Air Pollution

What is air pollution and

what can we do?

Let us Save Our Planet Earth from Air

Pollution

Environmental Complexity
 Description Major Pollutants a
One of the formal definitions of air pollution is as follows – ‘The presence in Major Pollutants and their Sources:
the atmosphere of one or more contaminants in such quality and for such duration
as is injurious, or tends to be injurious, to human health or welfare, animal or plant
life.’ It is the contamination of air by the discharge of harmful substances. Air Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by
pollution can cause health problems and it can also damage the environment and the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including petrol, diesel, and
property. It has caused thinning of the protective ozone layer of the atmosphere, wood. It is also produced from the combustion of natural and synthetic products
which is leading to climate change. such as cigarettes. It lowers the amount of oxygen that enters our blood . It can
slow our reflexes and make us confused and sleepy.
The gaseous composition of unpolluted air
The Gases Parts per million (vol) Carbon dioxide (CO2)is the principle greenhouse gas emitted as a result
Nitrogen 756,500 of human activities such as the burning of coal, oil, and natural gases.
Oxygen 202,900
Water 31,200
Argon 9,000
Chloroflorocarbons (CFC) are gases that are released mainly from air-
Carbon Dioxide 305
conditioning systems and refrigeration. When released into the air, CFCs rise to
Neon 17.4
the stratosphere, where they come in contact with few other gases, which leads
Helium 5.0
to a reduction of the ozone layer that protects the earth from the harmful
Methane 0.97-1.16
ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Krypton 0.97
Nitrous oxide 0.49 Lead is present in petrol, diesel, lead batteries, paints, hair dye products, etc.
Hydrogen 0.49 Lead affects children in particular. It can cause nervous system damage and
Xenon 0.08 digestive problems and, in some cases, cause cancer.
Organic vapours ca.0.02
https://sciencing.com/difference-between-human-natural-air-pollution-23687.html Ozone occur naturally in the upper layers of the atmosphere. This important
gas shields the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, at
Modernization and progress have led to air getting more and more polluted the ground level, it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Vehicles and
over the years. Industries, vehicles, increase in the population, and urbanization industries are the major source of ground-level ozone emissions. Ozone makes
are some of the major factors responsible for air pollution. The following industries our eyes itch, burn, and water. It lowers our resistance to colds and pneumonia.
are among those that emit a great deal of pollutants into the air: thermal power
plants, cement, steel, refineries, petro chemicals, and mines. Nitrogen oxide (Nox) causes smog and acid rain. It is produced from burning
Air pollution results from a variety of causes, not all of which are within fuels including petrol, diesel, and coal. Nitrogen oxides can make children
human control. Dust storms in desert areas and smoke from forest fires and grass susceptible to respiratory diseases in winters.
fires contribute to chemical and particulate pollution of the air. The source of
pollution may be in one country but the impact of pollution may be felt elsewhere.
The discovery of pesticides in Antarctica, where they have never been used, Suspended particulate matter (SPM) consists of solids in the air in the form
suggests the extent to which aerial transport can carry pollutants from one place to of smoke, dust, and vapour that can remain suspended for extended periods
another. Probably the most important natural source of air pollution is volcanic and is also the main source of haze which reduces visibility. The finer of these
activity, which at times pours great amounts of ash and toxic fumes into the particles, when breathed in can lodge in our lungs and cause lung damage and
atmosphere. The eruptions of such volcanoes as Krakatoa in Indonesia, Mt. St. respiratory problems.
Helens in Washington, USA and Katmai in Alaska, USA, have been related to
measurable climatic changes. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gas produced from burning coal, mainly in thermal
power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and
smelting of metals, produce sulphur dioxide. It is a major contributor to smog
and acid rain. Sulfur dioxide can lead to lung diseases.
 Common Pollutants Current Situations
Common Atmospheric Pollution Sources and their Pollutants:
Air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 air pollution in Philippines
Category Source Emitting pollutants
Agriculture Open burning Suspended particulate matter, 2019 AQI COUNTRY RANKING
carbon monoxide, volatile organic How does Philippines rank globally in air pollution?
compounds
- 57/ 98 countries ranked in 2019
Mining and Coal mining; crude oil Suspended particulate matter,
quarrying and gas production; sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen,
stone quarrying volatile organic compounds Effects of Air Pollution in the Philippines
Power Electricity; gas; steam Suspended particulate matter,
generation sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, Air pollution has been one of the most prominent problems here in
carbon monoxide, volatile organic the Philippines. This environmental problem has been escalating over the
compounds, sulphur trioxide, lead years and continues to affect our country’s environment negatively.
Transport Combustion engines Suspended particulate matter, It has been recognized by the Department of Environment and
sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, NaturalResources (DENR) that air pollution levels have become higher
carbon monoxide, volatile organic when in comparison to the acceptable levels that are set by the law. (Yap,
compounds, lead 2014).
Community Municipal incinerators Suspended particulate matter, This environmental problem is a problem to millions of Filipinos due
service sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, to our many fellow citizens because majority are regular commuters. As
carbon monoxide, volatile organic frequent commuters, many Filipinos are exposed to the pollutant-
compounds, lead containing air caused by the smoke that belch out from numerous cars,
https://sciencing.com/difference-between-human-natural-air-pollution-23687.html buses, jeepneys, and other modes of transportation here in the
Philippines. (Lowe, 2014).
Current Status: A major contributor to our country’s environmental problem, air
pollution, are the dark-colored fumes that belch out from the jeepneys.
Air Pollution in Philippines (Lorenzo, I). It has also been recognized in a worldwide view that 2 million
cars in our country cause 80% of air pollution. (Anonymous, 2014).
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, adverse air quality is Constantino (2010) says that this is due to the fact that jeepneys are all
responsible for around 2.2 million of the world's seven million premature deaths. diesel-fed thus contributing to such environmental problem. (France-
In the Philippines, air pollution has become one of the biggest health Presse, 2010).
emergencies, recording a total of 45.3 deaths for every 100,000 people due to air Diesel fuel is the mix of hydrocarbons through crude oil distillation.
pollution-the third-highest in the world, based on the 2018 WHO study. (Majewski, 2013). This causes dirty emissions, making it an unclean fuel.
Based on data provided by the Department of Transportation, more than 70 Diesel fuel also produces carcinogens, soot, and NOx. These substances
percent of pollutants come from mobile sources-the car you drive, or the jeepney or are both harmful to the environment and to people’s health.
bus you ride every day to and from work, compared to those sources that are
stationary such as a building or facility that emits air pollutant, showing that the
current transport sector is a major contributor for the pollution in our atmosphere .
Source: https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/263670053/air-pollution-has-become-
serious-threat-in-philippines#:~:text=In%20the%20Ph
 Impact of Air Pollutions
Impact of Air Pollution to Human:
Health impact of specific air pollutants
Some of these gases can seriously and adversely affect the health of the population
and should be given due attention by the concerned authority. The gases mentioned
below are mainly outdoor air pollutants but some of them can and do occur indoor
depending on the source and the circumstances.
Tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke generates a wide range of harmful chemicals and
is a major cause of ill health, as it is known to cause cancer, not only to the smoker
but affecting passive smokers too. It is well-known that smoking affects the passive
smoker (the person who is in the vicinity of a smoker and is not himself/herself a
smoker) ranging from burning sensation in the eyes or nose, and throat irritation, to
cancer, bronchitis, severe asthma, and a decrease in lung function.
Biological pollutants. These are mostly allergens that can cause asthma, hay fever,
and other allergic diseases.
Volatile organic compounds. Volatile compounds can cause irritation of the eye,
nose and throat. In severe cases there may be headaches, nausea, and loss of
coordination. In the longer run, some of them are suspected to cause damage to the
liver and other parts of the body.
Formaldehyde. Exposure causes irritation to the eyes, nose and may cause
allergies in some people.
Lead. Prolonged exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, digestive
problems, and in some cases cause cancer. It is especially hazardous to small
children.
Radon. A radioactive gas that can accumulate inside the house, it originates from
the rocks and soil under the house and its level is dominated by the outdoor air and
also to some extent the other gases being emitted indoors. Exposure to this gas
increases the risk of lung cancer.
Ozone. Exposure to this gas makes our eyes itch, burn, and water and it has also
been associated with increase in respiratory disorders such as asthma. It lowers our
resistance to colds and pneumonia.
Oxides of nitrogen. This gas can make children susceptible to respiratory diseases
in the winters.
Impact of Air Pollutions
Impact of Air Pollution to Human:
Carbon monoxide. CO (carbon monoxide) combines with hemoglobin to lessen
the amount of oxygen that enters our blood through our lungs. The binding with
other haeme proteins causes changes in the function of the affected organs such as
the brain and the cardiovascular system, and also the developing fetus. It can
impair our concentration, slow our reflexes, and make us confused and sleepy.
Sulphur dioxide. SO2 (sulphur dioxide) in the air is caused due to the rise in
combustion of fossil fuels. It can oxidize and form sulphuric acid mist. SO 2 in the air
leads to diseases of the lung and other lung disorders such as wheezing and
shortness of breath. Long-term effects are more difficult to ascertain as SO2
exposure is often combined with that of SPM.
SPM (suspended particulate matter). Suspended matter consists of dust, fumes,
mist and smoke. The main chemical component of SPM that is of major concern is
lead, others being nickel, arsenic, and those present in diesel exhaust. These
particles when breathed in, lodge in our lung tissues and cause lung damage and
respiratory problems. The importance of SPM as a major pollutant needs special
emphasis as a) it affects more people globally than any other pollutant on a
continuing basis; b) there is more monitoring data available on this than any other
pollutant; and c) more epidemiological evidence has been collected on the exposure
to this than to any other pollutant.
Impact of Air Pollution to Environment:
The constant pollution of the air has very negative effects on nature and on
human health. Those long-term and medium-term effects have become problems
that are difficult to solve.
Global Warming
Probably global warming is one of the most worrying effects for scientists and
environmentalists. Global warming is a direct consequence of the greenhouse
effect, which is produced by the high emission of CO2 and methane into the
atmosphere. Most of these emissions are produced by the industry, so this can be
remedied by social responsibility and action by companies and factories.
Climate Change
Climate Change is another consequence of global warming. When the temperature
of the planet increases, there is a disturbance in the usual climatic cycles,
accelerating the changes of these cycles in an evident way.
Due to climate change, the mass of the poles is melting, and this is leading to
flooding and the rising of sea levels.
 Impact of Air Pollutions
Acid Rain
The gases emitted by industries, power plants, boilers, heating and transport are very
toxic. Those gases include sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) issued
into the atmosphere that come from fossil fuels burning. When those substances
accumulate in the atmosphere and react with water, they form dilute solutions of nitric
and sulphuric acid, and when those concentrations become rain, both the
environment and surfaces suffer.
Smog effect
The smog effect or beret effect happens when there is a kind of dark fog concentrated
over the cities and fields. That fog is a load of pollutants and can be of 2 types:
sulphurous smog and photochemical smog, both dangerous and harmful to health.
Both types of smog are a consequence of industrial and urban action. However,
sulphurous smog has its origin mainly in the use of coal in many industrial processes.
That has been reduced in the most advanced countries – nevertheless, there are still
many developing countries that do not have treatment protocols for pollutants.
Deterioration of fields
Acid rain, climate change and smog all damage the Earth surface. Contaminated
water and gases seep into the earth, changing the composition of soils. That directly
affects agriculture, changing crop cycles and the composition of the food we all eat
Extinction of animal species
As the ice masses of the poles melt and sea levels rise, many animal species, whose
survival depends on oceans and rivers, are threatened. Currents change, ocean
temperatures change and migratory cycles change, and many animals are forced to
seek food in environments unknown to them. Deforestation and poor soil quality also
mean the disappearance of ecosystems and habitats. And definitively, an imbalance
in the behavior of many wild species.
Respiratory health problems
It is probably one of the most obvious and worrying effects for human beings.
Pollutants can cause respiratory illnesses and allergies ranging from coughs to
asthma, cancer or emphysema.
Inhalation of toxic agents directly affects the lungs and other organs that make up the
respiratory system. Also, poor oxygenation can lead to cardiovascular problems.
Deterioration in building materials
Air pollutants also deteriorate and change the constitution of building materials, so
many buildings and infrastructure are weakened, eroded or destroyed at an
accelerated rate over time.
Chemical Sensitivity
People develop intolerances and allergies to many agents present in the atmosphere
and to other external agents that can go through due to the holes in the ozone layer.
This is because there is a high concentration of chlorofluorocarbons that alter the
thickness of the ozone layer.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are released using aerosols, industrial refrigerants,
solvents and other very harmful chemicals.
Solutions
Skin Damage
Many of the chemical intolerances directly affect people’s skin. However, one of
the worst damage is skin cancer. That disease in many cases develops from the
direct incidence of ultraviolet light rays on the skin.
The ozone layer acts as a filter for those rays. If the ozone layer is thinner, the
effectiveness of the filter decreases, letting rays pass, which are very harmful to
humans.
Source: https://www.tecamgroup.com/effects-air-pollution-environment/
Possible Solutions/Mitigation Activities:
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP CLEAN THE AIR?
For vehicle owners/motorist:
 Maintain your vehicle by changing oil regularly (every 5,000 kilometers).
 Keep the engine well-tuned following the owner’s manual.
 Keep tires properly inflated.
 Plan trips and observe proper driving habits.
 Remove unnecessary things from the trunk. Don’t overload and travel
only at speed required by traffic regulations and road conditions.
For commuters:
 Try talking to the jeep/bus/tricycle driver about the high health risks of
poor vehicle maintenance and improper driving practices.
 Patronize mass railway transit (i.e., MRT, LRT)
For office workers:
 Reduce use of air conditioning and ensure that rooms are sealed.
 Make sure that lights are energy-efficient.
 Use company vehicles wisely and make sure that they are well-
maintained.
 Use natural lighting by opening window curtains at daytime.
At home:
 Use low watt bulbs or energy-saving lights.
 Limit the use of air conditioning units and keep the temperature a few
degrees higher.
 Don’t burn garbage.
 Avoid using aerosols.
 Properly dispose of refrigerant, refrigeration equipment, and used
coolant.
For everyone:
 Talk to people on what they can do about air pollution.
Possible Solutions/Mitigation Activities:
 Report smoke-belchers to LTO, MMDA, and/or the appropriate local D. Strengthening of ambient air monitoring, reporting ad management
government units. • EMB in cooperation with concerned government agencies
 Walk or ride your bike to places. • EMB Regional Offices
 Take the bus or mass rail transit whenever you can. E. Improvement of fuel quality
 Work with residential associations to stop burning of garbage. Change in composition of fuel quality:
• Department of energy (DOE)
 Plant trees. • DENR
 Spread the word about the ban on smoking in public places. • DTI-Bureau of Product Standards
• DOST
___________________ • Chamber of automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.
Lifted from: • Oil companies
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. • NGOs
Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. Examination of potential for alternative fuels:
• DOE
What is the Clean Air Act? • DOST
Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, is a • private sector groups
comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain F. Reduction in traffic congestion and improvement in traffic flow
healthy air for all Filipinos. Road rehabilitation Program:
The implementation of the Act is a multi-sectoral undertaking to be spearheaded by the • Department of Public Works and Highways
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The institutions involved in the Traffic engineering and Management:
implementation of the various components of the Act are as follows: • DOTC
A. Mitigation of air pollution from mobile sources • MMDA
Motor Vehicle Inspection System: • LGUs
• Land Transportation Office (LTO) • concerned government agencies
• Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Transport Policy Studies:
• private sector groups • MMDA
Private Emission Testing Centers: • DOTC-Light Railway Transport Authority
• DOTC-LTO • Philippine National Railway
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) • LGUs
• DENR G. Increasing public awareness
• private sector groups • DENR Public Affairs Office and the Environmental Education and Information
B. Reduction of emissions from vehicular use Division-EMB, with Partnership for Clean Air
Introduction of emission control technologies: • relevant government agencies
• DENR • Private sector
• DOTC • Civil society
• DTI
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Lifted from:
• Automotive industry Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air
Regulation in the importation of second-hand vehicles: Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office.
• Bureau of Customs-DOF
• Bureau of Import Services-DTI
• DOTC-LTFRB-LTO
C. Mitigation of air pollution from stationary sources Prepared:
Stack monitoring and related permitting:
• EMB and its regional offices LEONOR M. BAGNOS
• authorized/recognized private sector groups MaEd Student
Adjudication of air pollution cases: Environmental Issues and Concern
• - Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) First Sem., SY. 2020-2021
Funds for the Installation of Air Pollution control Facility:
• Land Bank of the Philippines
• Development Bank of the Philippines