What Can We Do For Cleaner Air and Better Health?

By Liwayway Memije-Cruz

What are the Toxic Air Pollutants and Contaminants that Affect the Air We Breathe?

Introduction

Toxic air pollutants and contaminants affect the air we breathe. According to several studies, about 80 percent of polluted air in the country comes from mobile sources such as buses, cars, and jeepneys. The other 20 percent is emitted by industrial sources such as power plants and factories and area sources such as open burning of garbage, smoking and construction activities.

Air Pollution and Health

The effects of air pollution on human health can be very great and can give birth to a multitude of health problems. The effects can range from irritated eyes and nose, headaches, fatigue, wheezing, long-term acute changes in lung function, respiratory illness, impairment of the immune system, shortened life expectancy, and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and even sudden death.

Air Pollutants

Pollutants are chemicals and chemical compounds that can contaminate the air we breathe

What are the major air pollutants?

Carbon Monoxide (CO). Ozone (O3). Nitrogen Oxide( NOx) Particulate Matter. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

It is an odorless and colorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, oil and wood. It can also build up in high concentrations in enclosed areas such as garages and along roadsides during heavy traffic. 

Effects of Carbon monoxide to human

Ozone (O3)

It is a gas is a variety of oxygen. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is known as the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level it is considered a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Some of the major sources of ground-level ozone are vehicles and industries. Some of the ill effects of this pollutant include irritations in the respiratory tract, chest pain, persistent cough and an increased susceptibility to lung infection.

Effects of Ozone

 Nitrogen Oxide( NOx)

Nitrogen oxides are produced from burning fuel, gasoline and coal. It is a major contributor to smog and acid rain. In high doses, smog can harm humans especially asthmatics and can cause general illness to the respiratory system. Acid rain, on the other hand, can harm vegetation and change the chemistry of the water thus affecting marine life.

Acid rain and its ecological consequences

Particulate Matter

It is any type of solid particles in the air in the form of smoke, dust and vapors. Particulate Matter is produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by vehicles, fossil fuels, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes and operations of woodstoves. Some microscopic particles in the air can be breathed into the lungs causing increased respiratory diseases and lung damage.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

It is an odorless gas at low concentrations, but can have a very strong smell at high concentrations. So2 is a gas produced by burning coal, most notably in power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smelting of metals, produce sulfur dioxide. It can harm vegetation and metals and can cause lung problems, including breathing problems and permanent damage to lungs.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These are organic chemicals that are found in gasoline, industrial chemicals such as benzene, solvents such as toluene and xylene, and perchloroethylene (principal dry cleaning solvent). Vehicle emissions are an important source of VOCs. These chemicals are released from burning fuel, such as gasoline, wood, coal, and from solvents, such as paints, glues, and other products used at home or work.

Examples of VOC

What can we do for cleaner air and better health?