This invisible threat claims millions of lives around the world every year, but reduction, mitigation, and prevention plans are being initiated across every region. In this article, we highlight the human health and environmental impacts of air pollution, and how the United States is aiming to tackle this ongoing issue to create a safer and more sustainable planet.
How is air pollution produced?
Claiming the lives of approximately 7 million people each year, air pollution is one of the greatest risks to human health and environmental stability. In the US alone, around 64 million citizens are living with unsafe air, and though the quality has improved since 1990, an estimated 200,000 deaths are still recorded as associated with poor air quality annually.
The most common causes of air pollution from human activity include:
- Emissions and fossil fuels from transport vehicles, such as cars and planes, and factory emissions
- Toxins, such as radon, released from the use and disposal of construction materials
- Cigarette smoke
- Burning kerosene, wood, and coal for light, energy and indoor heating
However, some air pollution can be attributed to natural environmental sources, such as:
- The remnants of wildfires and volcanic ash from natural disasters
- Pollen and mold spores from plants, including trees, weeds, and grass
- Changing and unpredictable weather, such as dust storms, can carry industrial pollutants further afield
Sulfates, nitrates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone gases are some of the most common pollutants, which pose huge threats to both public health and the long-term sustainability of our environment.
How does air pollution affect human health?
Research into the short-term and long-term effects of exposure to indoor and outdoor (ambient) air pollution shows a number of dangerous health effects.
Long-term health impacts can include cancer (particularly in the lungs), cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
Alternatively, short-term impacts can include temporary illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches and dizziness, and nausea.
Vulnerable populations, categorized as children, the elderly, and poorer civilians with less access to medical care, are most at risk.
How does air pollution affect the environment?
When the air is polluted by particulate matter, these gases eventually find their way down into lakes, rivers, seas, and soil, corrupting their quality. The chemical damage to water sources and land can lead to the death of crops and plants that both humans and animals rely on. Further, acidified rain, caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, can decay plants and buildings.
Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions from burning fuels have an array of domino effects on the environment — most notably, increasing the global temperature. This, in turn, can melt sea ice, increase water levels and the likelihood of floods, harm habitats and marine life, and increase the chances of wildfires.
How does air pollution affect the US economy?
Thirdly, the consequences of air pollution can trigger financial losses across the globe, primarily in the form of accessible medical care.
The World Bank reported that air pollution costs the US economy more than USD 790 billion each year (5% of GDP) in welfare loss.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that each dollar the economy invests in cleaner air solutions, 30 – 90 dollars is saved in improved health.
How is the United States tackling air pollution?
As the effects of air pollution are felt around the world, various countries have begun implementing policies and regulations to reduce the harm to human health and the environment.
In the US, the EPA is the leading authority on reducing and mitigating air pollution in the country.
Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is a federal law which establishes air pollution and pollutant limits, as decided by the EPA. Limits on air pollutant emissions from chemical plants, steel mills, and utilities are covered in the Act, as well as details on ozone protection, noise pollution, vehicle emissions, and deteriorating air quality.
Some states are allowed to implement higher air pollution regulations, but aren’t permitted to accept any limits lower than those established by the EPA in the CAA.
Further EPA actions
The EPA continues to monitor and restrict air pollutants across the US with the following actions:
- Continuing to update new research into air quality and air pollution to develop regulations under the CAA and guide managers
- Revising the national air quality standards for fine particles, ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead to reflect new scientific findings
- Issuing rules or guidance for state implementation of ambient air quality standards
- Regulating implementation plans and measures for states who don’t meet the national air quality standards
- Monitoring vehicle emissions standards (Tier 3)
Tackling air pollution
Managing air pollution and mitigating the presence of pollutants is crucial for human health, environmental health, and a stable economy. Global businesses can commit to establishing policies and following regional regulations to reduce existing air pollution.
Here are some best practices businesses can implement to join the fight:
- Opt for cleaner technologies that emit fewer greenhouse gases and particulate matter
- Encourage or adopt the transition to electric vehicles or public transport, which are low-emission modes of transport
- Work on improving the energy efficiency of office buildings and facilities with more renewable options, such as solar and wind sources
- Manage waste and recycle effectively to reduce releasing toxins or harmful gases
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