Strategies To Reduce Outdoor Air Pollution

Outdoor air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of people worldwide. In 2019, 99% of the global population lived in areas that did not meet the World Health Organization's air quality guidelines. Outdoor air pollution is linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and it is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths annually.

To reduce outdoor air pollution, a combination of individual actions and policy interventions is necessary. Individual actions include reducing energy consumption at home, using public transportation or carpooling, and avoiding outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high. Policies targeting industry, energy, transport, waste management, and urban planning can also significantly decrease pollution.

Using less energy at home

Reduce Energy Consumption

Lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle by reducing your energy consumption. Using less electricity, gasoline, and natural gas not only lowers your utility bills but also decreases the number of pollutants emitted.

Choose Sustainable Products

Select appliances with the Energy Star label when it's time to replace your old ones. Opt for fans instead of air conditioners, and use programmable thermostats to adjust the temperature in your home during different seasons. Additionally, consider using low-flow showerheads and washing your laundry in cold water.

Eliminate Exposure to Chemicals

Choose natural substitutes to eliminate the use of toxic chemicals at home. For example, use water-based cleaning products labelled 'zero VOC' instead of traditional cleaning agents. Also, be sure to store all solvents in airtight containers to prevent their fumes from escaping into the environment.

Improve Ventilation

While increasing ventilation can improve indoor air quality, it can also increase energy costs. So, focus on controlling the sources of pollution. Seal or enclose sources that contain asbestos, and adjust gas stoves to decrease emissions. Consider using ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove contaminants directly from those rooms and increase the outdoor air ventilation rate.

Conserve Energy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers easy tips for conserving energy at home. Try to incorporate some of these suggestions into your daily routine, such as turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging appliances when they're not in use.

Using public transport

Reducing Air Pollutants

Public transportation produces far fewer air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, per passenger mile. By choosing public transport over driving alone, you can decrease CO2 emissions by 45%. This not only improves air quality but also leads to a healthier community with fewer cases of respiratory ailments like asthma and even cancer.

Conserving Fuel

Public transport conserves fuel by reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. A full-size diesel bus with as few as seven passengers offers greater fuel economy than the average car. A fully occupied bus or train is even more efficient, with fuel efficiency up to 6-15 times greater than that of a single-occupancy vehicle. This not only saves money but also reduces the amount of air pollution.

Decreasing Traffic Congestion

With more people opting for public transport, there will be fewer cars on the road, leading to reduced traffic congestion. This not only improves commute times but also contributes to better air quality as fewer vehicles mean fewer emissions.

Promoting Active Transportation

Public transport often involves some walking or cycling to and from transit stops. This not only encourages people to get some exercise but also helps reduce air pollution. Additionally, investing in public transport means there will be a greater focus on developing infrastructure for active transportation, such as bike paths and lanes, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Reducing Noise Pollution

Fewer cars on the road also contribute to reducing noise pollution, making neighbourhoods quieter and more peaceful for everyone.

By choosing public transport, individuals can play a significant role in reducing outdoor air pollution, improving air quality, and creating a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Avoiding exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high

Air pollution is a serious issue, causing an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. It is therefore important to take steps to reduce exposure to it, especially during exercise when people breathe more air per kilogram of body weight. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on avoiding exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high:

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the pollution levels in your area. Check daily air pollution forecasts, which are often colour-coded, through local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers, or online platforms such as airnow.gov. Additionally, sign up for alerts about elevated air pollution levels via text messages or emails. This will help you make informed decisions about your outdoor activities.

On days when pollution levels are high, it is advisable to move your workout indoors. Instead of running or cycling outdoors, consider exercising inside your home, in a shopping mall, or at a gym. If you have children, limit the amount of time they spend playing outdoors to reduce their exposure to unhealthy air. Even on days when the air quality is good, try to avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels in nearby areas.

If you must exercise outdoors, try to choose locations away from major roads or highways. Traffic-related air pollution can have harmful effects on your health, and the pollution levels decrease rapidly as you move further away from these sources. Consider finding alternative routes for walking, running, or cycling that take you through parks or less congested areas.

In addition to avoiding outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high, you can also take other steps to reduce your overall exposure to air pollution. For example, drive your car less and consider carpooling, biking, using public transportation, or even walking. If you need to drive, keep your car well-maintained and fix any exhaust or oxygen sensor problems as soon as possible. Also, avoid idling your vehicle, as this creates a hotspot of pollution, and try to reduce your energy consumption at home to curb emissions from electricity generation.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of outdoor air pollution and improve your overall health and well-being.

Using hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment

To address this issue, individuals can opt for hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment. Hand-powered tools are not only cheaper and easier to maintain than their gas-powered counterparts but also help reduce air pollution and the time spent on lawn care. For those unable or unwilling to use hand tools, electric landscaping equipment is a more expensive but increasingly affordable option, thanks to recent battery advancements. During their typical 10-year lifespan, electric tools' higher initial cost is levelled out by reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.

In addition to individual actions, local governments and landscaping companies can play a role in reducing air pollution from lawn care equipment. Some landscaping companies have already switched to fully electric or solar-powered equipment, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers. Local governments can promote eco-friendly lawn care, such as becoming an AGZA Certified Green Zone, and reevaluate code requirements that may hinder the adoption of more sustainable practices.

By implementing these small-scale and large-scale solutions, we can significantly reduce outdoor air pollution and create a greener and healthier environment for everyone.

Walking, biking, or carpooling

Walking and biking offer numerous health benefits and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable community. They can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer-related mortality. Additionally, adults living in walkable neighborhoods tend to have improved health due to increased physical activity. Children who bike to school also exhibit higher fitness levels and a lower risk of being overweight. These active transportation options not only improve individual health but also enhance social cohesion and road safety.

To encourage walking and biking, it is essential to address safety concerns and promote the installation of protective infrastructure for vulnerable road users. This includes redesigning urban spaces to prioritize active mobility and public transport, improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and implementing measures such as changing rooms at workplaces and secure bike parking.

Carpooling is another effective way to reduce air pollution by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road. Even carpooling with just one other person can significantly lower carbon emissions and improve air quality. Combining multiple errands into one trip with a warm engine is also an efficient way to reduce pollution from cold engine startups, which emit twice as much pollution.

Overall, walking, biking, or carpooling are simple yet powerful actions that individuals and communities can take to reduce outdoor air pollution, improve health, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions