Knowing how to reduce air pollution is a major priority all across the world. The effects of suspended liquids and particles in our atmosphere pose significant hazards to the health of living things. Air pollutants are dangerous, not only because of inhalation and resulting health problems, but also because of safety hazards posed by limited visibility due to smog, and the effects on climate change.
To reduce air pollution, federal, state, and local laws will place limits on emissions that are allowed to enter the atmosphere through regulations on machinery, equipment, and industry overall. Manufacturers of equipment that produce airborne emissions must adhere to these requirements.
Individuals can also take steps to reduce air pollution by relying on public transportation and driving less, using filters on chimneys and vents, avoiding the burning of wood, charcoal, and other substances, avoid using gas-powered equipment, such as leaf blowers. Collectively, companies, organizations, and individuals can take many steps to reduce the amount of airborne pollution.
When Did Air Pollution Start?
Human-caused air pollution has been a reality for centuries. Agriculture and metallurgy of the ancient world have had an impact on the environment and the atmosphere because these activities release carbon dioxide and methane gas, which is a major contributor to air pollution.
The establishment of cities and concentrated centers of human activity have always affected air quality, as the collective burning of fuel for heat, light, and power, and the natural release of methane by crops and domesticated animals, have caused the buildup of pollutants in the atmosphere causing unhealthy air quality. However, prior to the earliest days of the industrial revolution and increased coal burning in the 1700s, human-caused air pollution had not yet been substantial enough to alter the climate. After the Industrial Revolution, energy demands, growing urban populations, and the prevalence of factories and machinery have started what is now a major flow of airborne pollutants that have contributed to global warming.
Air Pollution From Factories, Infrastructure, And Modern Life
Air pollution from factories, transportation, businesses, and homes has a major effect on our atmosphere and the livability of our planet. Factory emissions can be especially concerning for the various types of particulate matter that’s released into the air—in addition to the carbon and methane that are released when energy sources are burned for electricity.
To reduce the air emissions and pollutants that are caused by modern infrastructure and daily life, there are simple and complex things that can be done. Switching to carbon-neutral and sustainable sources of energy can amount to a drastic reduction in airborne pollutants. Utilizing technology and making improvements to pollution sources also has a significant effect. This includes incorporating filters, oxidizers, and other emission neutralizing technology to prevent particles from entering the atmosphere.
Can Bad Air Quality Make You Sick?
Anyone who wakes up to smog and haze where they live and/or work will often wonder: Why is the air quality so bad? and Can bad air quality make you sick? Poor air quality can create health problems that are acute and chronic. Air pollution can increase lung inflections, inflame the eyes and respiratory system, and make it difficult to breathe.
Air pollution can impact cardiovascular health by increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Bad air quality can also exasperate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other chronic conditions.
Article Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com
https://www.smithsonianmag.com
https://www.lung.org
