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| How to Save the World from Air Pollution |
How to Save the World from Air Pollution
As the global population expands, cities become more and more crowded. And with increased populations comes increased air pollution. In fact, an astounding 90% of the world’s population lives in areas where air pollution levels are deemed unsafe. So how we can solve the air pollution issue? Read on to learn about some of the best ways to improve our environment and keep people safe from harmful pollutants in the air we breathe.
The most important facts about air pollution
As per our environment ministry and various international reports, India is suffering from air pollution and has one of the highest death rates due to air pollution, especially in cities. As per a study conducted by Lancet medical journal in 2015, there are more than 1.1 million deaths each year in India that are linked to exposure to polluted air. The same report also says that around 13% of all premature deaths in India can be attributed as due to exposure to toxic levels of pollutants in our atmosphere.
What causes environmental damage
The major culprit is carbon dioxide (CO2), which mainly comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. If you’re running a business, or just about anything else for that matter, you can lessen your CO2 footprint by turning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water. Switching to electric vehicles is another way you can reduce pollution caused by cars.
How does air pollution affect you?
Did you know that air pollution is actually responsible for seven million deaths worldwide each year? Most of these deaths come as a result of long-term exposure, but short-term exposure has been known to produce respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even neurological disorders. To make matters worse, there are approximately 50 million premature deaths globally caused by non-air pollution sources each year—roughly 35% of which are related to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
How can we solve it?
Our first step is recognizing that we have a problem. That’s happening more and more, as air pollution begins to emerge as one of today’s most pressing health issues. According to The Lancet, 92% of cities in low- and middle-income countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants do not meet WHO air quality guidelines—and thus far, efforts have largely been restricted to indoor sources such as cookstoves and kerosene lamps.
Read more here.
#2 If you live in a smoggy area, or if you’re used to breathing clean air but plan on visiting an area with poor air quality, do your body a favor by wearing an appropriate face mask that protects against particulate matter and gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These toxic pollutants are known for their ability to penetrate deep into human tissue, so wear one when you think air pollution will be high. Wear them as directed and replace your filters regularly.