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General Forums => Environmental => Topic started by: Gerry1964 on October 14, 2016, 10:21:32 AM

Title: Air Pollution
Post by: Gerry1964 on October 14, 2016, 10:21:32 AM
Air pollution is a mixture of natural and man-made substances in the air we breathe.  It is typically separated into two categories: outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Air_.pollution_1.jpg)

Outdoor air pollution involves exposures that take place outside of the built environment.

Examples include:

Fine particles produced by the burning of fossil fuels (i.e. the coal and petroleum used in traffic and energy production)
Noxious gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, chemical vapors, etc.)
Ground-level ozone (a reactive form of oxygen and a primary component of urban smog)
Tobacco smoke

Indoor air pollution involves exposures to particulates, carbon oxides, and other pollutants carried by indoor air or dust.

Examples include:

Gases (carbon monoxide, radon, etc.)
Household products and chemicals
Building materials (asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, etc.)
Outdoor indoor allergens (cockroach and mouse dropping, etc.)
Tobacco smoke
Mould and pollen
In some instances, outdoor air pollution can make its way indoors by way of open windows, doors, ventilation, etc.

What health effects are linked to air pollution?

Over the past 30 years, researchers have unearthed a wide array of health effects which are believed to be associated with air pollution exposure.  Among them are respiratory diseases (including asthma and changes in lung function), cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes (such as preterm birth), and even death.

In 2013, the World Health Organization concluded that outdoor air pollution is carcinogenic to humans.

How can I reduce my risk for air pollution exposure?

Indoor air pollution can be reduced by making sure that a building is well-ventilated and cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of agents like dust and mold.  Occupants would also be wise to remove any known pollutants and or irritants (aerosols, stringent cleaning supplies, etc.) whenever possible.

Outdoor air pollution exposures can be reduced by checking one’s Air Quality Index (AQI), avoiding heavy traffic when possible, and avoiding secondhand tobacco smoke.

How is air pollution linked to climate change?

While climate change is a global process, it has very local impacts that can profoundly affect communities, not the least of which is air pollution.

Increasing temperatures are directly linked to poor air quality which, in turn, can affect the heart and exacerbate cardiovascular disease.  Examples of this may include a rise in pollen, due to increased plant growth, or a rise in molds, due to severe storms — both of which can worsen allergies and other lung diseases, such as asthma.

Scientists say an increasing rise in ozone levels are also a concern.
Title: Re: Air Pollution
Post by: BellaHamilton on March 13, 2018, 09:54:42 AM
Firstly, thank you for the informative post.
I agree that the air pollution is a serious problem.
Also, I know that the portable or central air cleaning systems can reduce concentrations of indoor air pollutants, of either outdoor or indoor origin. Using a whole house in-duct air cleaner reduces the air pollution too. Additionally, portable filter-based air cleaners have also been used to reduce indoor levels.
So, I think we should use these technologies to reduce the air pollution impact on health.

Regards,
Bella
writer at essaylab.com (http://essaylab.com)
Title: Re: Air Pollution
Post by: brickheck on April 26, 2019, 03:36:43 PM
Countries around the world are tackling various forms of air pollution. China, for example, is making strides in cleaning up smog-choked skies from years of rapid industrial expansion, partly by closing or canceling coal-fired power plants. In the U.S., California has been a leader in setting emissions standards aimed at improving air quality, especially in places like famously hazy Los Angeles. And a variety, according to the professional essay writer (https://essaysexperts.com/professional-custom-essays.html),  of efforts aim to bring cleaner cooking options to places where hazardous cookstoves are prevalent.