Air quality
Published in July 21, 2020 |
by Johnna Crider
July 21, 2020 by Johnna crider
A new study shows that more than half of the world’s population is exposed to increasing air pollution. This may seem obvious, but research is always a good thing, especially when it comes to answering the kind of who, what, when, and where questions needed to solve problems.
Led by Professor Gavin Shaddick of the University of Exeter, the study was conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization. The findings show that global efforts to improve air quality are not working as well as they should. Many people breathe in higher levels of polluted air.
The WHO estimated that more than 4 million deaths each year are the result of outdoor air pollution. “While long-term policies to reduce air pollution have been shown to be effective in many regions, especially Europe and the United States, there are still regions that have dangerously high levels of air pollution, some as much as five times higher that the world Health Organization guidelines, and in some countries, air pollution continues to rise, ”said Professor Shaddick.
Some of the worst experiencing areas are Central and South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. These populations are continually exposed to increasing levels of air pollution. Furthermore, the majority of the world population is still exposed to levels of air pollution well above the WHO Air Quality Guidelines.
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Via npj Climate and Atmospheric Science ISSN 2397-3722 (online).
The image above shows the average annual PM2.5 concentrations for 2016 at the top of the image. PM2.5 are particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which are more than 100 times thinner than a lock of hair. At the bottom of the image, show the differences in concentrations between 2010 and 2016.
“Although air pollution affects high- and low-income countries equally, low- and middle-income countries experience the greatest burden,” the report notes. These highest concentrations, as you can see at the top of the image, focus on Central Asia, the eastern and southern parts of Asia, as well as the worst countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Confused about the latter? Dust and sand from the desert are the sources of the high concentrations seen in parts of the Middle East, Asia, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The increase in PM2.5 in this area is, in particular, on par with the prediction of an increase in desert dust caused by climate change.
Marked differences in concentrations by geographic location
55.3% of the world population has been exposed to these increased levels of PM2.5 between 2010 and 2016. However, the study noted that there are differences in the direction and magnitude of global trends. In both North America and Europe, population weighted average annual concentrations fell from 12.4 to 9.8 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg / m3), while they increased in Central and South Asia from 54.8 to 61.5 μg / m3.
The study explained that the lowest values observed in North America and Europe were the result of implemented regulations 30 years ago. This led to a decrease in air pollution in recent decades. Cuts in coal pollution were highlighted in particular. This was due to the Clean Air Act and similar “smoke control” legislation that was introduced a few decades ago.
Endnotes
From this study you can learn how long-term policies aimed at reducing air pollution have proven to be effective. They have been implemented in many countries, such as the United States and countries in Europe. However, even with countries that have the cleanest air, there are still large numbers of people exposed to harmful levels of air pollution.
The study also showed that this problem and the need to solve it are not limited only to cities. There are many people around the world living in rural areas who are exposed to levels above the guidelines. An example of this is how fecal dust from cattle fattening pens is suffocating those who live in rural communities that have livestock.
Fecal dust is trapped in strong winds and creates a wall of dust that flows through cities. It covered houses and businesses while limiting visibility. That is just an example. In Central and South Asia, from 2010 to 2016, population-weighted concentrations in rural areas increased by 11%. That was mainly driven by large rural populations in India. In these populations, 67.2% lived in rural areas.
Solutions?
In many parts of the world, people wear face masks to prevent the spread of viruses. One thing I have noticed when using them and chewing gum is that they can make breathing easier. Even in the humidity, the air didn’t feel as harsh in my lungs. I have asthma and I had what the doctors thought was Covid (the tests were negative because I was recovering when they finally tested me), so I may be a little more sensitive to my lungs than the average, healthy person. However, I definitely noticed.
Americans are divided when it comes to wearing masks, but I feel like they can protect more than just viruses. (However, I am not a doctor or a scientist, so I could be 100% wrong). However, the most obvious solution is to stop polluting the air. However, companies are not going to stop trying and Trump and Pence are about to destroy the EPA. So, for the moment, take matters into your own hands. Things like humidifiers, salt lamps, masks, and other ways to clean the air help.
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About the Author
Johnna Crider is a Baton Rouge artist, gem and mineral collector, member of the International Gem Society, and a Tesla shareholder who believes in Elon Musk and Tesla. Elon Musk advised him in 2018 to “believe in good.” Tesla is one of the many good things to believe in. You can find Johnna on Twitter
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