What Is Air Pollution, Its Causes And How To Improve It: All FAQs Answered

India's vulnerability to climate-related health risks has reached alarming levels, with over 80 per cent of the population now exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change. Delhi is currently witnessing a thick layer of smog, with the air quality reaching the "severe" category for the third day in a row. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) has hit 498, making it the world's second most polluted city. Lahore, Pakistan, tops the list with an AQI of 770. According to IQAir, a Swiss company that tracks air quality, these rankings are based on the concentration of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the air, which is a major health risk.

What is the ideal air quality?

An AQI of below 50 is categorised as "Good". When AQI exceeds 100, the air quality becomes unhealthy, first affecting sensitive groups such as children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions.

What causes poor air quality?

Poor air quality is caused by vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels. Other factors include agricultural activities, construction dust, and natural events like wildfires and dust storms.

How to improve air quality?

Reducing vehicle emissions by measures such as carpooling, promoting the use of public transport and switching to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind helps improve air quality. Planting more trees, reducing industrial pollution, and using eco-friendly products can also help. Controlling waste burning and adopting stricter regulations on emissions are also key steps to cleaner air.

Why is it important to reduce air pollution?

Improving air quality is essential for both human health and the environment. Poor air quality harms the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, leading to serious health risks. It also damages plants, buildings, and infrastructure. Furthermore, smoke and haze reduce visibility, impacting safety and daily activities. Reducing pollutants can help mitigate these harmful effects.

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air that can negatively affect human health, the environment, and the climate. These pollutants include chemicals, particles, and biological materials, such as smoke, dust, and gases like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Air pollution is caused by both natural sources, like wildfires and volcanic eruptions, and human activities, such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of fossil fuels.

How long has air pollution been a problem?

Air pollution has been a problem for centuries, with Hippocrates recognising its health risks around 400 BC. During the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840), urban areas saw dangerous pollution levels. The 1952 Great London Smog caused thousands of deaths and led to the UK's Clean Air Act in 1956. In the late 20th century, issues like acid rain and ground-level ozone grew. By the 21st century, East and South Asia became major sources of emissions. Notable pollution events include the 1948 Donora disaster, which caused 20 deaths, and smelter damage in 1960. These events underscore the need to address air pollution.

Where does air pollution come from?

Air pollution comes from both natural and human-made sources. Natural sources include wildfires and dust storms, while human activities like vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants, and agriculture are the main contributors. The burning of fossil fuels, waste, and biomass releases harmful pollutants into the air.

Is air pollution mainly a local problem or can it travel long distances?

Air pollution comes from various sources, including vehicles, industrial activities, burning fuels like coal and wood, and agricultural practices such as land clearing and forest fires. Household sources also contribute, especially when burning biomass or kerosene for cooking. Pollutants can travel long distances, even across continents, and impact areas far from their origin.

How does air pollution affect human health?

Air pollution can have serious health effects, especially on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Exposure to pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and stroke. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and other chronic diseases. Air pollution can also affect the brain, leading to cognitive decline and other mental health issues.

How does air pollution affect children's health?

Air pollution can harm children's health by causing breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis, and can lower brain development, affecting cognitive skills. It can also lead to premature births or low birth weight. Long-term exposure may cause lifelong health issues, including respiratory problems in adulthood. Children are more vulnerable because they breathe faster and are closer to the ground, where pollutants are concentrated.

Does gender impact how air pollution affects health and well-being?

Studies suggest that women may be more vulnerable to respiratory issues like asthma and pregnancy complications due to hormonal differences, while men may have a higher risk of heart disease from pollution. Both genders are at risk, with the impact influenced by age, lifestyle, and exposure. In children, boys may be more affected in early life, while girls face more effects later. These differences could be due to biological factors, exposure patterns, or both.

Is there a safe level of air pollution to protect your health?

No level of air pollution is completely safe for health. Even low levels of pollutants can have negative effects, especially with long-term exposure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends keeping particulate matter (PM2.5) levels below 10 micrograms per cubic metre to minimise health risks.

What effects does air pollution have on food, crops, forests and biodiversity?

Air pollution harms crops, forests, and biodiversity. Pollutants like ozone reduce crop yields and make plants less resilient, threatening food security. Acid rain, caused by pollutants like sulphur dioxide, damages trees, weakens forests and disrupts ecosystems. This also harms wildlife, particularly in water, where pollutants affect oxygen levels and water quality.

How is acid rain connected to air pollution?

Acid rain is closely connected to air pollution. It forms when pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the air by vehicles, factories, and power plants. These pollutants mix with water vapour in the atmosphere and react to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When these acids fall to the ground as rain, snow, or fog, they are referred to as acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests, harm aquatic life, and degrade buildings, making it a harmful consequence of air pollution.

How do I know the level of the pollution problem in my community?

To determine the level of pollution in your community, you can start by checking the AQI, which provides real-time information on pollutants like particulate matter and ozone. Many websites and apps, such as AirVisual or AQICN, offer up-to-date air quality data for your area. Local environmental or health agencies can also provide official reports on pollution levels. Visible signs like haze, smog, or soot on buildings may indicate poor air quality. If you experience health symptoms such as respiratory problems or eye irritation, it could be a sign of high pollution in your environment.

Has air pollution been solved anywhere?

While air pollution hasn't been fully solved anywhere, some cities have made progress. For example, Los Angeles and London have improved air quality by enforcing stricter emissions rules and promoting cleaner transport. Beijing has worked to cut down coal use, and Copenhagen focuses on cycling and clean energy.

What actions can governments take to improve air quality?

Governments can revise emission standards, promote clean fuels like CNG and LPG, and expand renewable energy sources. Supporting electric vehicles, creating clean air zones, and investing in public transportation are also key steps. Improving waste management, promoting green buildings, and taxing carbon or petrol can also help reduce pollution.

Why is regional cooperation crucial for managing air pollution?

Regional cooperation is important for managing air pollution because pollutants can cross borders and affect neighbouring areas. By working together, countries can share data, align rules, and take joint action to reduce pollution.

What is the role of air quality monitoring in air quality management?

Air quality monitoring helps track pollution levels and identify sources of pollution. It supports timely actions, helps create policies, and protects public health. It also helps measure the effectiveness of air quality improvements and raises awareness.

What actions can businesses and industry take to reduce air pollution?

Businesses can reduce air pollution by using clean energy, maintaining equipment, and reducing waste. They can switch to eco-friendly materials, encourage remote work, and support electric vehicles. Following environmental rules and investing in carbon capture can also help protect air quality.

What can I do to improve air quality in my community?

You can help improve air quality by reducing car use, using public transport, cycling, or walking. Save energy by turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances. Plant trees and support local green spaces. Avoid burning waste and encourage recycling. Educate others about the importance of clean air and support policies that reduce pollution.

How are air pollution and climate change connected?

Air pollution and climate change are connected because many of the same pollutants that harm air quality also contribute to global warming. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, is released from burning fossil fuels and is a key driver of climate change. Other pollutants like black carbon (soot) and methane not only degrade air quality but also trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to rising temperatures. Reducing air pollution can help fight climate change by decreasing these harmful emissions.

How is air pollution connected to sustainable development?

Air pollution impacts health, the environment, and the economy, which are key aspects of sustainable development. It causes diseases, harms ecosystems, and contributes to climate change. Reducing air pollution supports healthier communities, cleaner energy, and protects natural resources, helping achieve sustainable development goals.

Is clean air a human right?

While the right to a clean environment is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution, the judiciary has interpreted it as part of the right to life under Article 21.

How do wildfires contribute to air pollution?

Wildfires contribute to air pollution by releasing smoke, harmful gases like carbon monoxide, and tiny particles (PM2.5) into the air. These pollutants can spread over long distances, lowering air quality and causing health problems, especially for people with respiratory issues. Wildfires also release gases that contribute to climate change.

What are the economic impacts of air pollution?

Air pollution impacts the economy by increasing healthcare costs, reducing productivity, damaging crops, and harming industries. It also causes property damage and can deter tourism, straining public health systems and economic growth.