HIAW - Effects of Air Pollution Lesson

Effects of Air Pollution

What's the Big Deal?

So we have air pollution. What's the big deal? How does this affect our daily lives?

Watch the video below to learn the effects of air pollution in one of the most polluted cities in the world.

What worries you the most about air quality?

The Damage

Toxic or hazardous air pollutants are a category of pollutants that are known to cause serious health problems or adverse environmental effects. Most of the toxic air pollutants come from anthropogenic sources such as cars, factories, building materials, and cleaning products.

It Can Cause Health Problems

Exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems such as damage to the nervous system, damage to the immune system, issues with fertility and reproduction, birth defects, developmental issues, and most commonly respiratory disease. Although not fatal, chronic bronchitis and asthma are two common afflictions that seriously impact human health due to air pollution. Chronic bronchitis and asthma are caused by particulate matter, oxides, and acids of sulfur and nitrogen.

EPA, AQI & CAA

The EPA has identified 187 pollutants that they deem as toxic. Their goal is to reduce the emissions of these hazardous substances in our homes and environment. This is done through regulations on emissions from major industrial sources, mobile sources, and close monitoring of emissions that might affect indoor air quality. The EPA monitors and alerts the public to issues with pollutants using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is used to calculate air quality daily using the five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act (CAA). As shown in the picture below, different air quality levels are assigned a color to help the public quickly understand when air pollution is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities.

Many of these conditions cause persistent inflammation of the bronchial linings that can eventually make breathing difficult. Lung cancer and emphysema are two more serious and sometimes fatal conditions that are caused by exposure to air pollutants.

Because of the concentration of population and motorized vehicles, cities often have high levels of air pollution. 

Indoor Air Pollution

Air pollution can also occur inside a house or building. Modern building techniques are the main cause of this issue. Newer houses and buildings are well insulated and sealed allowing for very little exchange of inside air with outside air.

Compound this with the fact that chemicals from the manufacturing processes of items such as plastics, carpets, building materials, paints, cleaning products, furniture, etc., can accumulate in the air and become harmful.

This phenomenon where air pollutants inside a house or building accumulate until the point where they are unsafe is known as sick building syndrome. The best strategy for preventing sick building syndrome is the creation of efficient ventilation systems in every home. 

Two Most Common Pollutants

Two of the most common pollutants in our homes are Radon and Asbestos.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is another significant source of indoor pollution. Any home may have a radon problem, but it is typically found in areas with porous soils overlying rocks that contain uranium. Radon gas can seep into the home and accumulate in a similar manner to air pollutants in sick building syndrome. Sometimes radon can enter into a household through the water if it is supplied from a well. In very rare cases radon gas can be given off by the building materials of the home itself According to the EPA, 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated level of radon in the air Radon gas is a concern because it can cause cancer. Smokers who are regularly exposed to radon gas are at a particularly high risk of developing lung cancer. This is known as a synergistic relationship.

Asbestos is a type of mineral fiber that can be found in rocks and soil and is a particulate indoor pollutant. In the past, asbestos was used in a variety of building and construction materials because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties. When buildings with this type of material are remodeled or demolished, its fibers can be released into the air. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos and smoking have a synergistic relationship, and smokers are at a particularly high risk at developing lung problems when exposed to this substance. Asbestos can still be found in many products, but it has been banned, particularly in building materials, where there is a threat of it entering into the air. For example, the Clean Air Act (CAA) has banned asbestos from its use in insulation.

Review Air Pollution and Your Health

Learn the basics about the effect of air pollutants on health by watching the video below. 

Ozone Layer Destruction

The ozone layer helps protect us from harmful rays from the sun. It is getting damaged from air pollution such as bromine-containing pesticides and fire extinguisher chemicals and CFCs from spray cans. Ozone depletion can cause increased amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth which can lead to more cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems. UV rays can also damage sensitive crops, such as soybeans, and reduce crop yields. Some scientists suggest that marine phytoplankton (tiny, plant-like photosynthesizers), which are the base of the ocean food chain, are already under stress from UV radiation. This stress could have adverse consequences for human food supplies from the oceans.

Acid Precipitation

Acid clouds can grow on SO₂ emissions from refineries, as seen here in Curaçao.

Acid precipitation can cause corrosion and damage to materials such as metals (such as bronze), paint, and stone (such as marble and limestone).

Check out the effects of acid rain on the statues in the image below.

Effects of Air Pollution Challenge

Before You Go, You Need To Know

The following key points are from this explore section of the lesson. You must know the following information before moving to the next lesson. This is just a summary of the key points.

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS  OR OPEN SOURCE