Air Quality: Factors And Impact On Our Health

Air quality is a measure of the cleanliness of the air we breathe. Poor air quality is caused by the release of pollutants into the atmosphere, which are detrimental to human health and the planet. These pollutants can be in the form of gases, such as ozone, or solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols. The sources of these pollutants are varied and include car exhaust, factories, wildfires, and agricultural practices. The effects of air pollution are wide-ranging and include respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, and even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths globally each year, with certain populations being disproportionately affected.

Climate change

Secondly, air pollution can, in turn, contribute to climate change. The chemical species that lead to a degradation in air quality are often co-emitted with greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. For example, black carbon, a particulate pollutant from combustion, is known to contribute to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere.

Furthermore, interventions aimed at reducing the impact of climate change may have unintended consequences for air quality. For instance, the use of low-carbon energy sources, such as biofuels, can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions but may still contribute to air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Vehicle electrification benefits CO2 reduction but does not eliminate PM emissions from tyre and brake friction. Similarly, interventions to reduce energy consumption in buildings can lead to overheating and increased exposure to indoor air pollution if not carefully implemented.

The complex relationship between climate change and air quality highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address these issues. Scientists, engineers, and policymakers must work together to develop innovative solutions that enable a transition to green energy, buildings, and transport while also ensuring that health inequalities are addressed and that the health of the global population is protected.

Human activities

Industrial activities, including factories and power plants, also release pollutants into the air. These emissions contain a range of harmful substances, including particulate matter, smoke, and toxic gases. In addition, certain industrial processes can release specific pollutants, such as ammonia gas from large-scale animal feeding operations, which can compromise regional air quality and pose respiratory health risks, especially for children with asthma.

Agricultural practices are another human activity that influences air quality. Farmers often use burning as an inexpensive method for clearing post-harvest crop remnants, releasing smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This exposure to agricultural burns can have detrimental effects on the respiratory health of individuals, especially children, and contribute to poor air quality in rural areas.

Furthermore, human activities related to energy production and residential energy use can impact air quality. The combustion of fossil fuels for electricity generation releases pollutants, and indoor air pollution sources, such as improperly adjusted gas stoves or inadequate ventilation, can further contribute to poor air quality in homes and communities. Additionally, certain communities, particularly those with low and middle incomes, are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, facing higher risks of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, neurological damage, and cancer.

It is important to note that human activities related to energy use and production are considered the primary sources of air pollution. As a result, efforts to improve air quality often focus on regulating emissions, implementing cleaner technologies, and transitioning to renewable energy sources to mitigate the impact of human activities on air quality and public health.

Natural sources

Wildfires, for instance, release solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, as well as certain gases, into the atmosphere. These particles and gases can be detrimental to both our health and the planet. They can lead to respiratory issues, exacerbate asthma, and have been associated with increased rates of dementia and other neurological disorders. Additionally, the release of aerosols and gases from wildfires can result in the formation of smog, a type of air pollution that reduces visibility and poses additional health risks.

Volcanic eruptions also contribute to air pollution by emitting various gases and particles during explosive eruptions or from the constant release of gases from vents and fissures. These emissions can reach high altitudes and affect atmospheric conditions, potentially leading to short-term and long-term climate changes.

Another natural source of air pollution is wind-blown dust, which can include particles of soil, sand, or other materials picked up by the wind and transported over long distances. These particles can have adverse effects on air quality and human health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.

It is worth noting that natural sources of air pollution, such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes, can be influenced by human activities. For example, the frequency and intensity of wildfires may be impacted by human-induced climate change, leading to potential increases in wildfire-related air pollution.

While natural sources contribute to air pollution, human-induced sources, such as the burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and agricultural practices, often play a more significant role in degrading air quality and posing health risks.

Health effects

Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard, and it can have significant impacts on human health. The health effects of air pollution depend on the types, sources, and concentrations of the pollutants in the air, as well as the duration of exposure. Short-term exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory problems, including reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. It can also cause cardiac issues, such as abnormal heartbeats and increased risk of heart attacks.

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to more serious health issues, including an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and other types of cancer. Air pollution has also been associated with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other dementias. In children, air pollution exposure can worsen asthma and cause acute lung function problems, while in pregnant women, it has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and pre-term birth.

The elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution. Certain indoor air pollutants, such as radon, smoke, lead dust, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can also have significant health impacts. Tobacco smoke, for example, contains over 200 known poisons and at least 60 chemicals that can cause cancer. Additionally, biological pollutants like mold, pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroaches can trigger breathing problems and allergic symptoms.

The sources of air pollution are diverse and include car and truck exhaust, factories, wildfires, agricultural burns, and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths globally each year, making it the world's fourth-largest risk factor for early death. The Clean Air Act, established in 1970 in the United States, aims to regulate the emissions of harmful air pollutants and protect public health. However, climate change may make it more challenging to meet pollution standards in the future.

Ways to protect yourself

Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes, and wildfires.

• Stay informed about the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area and plan your activities accordingly. The AQI is a rating system that reflects the severity of pollution in the air on a scale from 0 to 500. It takes into account five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. You can find AQI forecasts and real-time information on the EPA's AirNow website or through local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers, and online sources.
• Limit your time outdoors when the AQI is high, and reduce the intensity of any outdoor activities. The EPA states that the chances of being affected by unhealthy levels of air pollution increase with the duration and strenuousness of outdoor activity.
• If you must go outdoors when the air quality is poor, consider wearing a mask. Not all masks provide adequate protection against particle pollution, so opt for an N95 or KN95 mask that fits well and offers good filtration.
• Protect your indoor air quality by avoiding indoor air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, incense, candles, and smoke from cooking. Consider investing in an air purifier to improve the air quality in your home.
• If you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, rest and limit your activities. Seek medical advice if these symptoms persist.
• Support national, state, and local efforts to clean up sources of pollution and reduce your own energy consumption, as generating electricity and other forms of energy contributes to air pollution.

Frequently asked questions