Strategies To Combat Air Pollution: Our Role And Responsibility

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have a detrimental impact on our health and the environment. While exposure to air pollutants is largely beyond an individual's control, there are some simple actions we can take to check and reduce air pollution, especially when pollution levels are high. For example, we can drive smoothly, maintain our cars, and use water-based or low-solvent products. We can also test the air quality in our homes using at-home radon tests or by hiring a professional. Changing air filters and using air purifiers can also help improve indoor air quality. Taking these steps can help us reduce our exposure to air pollution and protect our health and the environment.

Change your air filters every three months

Changing your air filters every three months is an important step in maintaining good air quality. As your filter traps dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. If you live in a temperate climate and use your heater and/or air conditioner for a few hours every day, a single filter can last from a whole season to an entire year. However, if your HVAC system is running constantly, you should change your filter every few weeks, especially if you're using a cheaper fiberglass filter.

The frequency with which you should change your air filter depends on several factors. If you have pets, it is recommended to change your filter every two months. For homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it is advisable to change the filter every 20 to 45 days. On the other hand, vacation homes or vacant homes that are not frequently occupied can typically wait up to 9-12 months between filter changes.

The environment in which your home is located also plays a role. If you live in a dusty, dry climate, you may need to change your air filters more frequently. Additionally, if there is ongoing construction nearby or if you have indoor smokers, your air filters may become clogged more quickly and require more frequent replacement.

By regularly changing your air filters, you can help maintain good air quality in your home and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. A simple task like this can make a significant difference in the comfort and health of you and your family.

Get an air purifier

Air purifiers, also known as portable air cleaners or air sanitizers, are designed to reduce indoor air pollution in a single room or area. They work by drawing air through a filter, which traps harmful particles and pollutants, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants, and releases cleaner air back into the room.

If you're using an air purifier to address a specific source of pollution, such as smoke from a fireplace or cooking fumes, it's best to place the air purifier as close to the source as possible to capture the pollutants before they spread. For general air cleaning, place the air purifier in the centre of the room, away from walls or furniture, to allow for maximum airflow and coverage.

When choosing an air purifier, look at the “clean air delivery rate” (CADR) to determine if it's large enough for the room you’ll be using it in. Portable air cleaners will get a higher CADR by using a “high-efficiency particulate air” (HEPA) filter.

It's important to note that air purifiers cannot completely eliminate indoor air pollution. The three most effective ways to control indoor air pollution are:

• Source Control: Eliminate or control the sources of pollution, for example, by cleaning regularly to prevent dust accumulation.
• Ventilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through outdoor air ventilation, for example, by increasing room air change rates by opening windows and maintaining HVAC systems.
• Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods, such as using an air cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.

Ozone-generating air cleaners should be avoided as they can create an inhalation hazard and may react with existing chemicals in the air to create harmful by-products.

Drive smoothly

While air pollution is largely beyond an individual's control, there are some things you can do to check air pollution and improve air quality. One of these is to drive smoothly. Heavy braking and rapid acceleration mean you use more fuel and increase pollution. This is especially important when pollution levels are high.

If you drive, you can also maintain your car. Keep the engine properly tuned and the tyres at the right pressure. This will help to reduce the amount of pollution your car produces.

If you are a cyclist or pedestrian, you can reduce your exposure to traffic pollution by crossing the street or changing your route slightly.

You can also check the air quality in your home. Change your air filters every three months to keep pollutants from building up, and get an air purifier. If you are buying or selling a home, testing the air for pollutants is often a contingency of the loan you will be applying for. This is especially true in regions with high levels of air pollution due to industry or natural causes. In these cases, at-home tests will not be sufficient, and you should hire a professional who has experience testing air quality in homes. You can also use an at-home radon test to check your home for radon contamination. If you are experiencing symptoms of poor air quality, like allergies, dizziness, rashes, fever, or fatigue, call a professional to test the air quality in your home.

Maintain your car

Maintaining your car is an important part of reducing air pollution. Regularly servicing your car can help to reduce emissions and increase the longevity of your vehicle. Poorly maintained cars can accumulate debris and dust, which can result in higher pollution.

There are several things you can do to ensure your car is well-maintained. Firstly, make sure to get your car serviced regularly. This will keep everything working efficiently and reduce emissions. You should also check that devices such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are in good working order.

Another important aspect of car maintenance is tyre pressure. Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct pressure – under-inflated tyres mean your car has to work harder and use more fuel. This not only increases fuel consumption but also contributes to increased vehicle pollution.

In addition to regular servicing, there are some simple driving techniques that can help to reduce emissions. These include driving at a constant speed, avoiding abrupt braking, and switching off your engine when parked for a long period. Slower, steadier driving can also help to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Finally, consider combining shorter trips or walking or cycling instead of driving. This will not only help to reduce air pollution but also keep you active and reduce wear and tear on your car. By maintaining your car and adopting more fuel-efficient driving practices, you can play a part in reducing air pollution and improving the environment.

Use water-based or low-solvent products

Solvent use contributes to ozone pollution, so it's important to opt for water-based or low-solvent products where possible. Water-based products and other safer alternatives exist for many uses. For example, water-, soy-, and milk-based paints can be used instead of oil-based paints, and professional “wet cleaning” can be done instead of conventional dry cleaning.

Water-based cleaners are typically best in scenarios where the fabric being cleaned is delicate and may react adversely to harsh chemicals, or where the environment is low-ventilation.

Low or no VOC solvents are becoming increasingly important as companies use them to meet air quality standards and improve worker safety. VOCs are materials that readily evaporate and turn into a gaseous state at normal room temperatures, and they contribute to smog formation.

Regulations continue to limit the cleaning choices available to manufacturers. For example, the Montreal and Kyoto protocols limit categories of substances like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) due to ozone depletion, global warming, and other environmental concerns.

Frequently asked questions