Air pollution

Hi Everyone,

Today we're talking about air pollution. We've all heard about air pollution, normally in connection to cars, coal mines or planes. But what are the consequences of too much air pollution and what can we do about it?

One type of air pollution is known as PM2.5. These are particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. This means that we cannot see them without technology such as microscopes. They are produced in a number of different ways including power generation, motor traffic, domestic heating and chemical reactions taking place in the air around us. Although these particles are very small and "invisible", they can cause a lot of damage. Research data now shows links between this form of air pollution and cancers, premature births, diabetes (especially type 2) and heart and lung disease. It is shown to cause 400 000 deaths across Europe every year. Unfortunately this form of air pollution is widespread. A guardian article explains how in Europe alone, almost 30 million people live in areas where the small particle pollution is 4 times the WHO guidelines and that only 2% of the population lives within these guidelines. These guidelines set a boundary of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Another form of air pollution are gases. There are many different gases which play a role here such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and dioxide and sulphur dioxide. These gases are emitted through a range of different sources including car/traffic emissions, fires, fossil fuel combustion and many industrial processes. Health risks associated with these gases include symptoms of heart attacks, breathing problems due to inflammation of breathing passages and vision problems. Too higher levels can be deadly. These gases are also linked to environmental problems such as smog formation, acid rain, damages plants and also chemical reactions with other pollutants. The WHO has guidelines for each of these gases.

To help combat air pollution, we must first be given all the data. For example there are loopholes so that governments can avoid reporting their air pollution levels and some countries don't even collect this data in the first place. But scientists and health officials desperately need this data. Once data is collected, it then has to be used appropriately. We have WHO guidelines for a reason and hundreds of thousands maybe even millions of deaths could be avoided if we were to stick to these guidelines. Unfortunately air pollution is often an invisible threat. We can't see it. And that means that we forget about it.

We hope you enjoyed learning about air pollution and we'll see you next week!

Your Green World Blog Team💚

Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/20/revealed-almost-everyone-in-europe-breathing-toxic-air

https://www.britannica.com/science/air-pollution

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/air-pollution-raises-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-says-landmark-indian-study-acc

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