Air Pollution: A National Problem

Air Pollution: A National Problem with a Local Solution

By Emily Feldman

As a nation, our air is markedly cleaner that it was before the passage of the Clean Air Act nearly 40 years ago.  However, since that time, science has taught us that air pollution can be harmful at lower levels and less exposure than originally thought.  Tack on global warming and energy inefficiency to the problem, and we are now faced with escalating trouble, despite the growing efforts to reduce pollution sources.

It’s natural to want to blame big industry, factories and semi trucks for the air pollution, soot and smog that plague the country.  But when it comes down to it, there are many causes that affect our air quality.  While big industry may be a factor, each one of us has our own effect on the air we breathe.  Simple changes to our daily routine could have a huge effect on the air quality of our nation.

The first step to solving any problem is knowledge.  In order to conquer the beast, you must first understand how it came to be.  When it comes to air pollution, there are many different forms that exist.  The two most prevalent and widely known are ground-level ozone and particulate matter.  Ozone, a main component in smog, forms when heat and sunlight mix with emissions from sources such as smokestacks and tailpipes.  The molecule that is created (O3) is exactly the same as the ozone in the upper atmosphere that protects us from harmful radiation.  At ground level though, it is extremely dangerous.  It irritates the lining of the throat, nose and lungs causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and pain.  Repeated exposure can scar lung tissue and cause chronic problems such as lung disease, heart attacks, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Particulate matter pollution poses many of the same health risks.  This type of pollution is caused when liquid droplets found in the air mix with solid particles such as dirt, soot, dust or smoke.  Some particles are emitted directly from a source like unpaved roads, smokestacks or construction sites, but most particles form in the atmosphere with chemicals emitted from power plants, automobiles and industries.  Particles come in many shapes, sizes and chemical compositions.  Some are big enough to be seen with the naked eye, while others can only be seen through a microscope.  Most particles are small enough to get deep into the lungs, aggravating asthma and bronchitis, irritating airways and decreasing lung function.  Like ozone, increased exposure to particulate matter pollution can also cause chronic bronchitis, lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

Now for the good part: the solution.  There are many simple things that we can each do to cut back on air pollution.  One major solution is using your car less.  This includes carpooling, using public transportation, combining trips, biking and walking.  The U.S. uses about half of the world’s gasoline, most of it going into individual cars, whose emissions are a big factor in air pollution.  When taking your car is the most sensible option, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and trade in dirty diesel engines and gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient models.  Also, fill up your gas tank after 8 p.m. when the sun is less intense.  Never top off your tank - this only releases more emissions into the air.  Finally, conserve electricity because every bit you save adds up to less pollution from the power plant supplying it.  

There are many other ways in which you can help reduce pollution.  Additional tips and more information about improving air quality can be found at www.DoYourShare.org.   While this website is geared toward the population in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, it offers pertinent information no matter where you’re located.  Furthermore, many cities have their own causes set up to fight air pollution on the local level.

Sure, tackling bigger sources of pollution will have to be done, but can you think of a better way than leading by example?  This is one problem that can be solved from the bottom up.

Emily Feldman is a Clean Air Assistant at the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments