Air Pollution Crisis In Southeast: A Growing Concern

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Southeast Asia, with over 2.3 billion people in the region exposed to unsafe air according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The two most damaging types of air pollution in Asia are fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, which have severe impacts on human health and well-being. Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the second-highest rate of premature deaths from PM2.5 in 2021, with China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines being the most affected. The primary sources of these pollutants are the burning of fossil fuels, industrial activities, and agricultural burning. Climate change and air quality are closely linked, and the accelerating climate crisis poses additional risks to the health and rights of people in the region.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

The health effects of PM2.5 are due to its ability to reach the lower airways and alveoli, where it can enter the bloodstream. It can also trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines and impair alveolar macrophage phagocytosis, contributing to pulmonary inflammation and increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiac diseases. Fine particulate matter has been associated with conditions such as asthma, COPD, and lung infections.

In the United States, the Southeast region, including states like Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, has experienced elevated levels of PM2.5. This is partly due to the mixing of human-made and naturally-emitted pollutants, such as emissions from motor vehicles and industry, interacting with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from trees and plants. The chemical interactions between these pollutants lead to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), which are a major component in the production of PM2.5.

Studies have shown that reducing emissions from industrial activity and transportation can decrease the formation of SOAs and PM2.5. Additionally, implementing clean technologies, improving waste management, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources and fuel types can help mitigate the issue of fine particulate matter and improve air quality, especially in urban areas.

Overall, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses a significant health risk, especially in densely populated regions. Its small size allows it to reach the lower airways and cause systemic inflammatory responses, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing PM2.5 through policy interventions and technological advancements is crucial for protecting public health and improving air quality.

Ground-level ozone

The concentration of ground-level ozone increases with height above sea level, with a maximum concentration at the tropopause. It is less concentrated than stratospheric ozone, which protects living things from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, ground-level ozone is of concern due to its health effects and contribution to global warming. It is the third most important greenhouse gas after CO2 and CH4.

LIDAR is a common technique for measuring ground-level ozone using lasers. The Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) employs this method across the United States. Ozonesondes, attached to meteorological balloons, are another tool for directly measuring ozone concentration at varying altitudes. These instruments help monitor and manage ground-level ozone, a significant concern for air quality and public health.

Trans-boundary pollution

Transboundary pollution is a significant issue in Southeast Asia, causing severe air pollution and a range of adverse health, economic, and environmental impacts. The region has been experiencing deteriorating air quality due to substantial local emissions and transboundary pollution, which has led to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annually.

One of the major contributors to transboundary pollution in Southeast Asia is the rampant forest fires in Indonesia caused by the extensive slash-and-burn (S&B) culture. This practice has resulted in transboundary haze pollution, affecting neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand. The haze pollution has led to increased health risks, regional tensions, economic losses, productivity declines, and even food insecurity in affected areas.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, two transboundary PM2.5 episodes were studied, revealing that PM2.5 concentrations during these events were significantly higher than local accumulation periods. These episodes were influenced by anthropogenic pollution in China and Indonesia, highlighting the impact of transboundary pollution on local air quality.

The health impacts of transboundary pollution are particularly severe in specific regions, including Brunei, East Timor, Singapore, Laos, and border areas. Industrial and residential emissions contribute significantly to PM2.5-related health issues, while biogenic and road transport emissions are major factors in O3-related impacts. Additionally, ancillary pollutants, such as CO and VOCs, have been observed to increase during early morning hours due to increased anthropogenic activities.

Addressing transboundary pollution in Southeast Asia requires a range of strategies, including improved environmental governance, incentives for sustainable practices, education, and community resource management. By implementing successful policies and investments that focus on cleaner transport, energy efficiency, waste management, and industrial practices, the region can reduce key sources of outdoor air pollution and mitigate the severe health and economic consequences of transboundary pollution.

Fossil fuel burning

Aerosols emitted from fossil fuel burning are a primary concern. These aerosols have been linked to 82% of low visibility days in the region, with the remaining 18% attributed to biomass burning aerosols. The high levels of air pollution have severe health impacts, including respiratory infections, chronic diseases, discomfort, morbidity, and premature mortality. It is estimated that air pollution from fossil fuels causes approximately 4.5 million premature deaths worldwide annually, with an economic cost of US$8 billion per day or roughly 3.3% of the global GDP.

In Southeast Asia, the power generation, industry, and residential sectors are key contributors to air pollution from fossil fuel burning. Analyses have shown that targeting these sectors with specific policies can significantly improve air quality. For example, replacing coal with natural gas in power generation and industry could reduce sulfate levels by 25%switching from biofuel to natural gas in the residential sector could decrease black carbon concentration by 42%. Additionally, addressing shipping emissions is crucial, especially for improving urban air quality in Singapore, where fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could be reduced by up to 69%.

Road transportation is another significant source of pollution in Southeast Asian cities, although obtaining accurate emission data for this sector has proven challenging. Nevertheless, the overall impact of transboundary pollution on Southeast Asia is relatively low, with local emissions being the primary driver of air quality issues in the region.

To address the problem of fossil fuel burning and air pollution in Southeast Asia, a transition to renewable and clean energy sources is essential. Phasing out existing coal, oil, and gas infrastructure not only helps mitigate climate change but also brings substantial health benefits by reducing air pollution exposure. Initiatives like car-free days and investments in clean energy sources can play a crucial role in improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of Southeast Asia's population.

Poor air quality monitoring

Poor air quality is a pressing issue that affects people worldwide, with outdoor air pollution estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths annually. While air pollution is a global problem, certain regions, such as the Southeast United States, face unique challenges in maintaining good air quality due to various factors.

In the Southeast United States, the mixing of human-made and natural pollutants has been identified as a significant contributor to fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5. This region, which includes states like Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, is characterized by a mix of heavily forested areas and large urban centres such as Atlanta. The interaction between emissions from motor vehicles, industry, and natural sources like trees and plants, leads to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), which are a major component of PM2.5.

To address this issue, researchers have conducted extensive studies, such as the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study, to better understand the complex interactions of pollutants in the atmosphere. These studies have provided valuable insights into the role of airborne particles in regional temperature trends and the impact of human-made and natural pollution sources on air quality and climate. By applying this knowledge to air quality models, such as the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ), states can implement more effective air quality standards and regulations.

However, despite these efforts, some areas in the Southeast continue to struggle with poor air quality. For example, Birmingham, Alabama, has been identified as having air quality that is deteriorating, with increasing levels of ozone smog and particle pollution. This decline in air quality poses significant health risks to residents, including an increased risk of lung and heart disease. Disparities in air quality also exist, with people of colour being more likely to live in communities with failing grades for air pollution.

To combat this issue, it is essential to have accurate and reliable air quality monitoring systems in place. While there are home air quality monitors available, reviews suggest that these devices often suffer from accuracy and longevity issues, particularly with their volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. Instead, individuals can rely on AQI apps on their phones, which provide local air quality conditions and help them take appropriate actions to protect their health. Additionally, supporting organizations like the EPA and advocating for policies that promote cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, and better waste management can contribute to improving air quality in the Southeast and protecting the health of those most vulnerable to its effects.

Frequently asked questions