Activity 3.3.1 Air Pollution Core Activity

 Air pollution

Air pollution is a global environmental crisis that threatens people's lives and health. Pollution happens when human activities like transportation, energy generation, and industrial operations emit dangerous compounds into the air. This article will introduce the concept of air pollution and compare the current Air Quality Index (AQI) as well as PM2.5 and PM10 levels.

Air Pollution Basics

The impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and human health are well-documented. Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and power plants all contribute significantly to air pollution. These are some of the most widespread types of pollution:

• Tiny airborne particles known as particulate matter (PM) may be breathed and, if they build up over time, may lead to health problems including asthma, heart disease, and stroke.

• Ozone (O3) is produced when volatile organic molecules and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunshine. Asthmatics are particularly susceptible to the effects of ozone pollution.

• By generating nitrogen dioxide, both power plants and automobiles contribute to air pollution. (NO2). It may worsen respiratory symptoms and contribute to the formation of acid rain.

• Industrial processes release sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas that may exacerbate respiratory problems and acid rain.

 

Air pollution has far-reaching consequences, including increased risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Some of the most susceptible groups to the health risks of air pollution include young children, the elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory disorders.

Comparison of Current AQI

The harm that air pollution presents to human health is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI). A scale from 0 to 500 is used to quantify pollution levels, with higher numbers indicating more dangerous situations. "Moderate" on the AQI scale is equal to 100, "unhealthy" is equal to 150, and "very unhealthy" is equal to 400.

As of 2021, Beijing, China, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Delhi, India, among other places, have some of the highest AQI scores on the planet. Los Angeles, Texas, Houston, California and New York City, New York are some of the American cities having the highest AQI values.

Comparison of Current PM2.5/03

One of the most dangerous air contaminants is particulate matter. PM2.5 and PM10 are two categories into which it may be separated. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is defined as particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, whereas PM10 is defined as PM2.5 times 10. Due to its ability to enter the lungs more deeply than PM10, PM2.5 is thought to be more dangerous.

As of the year 2021, the cities of India, Delhi,  Lahore, and Dhaka, Bangladesh are among those that have PM2.5 concentrations that are among the highest anywhere in the entire world. In the United States, Fairbanks, Fresno and Bakersfield are among the cities with the highest PM2.5 concentrations.

Ozone O3

Ozone, or O3, is a triatomic oxygen gas. The tropospheric ozone layer is created when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with sunlight, whereas the stratospheric ozone layer provides protection from the sun's UV radiation. Ozone in the atmosphere has been connected to a number of diseases and is a significant cause of ill health. Long-term exposure to high ozone levels may result in permanent lung damage, a higher risk of respiratory illnesses, and even early death. Shortness of breath, coughing, throat inflammation, and chest pain may all result from brief exposure. People who already suffer from respiratory disorders like asthma are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects as a result of exposure to ozone.

 

Table Template for Activity 3.3.1

 

Comparison of Current AQI

	Time of Day	AQI Current	AQI Forecast	PM2.5	O3
San Marcos (highest)	3:00 pm	36	Moderate	8	19
San Antonio, TX (Where I Live)	3:00 pm	34	Moderate	33	27
Los Angeles, CA	11:00 am	35	Good	2	86

 

 

 

 

Comparison of Current PM2.5 and O3 to EPA Standards

National Standard	San Antonio Current measured over 1 hour	Time of Day
PM2.5 Average measured over 24 hours - 35 μg/m3	33 µg/m3	3:00 pm
O3  Average measured over 8 hours - 70 ppb (137 µg/m3)	27 ppb	3:00 pm

In conclusion, air pollution is a major issue that has detrimental effects on people's health on a global scale. Reducing fossil fuel use, boosting renewable energy usage, and modernizing transportation infrastructure are all important steps toward achieving this goal of reduced air pollution. These are some potential courses of action to consider. Through concerted effort, we can create an environment that is good for everyone's health and improve the air quality.



References

 

Akimoto, H. (2017). Overview of policy actions and observational data for PM2. 5 and O3 in Japan: A study of urban air quality improvement in Asia. JICA-RI Working Paper, 137.

Colls, J. (2002). Air pollution. Taylor & Francis.

"Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution." Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics.

"Ozone Pollution." Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution.

"Current Air Quality Data." Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/currentair.