Understanding Air Pollution

What is Air Pollution

Air pollution by definition refers to the presence of undesirable components (above the set limits) that contaminate the air and are detrimental to human health, the ecosystem or the planet as a whole. These pollutants can cause a range of health issues and environmental problems, affecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions.

Types of Pollutants

Particulate Matter

PM 10
PM 2.5
PM 1

Gaseous

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) – include Nitric Oxide [NO] and Nitrogen Dioxide [NO2]
Ozone
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Volatile Organic Compounds (vocs)

Heavy Metals

Lead
Mercury
Zinc
Chromium
Cobalt
Cadmium

Understanding the Types of Pollutions

Outdoor Air Pollution

Outdoor air pollution is also known as Ambient air pollution. This pollution is caused by emissions from cars, trucks, industries, construction sites, and many more activities. These emitted pollutants are harmful to our health. Out of all pollutants, Fine Particulate matter is most harmful. Majority of the fine particulate matter comes from the burning of coal diesel and petrol by vehicles, power plants, industries and biomass burning.

Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution is also known as household air pollution. It means contamination of air inside houses, buildings and work areas. Chulhas, dust & smoke contribute to household air pollution. Indoor Air pollution is equally, if not more harmful than Outdoor air pollution.

Common Outdoor Air Pollutants:

PM10: Particles with 1o micron diameter. Majorly contains dust particles which can pass through nose, throat & enter lungs.
PM2.5: Smoking and second-hand tobacco contributes to indoor air pollution and it also raises risk for cancer and heart attacks

Gaseous

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): This gas is colourless and has strong odour. It is formed from the burning of coal, petrol, diesel, etc.
Nitrogen Oxide (NO2): It is formed by burning of coal, petrol, diesel and natural gas. NOx combines with SO2 to form acid rain.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): It is produced during incomplete burning of coal, petrol, diesel, wood & natural gas.
Ozone (O3): Ground level ozone is harmful to our health. It is emitted by cars, chemical plants & power plants, etc.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are produced from burning of petrol, diesel and coal. VOCs are also released from glues, dry cleaning products, etc.

Common Outdoor Air Pollutants:

Particulate matter: Biggest contributor is outside air. Other indoor sources may include heaters, Chulhas, burning of wood, etc.
Tobacco: Smoking and second-hand tobacco contributes to indoor air pollution and it also raises risk for cancer and heart attacks
Chulhas: Smoke from burning wood, cow-dung and crop waste for cooking is very harmful as it leads to respiratory diseases and lung infections.
Dust: Fine particles of Dust can enter our nose, throat and lungs which can be harmful for our health. Dust also acts as a carrier for bacteria and viruses

Air Quality Index

AQI is a measure of the level of air pollution, which takes into consideration the levels of 8 major pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, Pb) in the area. It is a figure derived from a formula that takes into account the levels of all these 8 major pollutants in accordance with their importance and contribution towards the air quality. Since AQI incorporates multiple air pollutants, it offers a more comprehensive picture of air quality compared to PM₂.₅ or any other pollutant level alone.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) simplifies complex air pollution data into an easy-to-understand number, colour code, and health risk information. As AQI rises (worse air quality), health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, increase. Six AQI categories, each with a colour, inform the public about air quality and encourage action towards cleaner air. AQI levels directly correlate with the extent of damage to health and well-being.

A Comparison of WHO and Indian Air Quality Standards:

AQI levels and Health Effects

Know your Air Quality in your City

The Toll of Air Pollution on Health

Air pollution is a major environmental health risk, affecting individuals across all demographics. It has both immediate and long-term affects on health, contributing to a variety of diseases and conditions. The severity of these impacts depends on the type of pollutants, duration of exposure. and individual susceptibility.

Short-Term Health Impacts

Short-term exposure to air pollution can lead to immediate health effects, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions. Some of the short-term health impacts include:

Long-Term Health Impacts

Long-term exposure to air pollution has more severe and chronic health effects. These impacts can develop over the years and significantly reduce life expectancy and quality of life.

Short-Term Health Impacts

Short-term exposure to air pollution can lead to immediate health effects, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions. Some of the short-term health impacts include:

Long-Term Health Impacts

Long-term exposure to air pollution has more severe and chronic health effects. These impacts can develop over the years and significantly reduce life expectancy and quality of life.