief, ideally 3 feet across or less. Larger fires produce more smoke and particulate matter, which can be detrimental to the health of those nearby, particularly those with asthma or other lung conditions. It is also crucial to only burn clean, dry, seasoned firewood. Green wood, construction waste, plastic, garbage, and yard waste produce more smoke and can release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.

Additionally, avoid starting fires during periods of stagnant weather or when air quality alerts are in effect. Air quality alerts, such as Spare the Air Alerts, are issued when particulate pollution levels are already high, and burning wood during these times can further exacerbate the problem. Local authorities may even implement ordinances restricting backyard fires during such periods.

Another way to limit the impact of backyard fires is to switch to cleaner burning alternatives. Natural gas, propane, or electric fireplaces are better options as they produce fewer harmful emissions. Converting existing fire pits or rings to natural gas or propane burners can be easily done with readily available kits.

Lastly, be mindful of your surroundings and neighbours when burning wood. Consider wind direction and try to minimise the impact of smoke on those nearby, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. By following these guidelines, individuals can enjoy their backyard fires more responsibly and safely, reducing the overall impact on air quality and public health.

Reduce industrial emissions

Industrial air pollution can be divided into two categories: stationary and mobile emission sources. Stationary sources include pollution from stacks, chimneys, diesel generators, and boilers, which emit particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Mobile sources include transportation within industries, which emit particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.

To reduce industrial emissions, new technologies should be promoted and implemented. For example, fine particle filtration from high-temperature sources with granular filters, submicrone particle filtration with regenerated electret filters, and the capture of methane gas emitted from waste sites as an alternative to incineration (for use as biogas).

Industries can also reduce emissions by improving energy efficiency. This can be achieved by using electric motors with higher efficiencies, switching from coal and oil to natural gas, and properly maintaining boilers to reduce the need for steam. Additionally, companies can choose materials made from recycled materials and limit paper usage.

Furthermore, companies should consider buying the most efficient and lowest-polluting vehicles, or if possible, zero-emission electric vehicles for their fleets. They should also encourage employees to use bicycles for their daily commutes and ensure that drivers obey traffic laws, maintain vehicles, and keep tires properly inflated.

Other strategies to reduce industrial emissions include:

• Using energy-efficient light bulbs
• Implementing carbon capture and storage for industrial processes with no existing low-emission alternatives
• Reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam blowing

Plant and care for trees

Planting and caring for trees is an effective way to improve air quality and reduce air pollution. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere, acting as the "lungs" of an ecosystem. They also filter pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone through their leaves.

When planting trees, it is important to consider the local environment. In narrow streets surrounded by tall buildings, for example, the airflow can trap pollutants close to the ground. In such cases, planting tall trees with big canopies can make matters worse by preventing the dispersal of pollution. Hedges or green walls are generally preferred in these situations. On broad roads with low-rise buildings, there is less risk of trapping pollutants, so both trees and hedges are viable options.

To maximize the air-purifying benefits of trees, it is important to care for them properly. This includes ensuring they have sufficient water, nutrients, and sunlight. Pruning dead branches and removing competing weeds can also help trees thrive. Additionally, protecting trees from physical damage, such as vandalism or construction activities, is crucial. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help identify any issues early on, ensuring the long-term health and effectiveness of the trees in reducing air pollution.

Trees play a vital role in improving air quality and can have a positive impact on human health. By planting and caring for trees, individuals, communities, and local governments can make a significant contribution to reducing air pollution and creating healthier, more sustainable environments.

Frequently asked questions