Air Pollution

What is Air Pollution?

 It is a contamination of the indoor or outdoor air by the
introduction of chemicals, particular matter, or biological
materials that modifies the natural characteristics of the
atmosphere that harm humans, other organisms, or
materials.

 Occurs when any visible or invisible gas found in the air

that is not part of normal or original composition
Types of Air Pollution
1. Indoor Air Pollution- It is the contamination of air quality
within or around the buildings or structures.
Example of Indoor Pollutants
• Asbestos- Naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that is
found and rock and dirt.
• Biological Pollutants- It is created by the living creatures,
from pet saliva, viruses, dust, pollen, and mites.
• Carbon Monoxide- When fossil fuels are burned, carbon
monoxide (CO) is emitted as an odourless gas. Cooking
stove is one of the sources of CO.
Effects of Indoor Air Pollution
Acid Rain
• It is caused when
pollutants combines
with droplets of water in
the air. Acid rain causes
acidification of lakes
and streams.
• It contributes damage to
the trees
2. Outdoor Air Pollution- Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health
problem affecting everyone in low, middle, and high income countries. It is a complex mixture of
gas and particles, including:
• Particulate Matter (PM) - Particulate matter is a mix of liquids and solids, including
carbon, complicated organic chemicals, sulfates, mineral dust, nitrates, and water
suspended in the air.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - Human-made sources of nitrogen oxides, including
nitrogen dioxide, are power stations, vehicles, and heating. Diesel vehicles are the main
contributors in residential areas. Roadside levels are most leading where traffic is heaviest.
• Ozone (O3) - Ozone is regularly highest in the spring and summer and lowest in the
winter. Besides, Ozone levels are highest during the afternoon and are usually higher in the
countryside than in cities. Ozone is a principal component of summer air pollution events.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) - Sulfur dioxide is known as a colorless gas with a sour, suffocating
smell. It is created by burning sulfur-containing fuels such as oil and coal. This involves power
generation, vehicles, and heating.
 SMOG
Smog is a type of intense air pollution that reduces
visibility. The term "smog" is a combination of the
words smoke and fog, and it refers to a mix of
smoke and fog due to its opacity and odor. It can
be caused by automobile exhaust, industrial
emissions, and other pollutants.
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Health Effects of Air Pollution
• Short-Term Health Effects
1.) Respiratory Issues
- Irritation of the respiratory system leading to coughing, wheezing,
and shortness of breath.
- Increased risk of respiratory infections, especially in children and
the elderly.
2.) Eye Irritation
- Redness, itching, and watering of the eyes due to exposure to
pollutants such as particulate matter and ozone.
Health Effects of Air Pollution
• Long-Term Health Effects
1.) Cardiovascular Diseases
- Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure
due to long-term exposure to air pollutants like fine particulate
matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
2.) Lung Cancer
- Long-term exposure to air pollutants, particularly carcinogens like
benzene and formaldehyde, can lead to the development of lung
cancer.
Health Effects of Air Pollution
• Vulnerable Populations
1.) Children
- Greater susceptibility to the effects of air pollution due to developing
respiratory systems.
Increased risk of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
2.) Elderly
- Pre-existing health conditions combined with reduced lung function make the
elderly more vulnerable to air pollution-related illnesses.
Higher mortality rates during periods of high pollution levels.
3.) Individuals with Pre-existing Conditions
- People with asthma, (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and
cardiovascular diseases are at risk of exacerbation and complications due to air
pollution exposure.
Environmental Effects of Air Pollution
 Environmental Effects of Air Pollution

1. Impact on Ecosystems 2. Effects on Wildlife

• Acid Rain: • Habitat Destruction:
- Formation of acidic compounds in - Air pollutants contribute to habitat
the atmosphere, leading to acid rain. degradation, affecting wildlife diversity
- Damage to soil, water bodies, and and population.
vegetation. • Species Decline:
• Soil Degradation: - Direct exposure to pollutants leads to
- Deposition of pollutants on soil decreased reproductive success and
surfaces, affecting nutrient balance increased mortality rates in various
and soil fertility. animal species.
- Impacts agriculture and plant growth.
 Environmental Effects of Air Pollution

3.) Link to Climate Change 4.) Oceanic Effects

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: • Ocean Acidification:
- Air pollution includes greenhouse - Absorption of CO2 from the
gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and atmosphere into oceans, leading to
methane (CH4). increased acidity.
• Feedback Loops: - Threatens marine ecosystems,
- Air pollution-induced climate change including coral reefs and shell-forming
can lead to feedback loops such as organisms.
melting ice caps that also contributes
to global warming.
REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
• BACKGROUND • By reducing air pollution, the Clean Air
• In 1970, Congress created the Act has led to significant
Environmental Protection Agency improvements in human health and
(EPA) and passed the Clean Air Act, the environment in the U.S. Since
giving the federal government 1970, the six commonly found air
authority to clean up air pollution in pollutants have decreased by more
this country. Since then, the EPA, than 50 percent, air toxics from large
states, tribes, local governments, industrial sources, such as chemical
industry, and environmental groups plants, petroleum refineries, and paper
have worked to establish a variety of mills have been reduced by nearly 70
programs to reduce air pollution levels percent, new cars are more than 90
across America. percent cleaner and will be even
cleaner in the future, and production
of most ozone-depleting chemicals has
ceased.
REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
• HISTORY • Since 1970, EPA has been responsible
• The original Clean Air of 1963 for a variety of Clean Air Act programs
to reduce air pollution nationwide.
established funding for the study and
• In 1990, Congress dramatically revised
the cleanup of air pollution. But there
was no comprehensive federal and expanded the Clean Air Act,
response to address air pollution until providing EPA even broader authority
Congress passed a much stronger to implement and enforce regulations
Clean Air Act in 1970. That same year reducing air pollutant emissions. The
Congress created the EPA and gave it 1990 Amendments also placed an
the primary role in carrying out the increased emphasis on more cost-
law. effective approaches to reduce air
pollution.
REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
• The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 . Established requirements for State Implementation
· First federal air pollution legislation Plans to achieve the National Ambient Air Quality
· Funded research for scope and sources of air pollution Standards
• Clean Air Act of 1963 · Authorized the establishment of New Source
Performance Standards for new and modified stationary
· Authorized the development of a national program to
sources
address air pollution related environmental problems
· Authorized the establishment of National Emission
· Authorized research into techniques to minimize air
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
pollution
• Air Quality Act of 1967 · Increased enforcement authority
· Authorized requirements for control of motor vehicle
· Authorized enforcement procedures for air pollution
emissions
problems involving interstate transport of pollutants
• 1977 Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970
· Authorized expanded research activities
• Clean Air Act 1970 · Authorized provisions related to the Prevention of
Significant Deterioration
· Authorized the establishment of National Ambient Air
· Authorized provisions relating to areas which are non-
Quality Standards
attainment with respect to the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards
REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
• 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970
· Authorized programs for Acid Deposition Control
· Authorized a program to control 189 toxic pollutants, including those previously regulated by the
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
· Established permit program requirements
· Expanded and modified provisions concerning the attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards
· Expanded and modified enforcement authority
· Established a program to phase out the use of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.
WAYS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION
WAYS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION
• Conserve energy ■Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
■Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the ■Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120
room. degrees F.
■ Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and ■Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, Test your
aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces home for radon. Choose not to smoke in your home,
production emissions.) especially if you have children. If you or your visitors
must smoke, then smoke outside.
■Keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained. You
should also consider replacing old wood stoves with ■ Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles.
EPA-certified models. ■ Choose products that have less packaging and are
■Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home reusable.
to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in ■ Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and
the winter. plastic bags.
■Buy green electricity–produced by low–or even zero- ■ Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used
pollution facilities. frequently.
■Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar
lighting.
WAYS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION
• Drive Wise ■ Ask your employer to consider flexible work
schedules or telecommuting.
■Plan your trips. Save gasoline and reduce air pollution.
■ Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. ■ Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.
■ In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening ■ Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.
hours to cut down on evaporation.
■Avoid spilling gas and don't “top off” the tank. Replace
gas tank cap tightly.
■ Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at
fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.
■ When possible, use public transportation, walk, or
ride a bike.
■ Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance
checks (especially for the spark plugs).
■ Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.
WAYS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION
• For Your Health
• ■ Check daily air quality forecasts, which tell how
clean or polluted your air is, and the associated
health concerns.
• ■ Remove indoor asthma triggers from your home
and avoid outdoor triggers in order to effectively
control your asthma
• ■ Minimize your sun exposure. Wear sun block and
UV protection sunglasses