How to Lower Risk from Bad Air Quality
What are the Most Dangerous Kinds of Air Pollutants and Their Sources?
Air pollutants often come from people burning things: Fuels such as coal, natural gas, diesel, and gasoline for electricity and transportation; crops or trees for agricultural purposes; or as a result of wildfires. Fine, inhalable particles, known as particulate matter, are among the most dangerous. The tiniest of these – known as PM 2.5 because they are less than 2.5 microns in diameter – can get deep into human lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. Coarser particles, known as PM 10, are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining, or the wind blowing eroded dust, according to the World Health Organization.
What Health Problems Can Air Pollution Cause?
Air pollution is the second-largest risk factor for early death globally, behind high blood pressure, according to a recent report by the Health Effects Institute. Short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in the elderly or people with medical problems. Long-term exposure can cause serious heart and lung problems that can lead to death, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung infections.
What’s the Best Way to Tell if Air is Safe?
Over 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, and many weather mobile apps include air quality information. But trying to gauge how bad the air is by looking at these numbers can be confusing. To help people understand air quality levels more easily, many countries have adopted an air quality index or AQI – a numerical scale where larger numbers mean worse air. They are also often assigned different colors to show whether the air is clean or not.
What are the Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution?
The goal is to limit exposure when air quality is bad, by staying inside or wearing a mask. Staying inside, however, isn’t always possible, especially for people who must live or work outside. They can’t really afford not going out, noted Danny Djarum, an air quality researcher at the World Resources Institute. People also need to be aware of indoor air pollution, which can often be caused by common household activities like cooking or even burning an incense stick.
What are the Benefits – and Limitations – of Air Purifiers?
Air purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution, but they have their limitations. They work by pulling air from a room, pushing it through a filter that traps pollutants before circulating it back. But they’re most effective when used in small spaces and when people are nearby. Air purifiers can only clean a certain amount of air, said Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, who studies urban air quality at the National University of Singapore. "If we have a tiny air purifier in a large room, it won’t be effective," he said.
Conclusion
Air pollution is a significant health risk, and it’s essential to take steps to reduce exposure. Understanding the sources of air pollution, the health risks associated with it, and the ways to protect oneself can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
FAQs
- What are the most common sources of air pollution?
- People burning things: Fuels, crops, or trees
- What are the most dangerous kinds of air pollutants?
- Fine, inhalable particles (PM 2.5) and coarser particles (PM 10)
- What are the health problems caused by air pollution?
- Short-term: asthma attacks, heart attacks, and stroke; long-term: serious heart and lung problems
- How can I protect myself from air pollution?
- Limit exposure, wear a mask, and be aware of indoor air pollution
- What are the benefits and limitations of air purifiers?
- Effective in small spaces, but limited in large areas and expensive for many people
