Air Pollution Alert: Understanding Intense Smog And Its Dangers

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant risks to human health and the planet. It refers to the release of harmful substances into the air, affecting both indoor and outdoor environments. These substances, or pollutants, can be gases like ozone or nitrogen oxides, particles like soot, or other chemicals like lead. Intense air pollution can be caused by various factors, including the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, vehicle emissions, waste management, and agriculture. The specific sources and impacts of intense air pollution vary across different regions, with both indoor and outdoor pollution contributing to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. Addressing air pollution is crucial for safeguarding public health and mitigating climate change.

Particulate matter (PM) from fossil fuels and vehicles

Particulate matter (PM) is a general term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. These particles vary in size, ranging from ultrafine to coarse, and originate from both natural and manmade sources. Natural sources include volcanoes, dust storms, and wildfires, while manmade sources include burning fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, industrial processes, and smoking.

PM from fossil fuels and vehicles is a significant contributor to air pollution. The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, gasoline, and natural gas, releases a complex mixture of pollutants, including soot, smog, and toxic particulate matter. Vehicles, in particular, contribute to air pollution through fuel combustion (exhaust emissions) and brake/tyre wear (non-exhaust emissions). The implementation of after-treatment systems and stricter vehicle emission standards in some regions has helped reduce PM emissions from vehicles.

The health effects of PM exposure are well-documented. When inhaled, PM can enter the respiratory tract and increase oxidative stress, disrupting the function and integrity of the respiratory epithelium. This can lead to a range of respiratory symptoms, including coughing, irritation of the airways, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to PM can also cause more severe health issues, such as decreased lung function, non-fatal heart attacks, aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Additionally, PM from fossil fuels and vehicles has environmental impacts beyond human health. It affects atmospheric visibility and the radiative budget of the atmosphere. The complex interactions between PM, other pollutants, wind, and climatic factors influence local meteorology, particularly in mountainous regions.

Reducing PM emissions from fossil fuels and vehicles is crucial for mitigating these adverse health and environmental effects. This can be achieved through policy interventions, cleaner energy sources, and improved vehicle emission standards, and the implementation of after-treatment systems to abate PM.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicles and cooking

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a harmful air pollutant that is released from vehicles and during cooking. It is a highly reactive gas that is formed from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, methane gas, and diesel. NO2 is one of the six widespread air pollutants that have national air quality standards to limit their levels outdoors.

NO2 is a significant contributor to air pollution, which has devastating effects on human health and the planet. It is released from cars, trucks, and buses, and its emissions are highest in large urban regions, particularly on or near heavily travelled roadways. People living near emission sources or with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or lung cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing the harmful health effects of NO2 exposure.

Vehicles are a major source of NO2 emissions, with trucks, buses, and cars being the largest contributors. The burning of fossil fuels in these vehicles releases NO2 into the atmosphere, leading to high concentrations in densely populated urban areas. This is particularly concerning as NO2 can irritate the airways and aggravate respiratory diseases, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

In addition to vehicles, cooking is another source of NO2 emissions. The use of gas and solid fuel stoves for cooking can lead to high levels of NO2 in indoor environments, with peak concentrations often coinciding with meal preparation times. Studies have shown that the use of gas cookers without proper ventilation can result in significantly higher indoor NO2 concentrations.

To mitigate the impact of NO2 on human health and the environment, it is crucial to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This can be achieved through the implementation of sustainable practices, such as cleaner household energy sources, improved ventilation, and the use of alternative fuels. Additionally, raising awareness about the risks of NO2 exposure and providing access to information can empower individuals to take preventive measures and reduce their exposure to this harmful pollutant.

Carbon monoxide (CO) from cooking and heating

Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly dangerous pollutant and is often referred to as the "silent killer". This is because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often confused with the flu, and can include a mild headache and breathlessness with moderate exercise. Continued exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, and can eventually result in unconsciousness and death.

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever a material burns, and is therefore a common byproduct of cooking and heating. Common sources of CO in the home include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces or boilers, fireplaces, gas stoves and ovens, and tobacco smoke. CO leaks from appliances can cause poisoning, and it is recommended that homes have a working CO alarm installed to detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Firstly, it is important to ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are maintained properly and serviced regularly. Secondly, when cooking, it is important to ensure there is adequate ventilation in the room, for example, by opening a window or turning on the hood vent. Finally, when using fuel-burning appliances such as camp stoves, charcoal grills, or non-electric heaters, it is important to use them outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to avoid a buildup of carbon monoxide.

Ozone (O3) from fossil fuels and agriculture

Ozone (O3) is a gas that exists in two layers of the Earth's atmosphere: the stratosphere (upper layer) and the troposphere (ground level), up to 10 km. While ozone in the stratosphere protects life on Earth by blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the Earth's surface, ozone in the troposphere is a harmful greenhouse gas and air pollutant. Also known as ground-level ozone, tropospheric ozone is a short-lived climate pollutant that remains in the atmosphere for only a few hours to weeks.

Tropospheric ozone is formed through the interaction of sunlight with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These precursor pollutants are largely emitted by human activities, including the combustion of fossil fuels by cars and other vehicles, power plants, and various industries. The agricultural sector also contributes to tropospheric ozone formation through methane emissions from waste and agricultural activities.

The effects of tropospheric ozone are far-reaching. As a powerful greenhouse gas, it alters evaporation, cloud formation, and atmospheric circulation. Tropospheric ozone also negatively impacts human health and ecosystems. Studies have shown that many plant species, including agricultural crops, are sensitive to ozone, which can lead to reduced crop yields and damage to important ecosystem services such as food security, carbon sequestration, and protection against soil erosion.

The health impacts of tropospheric ozone are significant. It is associated with respiratory issues and other diseases, contributing to morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds the recommended limits for pollutant levels. Tropospheric ozone can irritate the eyes and throat and damage the lungs, especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergies.

To address the harmful effects of tropospheric ozone, strategies focus on reducing methane emissions and lowering atmospheric pollution from vehicles, power plants, and other sources. The CCAC (Climate and Clean Air Coalition), for instance, funds projects aimed at reducing methane, a key ingredient in tropospheric ozone formation. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable practices in land use, energy, transport, and industry can effectively reduce ambient air pollution and mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with tropospheric ozone.

Greenhouse gases from vehicles and fossil fuels

Greenhouse gases are one of the major types of air pollutants, alongside smog, soot, and particulate matter. These gases are released into the atmosphere from a variety of sources, including vehicles and the combustion of fossil fuels.

Vehicles, particularly those that run on gasoline, are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, although this varies depending on the vehicle's fuel, fuel economy, and mileage. In addition to carbon dioxide, automobiles using gasoline produce methane and nitrous oxide from their tailpipes, as well as hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) leaks from air conditioners. Electric vehicles (EVs) also emit small amounts of greenhouse gases due to HFC leakage.

The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, gasoline, and natural gas, is another major source of greenhouse gas emissions. This process releases carbon dioxide, the primary driver of climate change, into the atmosphere. Fossil fuel combustion also contributes to the formation of smog (ground-level ozone), which occurs when emissions react with sunlight. Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and damage the lungs, especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergies.

To address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and fossil fuels, several interventions can be implemented. These include improving fuel quality standards to reduce aromatics in petrol, implementing fuel consumption labelling requirements, and promoting the use of alternative fuels or electric vehicles to reduce tailpipe emissions. Additionally, sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, energy-efficient housing, and better waste management practices can help reduce ambient air pollution levels.

Overall, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and fossil fuels are a significant contributor to air pollution, with detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Addressing these emissions through policy interventions and technological advancements is crucial to mitigate their impact and improve air quality.

Frequently asked questions