Category: Air Pollution

The research reviews the considerations related to studying the correlation between ambient air pollution and its effects on the symptoms of COVID-19. There were numerous studies that claimed that there are certain connections between death rates from COVID-19 and the issues related to the quality of air. As researchers claim, many people die from air pollution as it amplifies other illnesses (Villeneuve, 2020). Nevertheless, the studies that tried to link the COVID-19 mortality to the polluted air had many methodological flaws and were not peer-reviewed.

It is possible that daily increases in outdoor air pollution have a negative influence on COVID-19 prognoses. According to the review of the characteristics of the researches that have spread their findings, all of them had significant flaws that prevented them from offering insights into a causal relationship between the past or existing concentrations of pollutants in the air and death rates or other infections in the COVID-19 pandemic (Villeneuve, 2020). In the midst of a pandemic, there is little public advantage to completing these assessments. There is already a large amount of data indicating poor air quality is a health danger. The research does not find how these researches will help improve public health. It is stated in the article that the public is harmed by these researches, many of which were not peer-reviewed. Particularly, the reason for it lies in the press being on the lookout for exaggerated claims and presidential candidates in the United States being prone to run with byline headlines.

In conclusion, the researches that tried to link air pollution to the death rates from COVID-19 are not valid due to numerous flaws in the design. This is mostly related to these designs made in a rush to gain popularity for the researches. It was possible because of the media trying to exaggerate their articles and looking for a scientific basis to do so. This led to excessive worries in society and caused many problems in this regard. Future researches should consider these flaws in designing research and be more precise with their methodology.

Reference

Villeneuve, P. & Goldberg, M (2020). Methodological Considerations for Epidemiological Studies of Air Pollution and the SARS and COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreaks. Environmental health perspectives. doi:128. 95001. 10.1289/EHP7411.

Introduction

Atmospheric pollution may be used to refer to the not only the man made process but also to the natural processes that contribute to the release of the gases such as in the volcanic eruption where very dangerous gases are releases and the aftermath of the eruption is the poor-quality atmosphere. Generally researchers concentrate on the manmade processes that lead to gaseous by-products such as in processes involving production of energy, transportation or the shipping processes, in the burning of the wastes gases are produced, in the agricultural processes and in the deforestation that is currently having very serious effect on the to the atmosphere and a major contributor to the global warming. The atmospheric pollution is greatly affecting not only the direct things that we can notice in the common senses but also the ozone layer leading to the development of the ozone holes which let the penetration of the dangerous radiations from the sun (Bhattacharjee et.al 164). For this reason, ways of curbing the problems have been developed to reduce the pollution such as in the coming up with alleviation plans to air pollution throughout the world.

Understanding Atmospheric Pollution Mitigation Strategic Plan

The mitigation plans for the air pollution may be seen as the ways that have been developed in the attempt to reduce the atmospheric pollution that have already predicts disastrous results to all the living things. The Air Quality Analysis show that there is need for all feasible improvements is applied to curb this problem that will affect the world in totality if not solved in the soonest possible time.

Air Quality Mitigation Plan is proposed project which aims at the reducing of the emissions that affects the air quality by at least fifteen percent. It is said that the idea of the fifteen percent decrease in the emissions originated from County of Sacramentos General Plan Policy AQ  15. It has since then been recognized in the region and the authorities and also looks forward to coming up with a plan that will not only reduce the emissions by 15 percent but by greater percentage.

The plan stands on its own as project and is treated as a subject on its own and not as the other legal documents. This helps in that there is the creation of an environment that promotes the implementation of the project and the monitoring of how the plan is being undertaken and the feasibility power in it. The document gives detailed information on how the plan is going to be undertaken. It should also describe the course so as to justify the measures being undertaken by providing each and every detail and giving reasons for them. This is also crucial in that it helps in the evaluation process so as to give recommendation by the county and the giving of the review process in time.

There is the need to consider each plan in away that it gives some unique features. It should give room for the expansion of the ideas and to improve on the strategies that have been planned. This ensures that when the plan is implemented, there is the advantage of enjoying maximum benefits to the society as well as proving to be cost effective. The financial sensitivity is very important as it ensures that the proposed plan will not fail due to economic reasons.

In the processing of the plan, the environmentalists should ensure that the plan entail the condition that is to be approved and at the same time give measures on how to improve the environmental conditions so as to ensure that the implementation of the proposed plan is done without much problems (Bhattacharjee et.al 167). The developers must be involved in the selection of the proposed plan. The Air Quality Mitigation Plan is only sent to the lead industry and the supporters only after all the parties involved including the districts heads agree on it. After this then there must be an endorsement by the District. It is then attached to the draft document on the environmental procedures to be undertaken. It is then released to the public where the leaders involved in the decision making together with the public are given the opportunity to air out their views. They are also given the opportunity to understand why things are taken in the courses that have been laid down.

There other various organizations that deals with the mitigation of the atmospheric pollution such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which included all the groups that attended the Lusaka policy dialogue on the atmospheric pollution remedies, the ASEAN Cooperation Plan on the Tran boundary Pollution which includes the groups that attended the ASEAN meeting where environmental issues were being addressed by several government representatives from various parts of the world and mostly from the Asian countries. The meeting was held in Singapore and several meetings on the issue were held. There was also another pollution measures that were taken in Thailand which were mainly centered on the reduction of energy usage in the transport department of the country. Many other organizations have been organized by various groups on different parts of the world and all of which aim at the minimization of the atmospheric pollution especially from the following sectors.

Common Sectors Addressed in Atmospheric Pollution Mitigation Strategic Plan

A number of policies have been formulated to reduce the rate of pollution coming from the Transport Sectors which in most cases advocate for the use of cleaner fuels. This is because they have less waste to be exhausted in the atmosphere causing health hazards to all the living things. The policies enact laws that discourage people from the using of the fuels that have Sulfur which is known to be harmful to life of living things, there is also the harmonization of the degree in the standards of the fuels which are to used, phase out the use of leads in the fuels and other metals that are harmful as the additives, formulate serious measures to be taken on those who use the fuels that do not meet the said specifications (Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency 33). The vehicles should also be in cleaner conditions in such a way that there will be reduced waste emissions. This is achieved through the ensuring that the vehicles being imported are not very old and meet the required emission standards.

The other sector where attention is directed to is in the urban planning. Policies are formulated in such a way that there is sustainable mobility in the urban centers. There should also be the interlinked transport system for the passengers and more so they should be separated from the motorists roads so as to enhance the security of the people and also to ensure that they are not getting the direct vehicle emissions and dust which may cause illnesses to the human beings and enhance the spread of the communicable diseases. Formulate policies that will discourage the over use of vehicles through the road taxing, and other vehicle charges that will reduce and ease the congestion of the people.

There are other policies that govern the industry sector since researchers say that most of the pollution is from the industries. This is achieved through the cooperation by the area members in the addressing of air pollution both within the borders and tans boundary. There are also policies that require that industries use the best available technology in the firms so as to comply with the legal standards of the place (Somporn, Bundit, and Supachart). There are also policies that calls for the industries to carry out assessment on the effects the firm has on the environment thus they are able to abolish the firms that have the negative effects in the vicinity of the people.

On the effects resulting the open burning, several issues are addressed such as management of waste matters whereby the policy makers enact policies that reduce or totally prohibit the uncontrolled burning and come up with better ways of waste managements. Vegetation burnings and the deforestations are also part of the open burning as they have the same impacts as the waste fires (Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency 34). Policies that reduce the chances of deliberate fires are enacted, educate people on the fire management strategies, come up with the reforestation programs where there are no forests and also to research on the frequent causes of the fires so as to come up with better ways to manage the fires and prevent it from happening.

Indoor pollution is another factor which should be looked into. There is need to restrict the people even on the form of energies they use for their domestic appliances so as to reduce pollution in the homes, cleaner fuels should also be used to ensure that the fuel used will not cause health problems to those in the houses. People are also educated on the importance of the ensuring that they use quality air in the houses as they may end up causing harm to their bodies. There should be set standards on the indoor air in the public utilities in commercial or even in the private sectors. Smoking and other behaviors should be abolished in the indoor settings as they do not only affect the persons involved but even other innocent victims (Southern African Development Community). There are sectors that fund people on the improvement of quality air in the indoors through helping in the buying of the facilities among other things.

The National Environmental Governance has also come up with ways in which people are forced to take responsibilities of their behavior in the environmental management as well as the training and forming of bodies that promote the maintenance of the environment. There are laws that govern the environmental management which should be observed by all people such as the emissions regulations among others, forming of agencies that work towards the improving of the environment, establishing of devices that measure air quality in all countries so as to ensure that people are not under threat (Bhattacharjee et.al 169). Come up with harmonized air pollution measures such that there are all standardized such as the phasing out of the products that emit gases that have a negative effect on the ozone layer.

There should be increased public awareness on issues relating to environment in all channels of communication whether formal or informal. Ensure that people participate in the environmental subjects and activities so as to enhance understanding. They should also develop more means of public awareness and come up with ways to ensure that people conceptualize the need to maintain the environment for the sake of the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having understood on the impact the atmospheric pollutants have on the living things either directly or indirectly, it is important to strategize on how to reduce the rate of pollution otherwise if this is not done, we are at risk of health failures, the ecosystem diminishing, the economy is also at risk as the finances are taken to satisfy needs that would have otherwise been avoided and the money utilized in other developmental areas. It is also important to realize that most of the effect done cannot be reversed. It has been discovered that the release of sulfur and the nitrate results to acid rain which destroys all the vegetation. There is also the other unbearable effect of the ozone holes which lets out the harmful radiations which cause health problems to the human body (Somporn, Bundit and Supachart). It is therefore necessary not only to propose the Atmospheric Pollution Mitigation Strategic Plan but to ensure that it has been implemented and the assessment reported and recorded so as to make improvements and alterations.

Works Cited

1. Bhattacharjee, Debashish, Haider Waqar, S. Tanaboriboon, Yordphol, and Sinha, Kumares C. Commuters attitudes towards travel demand management in Bangkok. Transport Policy 4.3(1997): 161-170. Web.
2. Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE). Energy Situation in Thailand. Thailand: Ministry of Energy, 2008. Web.
3. Somporn, Tanatvanit, Bundit, Limmeechokchai and Supachart, Chungpaibulpatana. Strategies to Mitigate Air Pollution and Reduce Energy Consumption in the Transport Sector of Thailand, 2009. Southern African Development Community (SADC). Draft Sadc Regional Policy Framework on Air Pollution, 2008.

Air Pollution Regulation

Increasing air pollution in the United States has led to the enforcement of laws regulating environmental safety. Several factors have precipitated the changes in federal laws on air pollution. Firstly, air contamination with chemical substances adversely affects health, causing diseases, and reducing life expectancy. Secondly, the labor force reduces the output due to the negative effect of fossil fuels on work efficiency. Finally, sulfur oxides damage soil, harmfully impacting crop yield. The lack of sufficient regulation and increasing environmental concerns moved the lawmakers to adjust the legislation accordingly.

In order to legally structure the regulation of pollution, NAAQS was introduced. It is a set of standards designed to estimate the effect certain pollutants are going to produce within a limited amount of time. For instance, the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) is calculated by parts per million (ppm) unit of measure. For adequate health protection, CO release should be limited to 9 ppm within 8 hours. Exceeding this level increases the probability of toxin poisoning, thus it is allowed to surpass its limit only once a year. The same principle applies to other major pollutants  their concentration is also limited by level per unit of time measurement ratio.

Achieving the reduction of pollution is only possible through cooperation with entities responsible for the atmosphere contamination. One way to streamline the process of minimizing emissions is to buy an emission offset. An offset is an agreement between an enterprise and the government to continue dispersing the contaminants in exchange for the implementation of projects that reduce emissions like shifting to renewable energy, or eliminating the source of pollutants. In essence, it is a long-term compromise that is supposed to help alleviate air pollution via applying environmentally friendly technologies.

Flue Gas Desulfurization

Flue gas desulfurization is a process meant to curb the detrimental effect of sulfur dioxide in a flue gas stream. By being mixed with sulfur dioxide, water becomes acidic, regardless of where it is  in the clouds or on the surface. However, it is especially dangerous in the air as it can trigger acid rains. Such rains are unpredictable because winds can spread acidic water in any direction. It leads to intoxication of rivers, soil, and forests. As for humans, sulfur dioxide exposure can affect the lungs, obstruct breathing, and cause other complications. In order to preserve the environment and protect public health, it is necessary to eliminate sulfur dioxide from flue gas.

Eliminating sulfur dioxide requires a special technology to be applied on power plants. Power plants convert sulfur to sulfur dioxide by burning the fuel. Flue gas has to exit, and if sulfur is not purified, it also exits as part of the exhaust gas. The key is neutralizing sulfur dioxide by generating a chemical reaction with alkaline substances. Afterward, the neutralized gas can be disposed of, and the emitting flue gas is free of sulfur dioxide. These chemical reactions require special equipment in the form of a scrubber. Scrubbers are installed near chimneys of power stations, but they are not the only method of removing sulfur dioxide. Another technology presupposes the usage of a condenser that cools the exhaust gas while simultaneously preventing sulfur dioxide from mixing with the flue gas. Either way, the principle is the same  the system that handles gas flue desulfurization operates on preventing sulfur dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Introduction

Climate change is a serious issue that affects people around the globe. Although it is primarily discussed due to its adverse impact on the environment, its effect on public and individual health is also significant. Severe changes in typical weather conditions and different pollution types can lead to numerous health problems in people living in that area. This paper will discuss air pollution as one of the most critical health risk factors. It will also provide suggestions for addressing the issue and discuss the possible impact on the healthcare system.

Air Pollution

Air pollution can severely impact public and individual health and put an additional strain on the healthcare delivery system. It can be defined as the long-term presence of large quantities of pollutants in the air (Manisalidis et al., 2020). According to the U.S. EPA Office of Air and Radiation (2019), air pollution shows an overall decreasing trend. However, some areas in the country are still significantly affected by it. California is the unhealthiest state, with average exposure to particulate matter of 12.8 micrograms per cubic meter (Americas Health Rankings, 2020). People living in urban areas, children, older adults, and adults suffering from pre-existing conditions are more susceptible to pollution (Americas Health Rankings, 2020). Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities are exposed to higher air pollution levels in larger cities (Americas Health Rankings, 2020). Overall, vulnerable populations within urban areas are disproportionately affected by the discussed type of pollution.

Exposure to polluted air can lead to numerous health problems and exacerbate the existing ones. According to the World Health Organization (2020), approximately four million people die due to continued exposure to contaminated air. Manisalidis et al. (2020) state that particulate matter can enter the body through inhalation and lead to lung and heart diseases and dysfunction of the reproductive and central nervous systems. The air with abnormal quantities of carbon monoxide or lead can result in poisoning in humans and animals (Manisalidis et al., 2020). Meanwhile, prolonged exposure to dioxins can impair immune, nervous, and endocrine systems and cause developmental problems in children (Manisalidis et al., 2020). Thus, air pollution should be viewed as a significant health risk factor, particularly for people living in urban areas.

This papers problem statement is as follows: air pollution is a factor in developing respiratory and heart diseases and various types of cancer. Failure to impose new policies to curb the increase of pollution can lead to a rise in the number of pollution-related premature deaths and a more significant burden on the countrys healthcare system. Thus, it is imperative to develop sustainable policies for the improvement of air quality.

Proposed Policy Changes

Several policy changes can be used to reduce pollution in urban areas. The first policy should address and promote the implementation of federal fuel efficiency standards. According to Payne-Sturges et al. (2019), the introduction of fuel standards can result in the reduction of emissions and the improvement of fuel economy. There are several stakeholders in this policy, including the Environmental Protection Agency that proposed the policy, vehicle manufacturers, fuel production companies, and the countrys healthcare system, among many. This policy should be initiated and promoted by the federal and state governments to ensure compliance from all the stakeholders. However, as emissions from vehicles are not the singular cause of air pollution, this policy should be implemented alongside others to decrease pollutants in the air efficiently.

Reduction of air pollution can be effectively achieved by increasing the number of forested zones in urban areas. Trees naturally remove air pollution by absorbing pollutants through the leaves (Parsa et al., 2019). By assuring that areas disproportionately affected by air pollution are planted with trees, the percentage of pollutants in the air can be decreased significantly. The policy can be initiated at local levels, with the citizens of that area and local healthcare facilities being the main stakeholders. Funding for the plantation of forested zones can also be achieved locally.

Potential Impact on the Healthcare Delivery System

Implementing the proposed policy changes discussed above will have a meaningful impact on the healthcare delivery system. Cleaner air will contribute to fewer people living in urban areas developing respiratory, cardiovascular, and other conditions caused by air pollution. As fewer people will seek medical help, the healthcare delivery system will benefit financially. It can be argued that medical staff will have more time to dedicate to patients as overcrowding is likely to cease. Furthermore, healthcare facilities can avoid understaffing and the adverse effects it can have on the patients if their number decreases. The quality of care patients receive is likely to improve if the medical staff is not overworked and has enough time to spend on each patient. Overall, the employment of proposed policy changes will mitigate air pollutions effects on public and individual health and decrease premature pollution-related deaths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air pollution can have a severe impact on the health of individuals and the public in general. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can result in numerous health conditions, including cancer and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Introducing fuel standards and creating forested zones can positively affect air pollution in heavily affected urban areas. If implemented, these policies can lead to fewer people developing pollution-related health conditions, unburdening the healthcare system, and improving care quality.

References

Americas Health Rankings. (2020). Air Pollution. Web.

Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2020). Environmental and health impacts of air pollution: A review. Frontiers in Public Health, 8(1), 1-13. Web.

Parsa, V. A., Salehi, E., Yavari, A. R., & van Bodegom, P. M. (2019). Analyzing temporal changes in urban forest structure and the effect on air quality improvement. Sustainable Cities and Society, 48, 1-13. Web.

Payne-Sturges, D. C., Marty, M. A., Perera, F., Miller, M. D., Swanson, M., Ellickson, K., & Hertz-Picciotto, I. (2019). Healthy air, healthy brains: Advancing air pollution policy to protect childrens health. American Journal of Public Health, 109(4), 550-554. Web.

U.S. EPA Office of Air and Radiation. (2019). Air Quality Trends Show Clean Air Progress. Web.

World Health Organization. (2020). Ambient Air Pollution: Health Impacts. Web.

Anthropogenic pollution of the atmosphere is associated with mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological factors. These are most noticeably manifested in places where people live compactly, especially in megacities, where weather conditions also differ greatly from similar parameters outside the city. Millions of tons of pollutants are constantly present in the atmosphere, and thus, air pollution negatively affects peoples well-being by destroying their health through cancers, cardiovascular issues, and blood pressure.

Different air pollutants have different effects on human health, causing various diseases. The main causes of death caused by air pollution are congenital pathologies, cancer, and impaired functioning of the human immune system (Cohen et al. 660). Polluted air also increases blood pressure, which is caused by the atmosphere pollution, and it directly affects the key component of the brain that controls ones blood pressure levels (Yang et al. 578). Vehicles and industrial complexes emit poisonous dioxide and black smoke, which inevitably increases the danger of premature death (Hamra et al. 3). Inhaling air containing combustion products even for short periods of time increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease, and some forms of non-lung cancers (Turner et al. 2). Therefore, there are many hospitalizations due to air pollution in large cities.

In conclusion, air pollution causes a wide range of health abnormalities in ones body. A number of pollutants can cause lung cancer and even some non-lung cancer forms. In addition, these particles can lead to heart disease and early death. It is not uncommon to observe elevated levels of blood pressure among people constantly living in air polluted regions. Thus, air pollution leads to the gradual destruction of an individuals health and well-being.

Works Cited

Cohen, Gali, et al. Chronic Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Cancer Incidence among 10,000 Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A Historical Prospective Study. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, vol. 25, no. 6, 2018, pp. 659-670.

Hamra, Ghassan B., et al. Lung Cancer and Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and Traffic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 123, no. 11, 2015, pp. 1-6.

Turner, Michelle C., et al. Ambient Air Pollution and Cancer Mortality in the Cancer Prevention Study II. Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 125, no. 8, 2017, pp. 1-10.

Yang, Bo Y., et al. Global Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Environmental Pollution, vol. 235, 2018, pp. 576-588.

Introduction

In general, public health issues are specific problems and threats related to the global populations overall health. Public health may be regarded as an interdisciplinary field directly opposite to healthcare that focuses on the welfare of individual patients. Although fundamental public health issues have a particular tendency to change in the long term, the underlying problems and strategies of their solution remain basically the same. In the present day, major public health issues include global warming, air pollution, pandemics, non-communicable disease, mental issues, tobacco-related, alcohol-related, and drug-related effects, malnutrition, obesity, HIV, a lack of basic care access, and high-threat pathogens. The purpose of this paper is to describe the issue of air pollution and provide potential solutions to minimize its negative consequences and discuss its impact on the system of health care delivery.

Air Pollution

A prevalent number of public health issues are connected with climate change, and air pollution may be considered one of the most disturbing environmental problems caused by human activities. The burning of fossil fuels leads to the release of carbon dioxide that accumulates in the atmosphere and subsequently causes the rise of global temperature and climate change (Climate change decreases the quality of the air we breathe, n.d.). In addition, the emission of exhaust gases has a profoundly negative impact on human health as they make the air less clean and healthy to breathe.

The problem of air pollution caused by climate change and actual human activities is international, and it affects a substantial number of people across the globe regardless of their age, gender, race, and ethnicity. People who live in isolated territories or in developing countries with undeveloped health infrastructure have a particular risk to suffer from environmental challenges to a greater extent (World Health Organization, 2018). According to the United States National Climate Assessment, particulate matter air pollution and increasing ground-level ozone dramatically affect human health in various locations (Climate change decreases the quality of the air we breathe, n.d.). In general, ground-level ozone is a substantively harmful air pollutant and the main component of smog. It is traditionally associated with multiple health problems, such as asthma, allergies, and diminished lung function and contributed to increased emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and premature deaths (Kelly & Fussell, 2015).

Children are specifically vulnerable to climate change and air pollution in comparison with adults due to their cognitive and physical immaturity. For instance, they are frequently engaged in outdoor activities, leaving them more exposed to heat and outdoor air pollutants like ozone that may trigger asthma attacks and various allergies (Climate changes childrens health, n.d., p. 1). According to statistics provided by the American Lung Association, more than 2 million children with asthma live in the U.S. areas with unhealthy exceeded ozone levels (Climate changes childrens health, n.d.). Moreover, the extension of the warm season due to the global change of weather patterns increases the amount of pollen and airborne pollutants that may have a lasting negative impact on the respiratory health of children.

Climate change may influence the quality of air in another way as well. The greenhouse effect, drought conditions, and altered weather patterns result in massive wildfires that affect human health in multiple ways. As a matter of fact, smoke exposure causes acute respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular or respiratory disorders. In general, air pollution caused by the emission of hazardous gases and global climate change as a result of human activities is a highly severe public health issue that requires a rapid and appropriate solution.

Potential Solutions to Minimize Air Pollution

In fact, specific actions to minimize the negative consequences of climate change and air pollution should be taken at all levels  personal, governmental, and public health. According to recent researches, the emission of greenhouse gas in the transportation sector has increased by 16 % since 1990 (Changing climate through healthy community and transportation, n.d.). Every person may contribute to the improvement of air quality through the reduction of personal vehicles use and participation in the programs of the health community that implies planting trees and the establishment of gardens. Moreover, the use of bicycles instead of automobiles improves physical form and decreases stress and the risk of chronic diseases.

It goes without saying that the government and its agencies are primarily responsible for appropriate action to combat increased air pollution. The first potential solution to mitigate climate change and improve air quality includes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that should be ensured by policymakers (Duque et al., 2016). Besides the burning of fossil fuels, the agriculture sector is another leading source of pollution as the digestion processes of livestock animals produce methane that causes the greenhouse effect as well (Chen, Wen, Wang, & Nie, 2017). A policy response may imply the investment in new low-carbon technologies and farms facilities or the reduction of livestock numbers.

The second step is the commitment to decarbonization. Policymakers should adopt regulatory actions and legislation that support the alternative ways of electricity generation in order to reduce emissions in the sector of transportation (The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, 2019). In addition, the government should focus on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through investment in the cities infrastructure to provide access to walking or biking.

The system of public health takes action to mitigate the negative consequences of air pollution as well. The field of public health focuses on detection, prevention, and management. Public health professionals aim to educate communities on the impact of climate change on human health. In general, they help the public to prepare for potential consequences of environmental challenges by providing water safety testing, air quality index, heatwave and storming warnings, and mosquito control programs. Public health agencies are responsible for the detection and management of all kinds of public health emergencies.

It goes without saying that the activities of public health professionals and governmental agencies have a highly positive impact on the system of health care delivery. When patients suffer from the outcomes of climate change, they require medical assistance to treat asthma, allergies, or cardiovascular and respiratory disorders caused by increased air pollution. When governmental agencies, public health professionals, and individuals combine efforts in order to mitigate the negative results of climate change, the number of patients reduces.

Conclusion

Air pollution may be defined as one of the most serious public health issues caused by the emission of hazardous gases and global climate change as a result of human activities. This problem is international as it affects a substantial number of people across the globe regardless of their age, gender, and ethnicity. The combination of efforts of individuals, communities, the government and policymakers, and public health and health care professionals should currently prevent and combat the negative consequences of air pollution.

References

Changing climate through healthy community and transportation. (n.d.). APHA. Web.

Chen, Y., Wen, X., Wang, B., & Nie, P. (2017). Agricultural pollution and regulation: How to subsidize agriculture? Journal of Cleaner Production, 164, 258-264. Web.

Climate change decreases the quality of the air we breathe. (n.d.). APHA. Web.

Climate changes childrens health. (n.d.). APHA. Web.

Duque, L., Relvas, H., Silveira, C., Ferreira, J., Monteiro, A., Gama, C.,& Miranda, A. I. (2016). Evaluating strategies to reduce urban air pollution. Atmospheric Environment, 127, 196-204. Web.

Kelly, F. J., & Fussell, J. C. (2015). Air pollution and public health: emerging hazards and improved understanding of risk. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 37, 631-649. Web.

The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. (2019). Policy brief for the United States of America. Web.

World Health Organization. (2018). Climate change and health. Web.

Discussion

Air pollution refers to the presence of substances in the air at concentrations that affect human health or the environment. Clean air is important for clean health, and air pollution threatens health in many ways. Every individual has a fundamental right to access free and unlimited clean air. The human lung acts as an interface between the body and the environment. On average, an individual takes in about 10 million breaths annually.

In the process, there is a high possibility of toxic substances reaching the lungs and other organs where they can cause harmful effects. Therefore, there is a need for an appropriate policy response to minimize levels of air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and others (Koenig 165). Reduction in air pollution will bring considerable health benefits to humans. Adequate understanding of these effects is a significant step towards establishing successful policies to minimize these risks. This paper discusses the main effects of air pollution on health, the main air pollutants, and the policies necessary to reduce the levels of air pollution.

Effects of Air Pollution on Health

Exposure to air pollution causes several health problems, starting from modest changes in the respiratory tract and the affected pulmonary function, moving to restricted performance, emergency rooms visits and hospital admissions, and to deaths (Saldiva 220). Air pollution has adverse effects not only on the respiratory system but affects the cardiovascular system as well. This is true from both acute and chronic exposures to air pollutants.

The most adverse effects of air pollution in terms of the overall health problems include reduction in life expectancy of average populations, related to long-term exposures to high levels of air pollution with particulate matter. It is necessary to understand adequately the nature and magnitude of the effects of air pollutants on health. Air pollutants constitute an important overall component of both outdoor and indoor air and are known to cause health effects, essentially with individuals with pre-existing illnesses.

Air pollution poses a considerable threat to health causing morbidity and reduced life expectancy. The effects of air pollution on human health can be short term or long term. Both short term and long term effects can cause varying degrees of damage to human health. Short term and long term effects may include minor irritations and death respectively (Bauer 1093). Toxic air particles have short term effects such as; immediate irritation to the eyes or throat and in the long term causes death due to respiratory failure or heart attacks (Bauer 1092).

Population subgroups are affected differently by air pollution risks. Variations in terms of sensitivity exposure occur due to nutrition issues, state of general health, and genetic predisposition. Vulnerable groups under high risk include infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant mothers and their unborn fetuses, individuals suffering from other diseases, malnourished, and others (Koenig 165). It is necessary to identify these vulnerable groups because they are the first to be affected as the levels of air pollution increase. Generally, only a minority of the total population is affected by high levels of exposure. Therefore, any excess to mortality due to a pollutant is likely to be restricted to a small group of the population (Bauer 1094).

The Main Air Pollutants

The main constituents of air pollution include a highly variable, complex mixture of different substances, such as smog, that is, photochemical oxidants, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulates (Koenig 165). There are many different components in the troposphere that can cause potential effects on human health and the general environment. This paper focuses on pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.

First, long-term exposure to high levels of pollution with particulate matter causes a significant reduction in the life expectancy of the average population (Douglas 6). Important health effects associated with particulate matter in the short term exposure include respiratory problems, increase in mortality, inflammatory reactions in the lungs, increase in hospital admissions, and adverse effects on the cardiovascular system (Dominici et al., 10). The health effects associated with long-term exposure of particulate matter include; reduction in lung function in children and adults, reduced lung function development, reduction in life expectancy due to mainly cardiopulmonary deaths and lung cancer, and others (Koenig 139).

Particulates absorb various chemicals and increase their penetration and longevity in the lungs. They also condense water and vapor and augment the effects of gaseous pollutants like sulphur oxides. The main particulates of concern include; lead, asbestos, mercury, and other major metals. Effects of lead include; anemia, gastrointestinal cramping, and impaired neural functioning (Koenig 128). Asbestos affects pulmonary lesions and mesothelial tissue damages. Asbestos is also associated linked to pulmonary cancer. Lead poisoning on the other hand may affect retardation and possibly hyperactivity in children (Koenig 129).

Second, the ozone is the main toxic element of the oxidants. All photochemical oxidants are manufactured by processes of photosynthesis involving the emissions of hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides from internal combustion (Evans 107). Health effects associated with short-term exposure to the ozone include; increase in mortality, an increase in hospital admissions, inflammatory reactions to the lungs, an increase in medication usage, adverse effects on pulmonary function, and others. Health effects associated with long term exposure include reduction in lung function (Koenig 139).

Third, the Combustion of fossils is the major source of ambient sulphur oxides. Exposure to ambient sulfur oxides irritates upper respiratory passage in humans, reducing mucus clearance, and reducing pulmonary functioning (Evans 106). Studies on greater exposures cause nasal lesions, bronchitis, pneumonia, and severe pulmonary disorder. Nitrogen oxides are ubiquitous in the air and produced by fossil fuel combustion in motor vehicles and electrical power production. It causes reduced pulmonary functioning, reduced immunity to fight diseases, diminished weight gain, and bronchial inflammation (Evans 107).

The health effects caused by nitrogen dioxide in the short term exposure include; increase in mortality, an increase in hospital admissions, an increase in airwaves allergic inflammation reactions, and effects in pulmonary functions, specifically in asthmatics. Health effects related to long term exposure include increased probability of respiratory symptoms.

Carbon monoxide is caused by incomplete combustion primarily emitted from motor vehicles or cigarette smoking. It causes headaches, nausea, and dizziness associated with deprivation of oxygen. Greater exposure to carbon monoxide can result to result to cortical cellular structure, altered heartbeat, vascular diseases, impaired liver functioning, and fetal growth retardation (Evans 106). Exposure to carbon monoxide is also associated with low birth weight, increased prenatal deaths, increased distress in patients, cardiovascular ailments, and possible infection of cardiovascular disease (Evans 107).

In sum exposure to air pollution specifically, particulate matter, and ozone pose a significant risk to human health. Recent evidence suggests, however, that ozone levels lower than those experienced during episodes of summer smog may have considerable effects on human health (Koenig 44).

Policies Necessary to Reduce Air Pollution Levels and Human exposure

The causes and sources of air pollution are more complex and intricate. Therefore the matrix of strategies to reduce air pollution demands broad policy combinations. This necessitates the need to implement appropriate policy strategies to reduce air pollution at all levels and mitigate its adverse effects on human health. These measures include national policy and regulatory framework; local monitoring of air pollution; public information and health warnings; land use planning; transport policy; and energy policy.

First, the national air pollution standards need to be developed to assist local air pollution management. The national government must offer expertise and guidance not available locally. They can also assist local authorities with the fiscal, legal, and institutional mandate for taking action on air pollution locally. Second, local air pollution monitoring must be put in place to identify the changes in pollution concentrations.

The monitoring mechanism must support the overall air pollution management strategy. Three, use public information systems to warn people of severe air pollution consequences, offer control measures, and in the long run increase public awareness of air pollution problems. Fourth, establish education and awareness programs to help people take measures to avoid exposure. Fifth, there is a need to reduce sulfur and organic toxic elements from relevant petroleum products and encouragement of increased use of locally applicable renewable energy to reduce emissions.

Conclusion

In summary, air pollution affects human health. The quality of air affects our health, interpersonal behavior, mood, attitudes, outdoor activities, outdoor activities, and others. Most research on air pollution effects on health tend to concentrate more on physical outcomes such as mortality or diseases. I would suggest the need to look at air quality in terms of policy strategies that may be linked to air quality such as discomfort, irritability, depression, and anxiety.

There is a need to document the adverse effects of different air pollutants on human health, and this should include diseases and the estimated reduction in life expectancy as a result of toxic air. All evidence of increased mortality in highly polluted areas needs to be documented. Relevant authorities must implement regulations by authorities to minimize emissions of toxic air substances. In essence, there is a need for accurate information on the effects of air pollution on health as a basis for establishing effective strategies to minimize these effects.

Works Cited

Brauer, Michael. Air Pollution from Traffic and Development of Respiratory. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 166 (2002): 1092-1098. Web.

Dominici, Francesca, Peng Roger, Bell Michel, Pham Luu, and Zeger Scot. Particulate Air Pollution and Hospital Admission for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 295 (2006): 10-21.

Douglas, James, and Waller Ryan. Air Pollution and Respiratory Infection in Children. British Medical Association, 20 (1966):1-8.

Evans, Gary. Environmental Stress. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984.

Koenig, Jane. Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution. New York: Springer, 2000.

Saldiva, Lichtenfel, and Paiva Barone. Between Air Pollution and Mortality Due to Respiratory Diseases. Environmental Research Journal, 65 (1994): 218-225.

A lot of people rarely attribute air pollution to small gas-powered engines like lawnmowers. However, emissions from lawnmowers represent a crucial source of air pollution. These small engines are a significant source of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, all of which are actively involved in the formation of ozone (Werner 2). More than half of all ozone-forming pollutants are generated by small engines such as lawnmowers. Of particular note are the gasoline-powered lawnmowers. In a study carried out in Sweden in 2001, it emerged that cutting grass using a gasoline-powered lawnmower contributes the same amount of air pollutants as riding an automobile for 100 miles (Westerholm para. 1). At the same time, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reckons that over 54 million Americans mow their lawns every other weekend using gasoline-powered lawnmowers and that they could be contributing to nearly five percent of air pollution in the country.

The reason why small engines such as lawnmowers result in big pollution problems is that they tend to emit significantly large quantities of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, and this causes smog (Werner 3). This has a drastic effect on human health because smog-laden air is linked to inflamed and damaged lungs, reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream, enhanced risk of asthma attacks, as well as an aggravation of heart conditions (Werner 3). According to a study by Christensen and Westerholm (2167), the mower exhaust contains some 26 different types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the same as the emissions by a car that has traveled for more than 150 kilometers. Part of the PAHs is 100 micrograms of benzo[a]pyrenes, a compound that is categorized as a carcinogen. The same study revealed that a lawnmower emits over half a kilogram of carbon dioxide, in addition to a few grams of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, methane, and smoke particulates.

Considering that gasoline-powered lawnmowers have been identified as one of the leading causes of air pollution, the EPA has had to implement new regulations that require new garden and lawn equipment to reduce air pollution by 35 percent, starting from 2011. The move was aimed at saving nearly190 a million gallons of gasoline every year, in addition to saving over 300 premature deaths each year. To achieve such a reduction in emissions, lawn manufacturers are required to add catalytic converters to the equipment to facilitate a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases (Christensen and Westerholm 2168). However, this has proven to be a controversial issue with some of the lawnmower manufacturers and policymakers arguing that the addition of catalytic converters to lawnmowers could spark off fires. On the other hand, preliminary studies conducted by the EPA have revealed that the use of catalytic converters on lawnmowers was not linked to any safety problem.

Apart from enforcing regulations that lead to reduced emissions by small gas-powered engines like lawnmowers, other solutions to this problem would include encouraging homeowners to minimize the use of gasoline-powered lawn mowers and instead, replace them with electric or hand-powered lawnmowers. On the other hand, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute has raised the issue of how impractical it is to use catalytic converters for small machines such as lawnmowers. Estimates by the group show that installing a catalytic converter to a lawnmower would drive its cost up. The group has also argued on the impracticability of using electric-powered machines by consumers (Lawson para. 4). In addition, homeowners should also consider landscaping in a bid to minimize the quantity of grass on their front or backyards. Another solution would be to minimize mowing time by using grass/flower seed mixtures or low-maintenance turf grasses that grow slowly and hence need less mowing.

References

Christensen, Anders and Roger, Westerholm. Measurement of Regulated and Unregulated Exhaust Emissions from a Lawn Mower with and without an Oxidizing Catalyst: A Comparison of Two Different Fuels. Environ. Sci. Technol. 35(2001): 2166-2170. Print.

Lawson, Willow. Study: lawn mowing equals car trip. ABC News, 2012. Web.

Werner, Erica 2008, EPA limits lawnmower emissions to stem pollution. Web.

Westerholm, Roger. One hour of grass cutting equals 100 miles worth of auto pollution. Science Daily, 2001. Web.

Introduction

Air Quality is a measurement of the pollutants in the air. It’s a description of the healthiness and safety of the atmosphere surrounding Earth. Air pollution comes from many different sources. There are stationary sources such as factories, power plants, and smelters. Smaller sources such as dry cleaners and degreasing operations.

Sources of Air Pollution

Mobile sources such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains Naturally occurring sources such as windblown dust and volcanic eruptions. All these sources contribute to air pollution. Air Quality can be affected in many ways by the pollution emitted from these sources. These pollution sources emit a wide variety of pollutants. The EPA has these pollutants classified as the six principal pollutants: ‘criteria pollutants.’ The six criteria pollutants are ozone, particular matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), and lead. These pollutants are monitored by the EPA, as well as national, state, and local organizations. The Clean Air Act is a United States federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) is responsible for setting standards, also known as National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), for pollutants that are considered harmful to people and the environment.

Challenges and Global Perspective

Ozone causes sunburn, lung damage, asthma, plant and ecosystem damage, and respiratory illness. Particulate matter causes visibility impairment, respiratory illness, atmospheric deposition, and aesthetic deposition. Sulfur dioxide causes respiratory illness, heart disease, visibility impairment, acid rain, plant and water damage, and aesthetic damage. Nitrogen oxide causes smog, water quality deterioration, visibility impairment, global warming, acid rain, respiratory irritation, ground-level ozone, and toxic chemicals.

Lead causes brain damage, heart disease, and animal and plant damage. Carbon monoxide causes chest pain, vision problems, inability to work or learn, nervous system death, and buildup of smog. Ground-level ozone is made by chemicals (VOC and NOX), heat, and sunlight. During the summer, there is a lot more heat available than during the winter. Since heat and sunlight are needed to make ground-level ozone, the highest amount of ground-level ozone would take place in the summer. Lead is also becoming another issue in gasoline. In third-world countries, the presence of lead will affect not only us as humans but also other living organisms.

Conclusion

It affects human health in many ways, including damaged organs, damaged nervous system, and heart disease. The other living organisms that irritate plants and animal life. Animals experience the same effects as humans, and for plants, lead slows the growth of vegetation. Governments are concerned with the safety of our huge population, and they don’t want a gasoline accident to occur. The mid-section of North Carolina (Greensboro and Charlotte) exceeds the standards of the Clean Air Act, while most of the rest of North Carolina doesn’t reach the standard.

References

1. “Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution” by Beth Gardiner
2. “The Air We Breathe: A Natural History of Air” by Andrea Barrett and David S. Rotenstein
3. “The Poisoned City: Flint’s Water and the American Urban Tragedy” by Anna Clark

Introduction

Pollution is increasing at an intimidating rate every day. Air is the most sensitive element of the terrain, which is defiled shortly by the rudiments emitted into the air. To know the position of air pollution and air quality, this proposed system is a wireless detector network that works substantially, covering the pollution passing in a smart megacity. It’s a low-budget monitoring system with cheap but effective sensors.

Understanding the Escalating Challenge: Air Pollution

Some former workshop, like the Smart Terrain Covering System on Vehicles, was introduced in 2015. It principally figured out the emigration rate of toxic feasts, which are responsible for air pollution. An artificial air pollution monitoring system for safety and health improvement was introduced to know the dangerous feasts and their impact. A low-cost air quality system was bandied in 2008 because, at that time, the sensors were relatively precious. By using a mobile GPRS system, air pollution could be detected. Wireless detector network- grounded pollution monitoring system in metropolitan metropolises was introduced to know the air quality. Pollution Dynamic Monitoring System is also done preliminarily.

By reviewing the unborn exploration, which has been done before, we can say that air pollution has increased at an intimidating rate. If it isn’t stopped incontinently, the whole world is going to face unprintable and extreme rainfall in the future. There’s further pollution. e.g., water pollution, noise pollution, plastic pollution, and soil impurity, but from unborn studies, we can say that air pollution is the most intimidating issue, and this should be studied for the sake of saving the world.

Previous Endeavors in Pollution Monitoring

According to the World Health Organization( WHO), from gauze hanging over metropolises to bombs inside the home, air pollution poses a major trouble to health and climate. The combined goods of medium( out-of-door ) and ménage air pollution cause about 7 million unseasonable deaths every time, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart complaint, habitual obstructive pulmonary complaint, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Further, more than 80 people living in civic areas that cover air pollution are exposed to air quality situations that exceed the WHO guideline position of 10µg/ m3, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the loftiest exposures.

The major out-of-door pollution sources include vehicles, power generation, structure heating systems, husbandry/ waste incineration, and assiduity. In addition, more than 3 billion people worldwide calculate on contaminating technologies and energies( including biomass, coal, and kerosene) for ménage cuisine, heating, and lighting, releasing back into the home, and filtering adulterants outside.

From 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe weakened air. To help the air pollution, green energy should be launched green energy. World Health Organization WHO estimates that ambient pollution alone caused some 4.2 million deaths in 2016, while manage air pollution from cooking with contaminating energies and technologies caused an estimated 3.8 million deaths in the same period. So, the idea was to make such a system that would let people know what quantum of poisonous air is gobbled. This system includes studies from former explorations on how important it is to work on such content. To make such a device that will be movable and can fluently be installed was the main idea. Android device stoners and internet stoners have increased extensively. For ease of people, the result of the device can be seen on a website as well as in an Android app.

The Urgent Need for Monitoring and Green Energy

Measuring pollution in air, water, and sound in everyday life would be of great significance for the health of humans if the position of pollution is measured. For detecting air pollution, different types of pollution monitoring gas sensors will be placed at different points of the megacity. The main precedence will be the weakened area and the area that contains dangerous patches for humans. These sensors will collect practical data in real-time from different affected areas on different feasts( for air and water) that are present in the terrain. g. nitrogen dioxide( NO2), carbon monoxide( CO), methane( CH4), and moisture. It’ll also collect data about the pollution position of the sound inside the megacity.

Conclusion

The proposed system allows covering substantial air quality, water quality, sound quality, and the pollution condition of a smart megacity on a desktop/ laptop computer through an operation designed using graphical stoner Interface( GUI) programming that gives a signal when pollution nature exceeds the respectable situations.

References

1. “Air Quality Management: A Practical Guide” by S. Rao Singamaneni
2. “Air Pollution Control Engineering” by Noel de Nevers
3. “Air Quality Management” by Anthony K. H. Lau, C. S. Poon, Y. H. Wang