Air Quality: Concepts and Problems Associated with Air Pollution
What is air quality?
The degree to which air is free of undesirable health-related and unwanted visible features (dirt, smog). This information is mostly acquired for specific harmful matter in the air, including bioterrorism agents.(1) There are also concerns with indoor air quality, within our homes and offices. These concerns have to do with toxic agents used for cleaning (household cleaners, dry cleaned clothes) and natural sources (radon, poor air exchange).
This is also a problem when we discuss sustainability and sustainable home designs because of their inherent nature in producing more sealed home and business ‘envelopes’ where air does not leak as much. In some cases, exhaust fans and means of exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air is necessary.
What is air pollution?
Generally any substance that people introduce into the atmosphere that has damaging effects on living things and the environment is considered air pollution. (2)
Carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) is the main pollutant associated with global warming when it is associated with cars, airplanes, power plants and other human activities associated with burning fossil fuels (gasoline and natural gas).
Ozone occurring at ground level is caused when nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons react with sunlight. In the upper levels of the atmosphere, it is beneficial and protects humans from UV radiation.
Methane gas (also a greenhouse gas) is the gas emitted by livestock or swamps and contributes to air pollution.
Sulfur dioxide is a component of smog, and associated with acid rain.
Particulate matter includes small and large particles suspended in the air that enter into people’s lungs. These are produced by construction, rock quarries, tractors working in fields, gas powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, power plants, and the burning of wood.
Who is affected by air pollution?
Those people who are mostly affected by air pollution are those with lung compromise (lung cancer, COPD, asthma and heart disease) and young children, whose lungs are not fully formed. People that exercise outdoors need to take special precaution due to deeper inhalation of the air they breathe.
What can be done to minimize the affects of air pollution?
Become familiar with websites that give current information to your area. Newspapers sometimes list this information, although the better bet is your online source. One such site is: Air Quality in My City. On days with moderate or high indices, indoor activity is advised.
Air Quality Index
(AQI) Values) Levels of Health Concern Colors
When the AQI is in this range: …air quality conditions are: ..as symbolized by this color:
0-50 Good Green
51-100 Moderate Yellow
101-150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Orange
151 to 200 Unhealthy Red
201 to 300 Very Unhealthy Purple
301 to 500 Hazardous Maroon
Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. The six levels of health concern and what they mean are:
* “Good” AQI is 0 – 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
* “Moderate” AQI is 51 – 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
* “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” AQI is 101 – 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air. .
* “Unhealthy” AQI is 151 – 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. .
* “Very Unhealthy” AQI is 201 – 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
* “Hazardous” AQI greater than 300. This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Air Quality Index Chart and Description
In my area (Phoenix), a few things have been done to help with air pollution solutions. We have implemented carpool lanes, and are in the process of building a light rail system to discourage folks from driving alone in their cars. A few years back people who invested in hybrid or electric vehicles were receiving rebates and rewards from the federal government.
Here is the 'brown cloud' that hovers over Phoenix caused by air particulate matter.
Back in 2000, then Governor Jane Hull formed the Governor’s Brown Cloud Summit, where she gathered local politicians and business people to study the issue for 10 months. They concluded that the community collectively held the most power, and encouraged the businesses to make mindful decisions.
Although air pollution can worsen already compromised health and lung conditions and bring on asthma in children, the affects are quickly improved with better air quality.