The Problem Of Air Pollution
The problem of air pollution may probably be one of the most widespread with one of the largest exposure levels to every living organism on this earth. Air pollution refers, in general to the presence of particulate and non-particulate irritants and toxic substances present in the atmosphere due to natural and human impact. Although not known by that name, air pollution and a compromise on air quality must have occurred ever since the discovery of fire and its use in prehistoric caves. But the then atmosphere with its higher levels of oxygen could absorb the smoke and support the living. Now, what with the increasing population demands, higher vehicular usage, increased gases and effluent release by the scores of industrial plants thickly dotting the earth, etc., our atmosphere’s threshold for absorption has long since been reached and surpassed. So, unless we, the supposed ‘elite’ of the earth’s living creatures, do something to stop this widespread sullying of air, we might as well be the next ones in line for extinction.
Air pollution is seen both within buildings and outside as well. Indoor air pollution is usually seen among the poor strata of the society in developing countries due to use of cheap and unhealthy fuel like dung and crop waste (WHO, Indoor Air Pollution and Health, 2009). The use of these fuels result in smoke production and without the dissipation provided by chimneys, this smoke stays within the building resulting in poor air quality and loss of health. Thus, people who get exposed more to this are women and children. The World Health Organization has found that in developing countries like Pakistan, Mali, Uganda etc. indoor pollution results in more than 1.6 million deaths every year due mostly to respiratory conditions. Also, this has been rated eighth out of the ten global health risk factors (WHO, Indoor Air Pollution and Health, 2009).
The WHO had updated the guidelines for the maintenance of air quality in 2005. These guidelines provide ways by which air pollution can be mitigated. One of the important feature of air pollution is that it has no threshold; i.e. there is no distinct level below which the exposure to air pollutants become “harmless”. Nowadays, adverse health conditions are being associated with air pollution even in those areas where pollution is at its minimum levels. Thus, strategies to reduce air pollutant levels are absolutely necessary. This is especially the case with the United States with its high degree of industrialization. The smoking ban enforced in many cities throughout the US has had a positive effect in reducing air pollution to a significant level. When Repace et al., (2006) analyzed the levels of secondhand smoke and particulate air pollution in seven pubs in Boston before and after the smoking ban, significant decrease in levels of these pollutants were seen.
Processing your request, Please wait....
