Smoke emissions from big industries, vehicles release, stubble burning, and heavy metal particles pollute the air. This smoke with fog creates Smog, which is the reason for breathing problems. Air pollution is the growing risk factor for health hazards in the world.
Urban areas, industrial areas are affected; however living style of rural people also increases air pollution. According to a WHO report, air pollution is the reason for an estimated 7 million premature deaths.
Reasons for Air Pollution:
There are several reasons not limited only outdoors but also inside the house or building. The indoor air is more polluted than the outdoors. Some natural reasons are also present. Here are some reasons for both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Gas emission from vehicles
- Industrial Smoke emission
- Stubble burning in the rural area
- Dust
- Pollen of flowers
- Pesticides
- Forest Fire
Some reasons for Indoor poor air quality:
- Kiln (‘chulha’) in the kitchen
- Incense Sticks burning
- Tobacco Smoking
- Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs)
- Germs
- Asbestos
- Paint Supplies
- Fragrant Sprays
- Cleanser and disinfectants
Air pollution has short-term and long-term health effects. In children, air pollution reduces cognitive growth and lungs function. It also causes respiratory infections, heart disease, asthma, and neurodegenerative diseases and those diseases are the reason for premature death. One of the traditional air pollutants is PM (Particulate Matter). It is equal to or smaller than 10-2.5 microns (µm) in diameter. Particulate matter penetrates the lungs and can enter the bloodstream.
Smog leads to eye irritation, major respiratory problems, and chronic lungs disease. For instance, exposure to asbestos leads to asbestosis (a chronic lung disease). Long-term exposure to air pollution leads to cancer. Not only in health issues is air pollution the big reason for climate change.
Here are some easy steps to clean the air you breathe:
- Do not burn wood or trash inside or around your house. You can easily avoid it to avoid health issues.
- Wear a mask always you go outside. We all started wearing masks to protect ourselves from the COVID-19 virus. But it is also essential to save us from exposure to air pollution.
- Nowadays people like to use and feel comfortable using personal cars and motorbikes. That means an increment in air pollution. Use public transport like buses and trains instead of own car or bike.
- Do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke inside the home and take the step to make all public places tobacco smoking-free.
- Proper ventilation is a must to keep indoor air clean. Close windows to prevent entering smoke. You can use an air purifier and use a fan to circulate air.
- Pesticides pollute the air. Therefore, use other biodegradable alternatives of manure and pesticides for cultivation. Avoid the use of chemical pesticides.
- Always remember the RRR formula. Reduce, Re-use and Recycle. Apply in your life and spread awareness.
Summary
Humans are busy making life easy. We tend to forget the negative effect of it. And that effect is a polluting source of our survival. Being aware of pollution, we can take action to prevent it. And spread awareness. And it is totally in our hands to keep the earth breathable for the future generation.
