Air pollution is one of the major environmental issues caused by the release of biological materials (carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead) and particulate matter that contaminate the atmosphere. When breathing in this polluted air, people become susceptible to various respiratory problems. New research has found that long-term exposure to polluted air can have long-term, damaging effects on the brain’s performance.
Chronic exposure to unsafe air can affect language and math skills, resulting in a significant drop in test scores for students. Additionally, the effect of air pollution is worse for the elderly, especially men aged over 64.
Xi Chen (a researcher at Yale School of Public Health) stated that even one year of reduced intelligence caused by polluted air is significant, and the problem is getting worse. Previous studies showed that children and young adults were at risk of inflammation of brain tissue and disruption of the blood-brain barrier due to prolonged exposure to bad air. However, air pollution’s impact on the aging brain is likely to impose substantial economic and health costs. Cognitive ability is crucial for adults, especially when verbalizing ideas, working through complicated tasks, and making critical decisions. The researchers added that mental consequences can impair both quality of life and financial stability, making a steep impact on a country’s economy.
Most of the research on the effects of air pollution has been done in China. The World Health Organization believes that these findings are relevant around the world because the majority of the global population is living in areas with poor and unsafe air (and it is considered to be the fourth highest cause of death worldwide). The combination of ambient and household air pollution has been linked to high mortality rates. Fine particulates and toxic air can seep into the lungs, causing cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory infections.
The Blacksmith Institute is a non-profit establishment that provides expertise to local agencies and is dedicated to cleaning up some of the most polluted areas in the world. The World’s Polluted Places states that urban and indoor air are the two worst pollution problems in the world. Unfortunately, 95 percent of the world’s population is exposed to (and breathes in,) polluted urban and indoor air around the clock. It is the buildup of hazardous gases in the atmosphere that aggravates existing health conditions. Additionally, Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia) have been linked to breathing polluted air.
What Can be Done to Fight Air Pollution
Since the industrial revolution, air pollution has continued to be a serious global problem. While many countries enforce stricter regulations to control the issue, there are still plenty of things that can be done. The key to creating a healthier life for all is to take steps to help reduce toxic air in the atmosphere. Everyone can play an important role in improving the air quality in our homes and in the community so that we can all breathe a little easier.
Here are things you can do to prevent air pollution:
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- Understand where air pollution comes from – Fight air pollution by learning its root causes and consequences. While you may know about particulate matter and harmful gases, you might be surprised to learn that ground-level ozone is the main cause of air pollution today. Unlike the natural ozone layer that shields our planet from harmful rays of the sun, ground-level ozone results from the chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This chemical reaction is caused by car exhaust fumes, gasoline vapours, chemical agents, and factory emissions. It leads to a number of upper respiratory problems (like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema). By reducing these key elements, you can effectively minimize your exposure to ground-level ozone.
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- Drive less – Reduce your use of automobiles by taking public transportation, walking, or riding a bike. You can help fight air pollution by combining errands, avoiding aggressive driving (to reduce emissions), and keeping your car tuned up (changing oil and air filters at recommended intervals.)
- Use eco-friendly home products – When buying household cleaning products, choose ones that do not contain strong chemicals that could harm and pollute the atmosphere. Instead:
- Use essential oils, flowers, or herbs to freshen the indoor air, instead of chemical-filled air fresheners. Opening windows regularly will allow fresh air to ventilate the house naturally.
- Opt for “green” or natural products, like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar, to clean areas in your house.
- Buy no-VOC or low-VOC paints, glue, sprays, paint strippers, and finishes and use a brush when painting your home.
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- Avoid smoking inside the house – In addition to creating air pollution, a cigarette contains 70 carcinogenic substances and toxins that can linger indoors for a long period of time. Some of the harmful compounds found in cigarettes are lead, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and arsenic. The level of these compounds can quickly escalate, especially when smoking in a confined space. This puts household members at risk for secondhand smoke exposure.
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- Plant more trees – Although trees do not prevent air pollution, planting trees around the house and in your neighbourhood can reduce the impact of air pollution by cleaning the air and creating oxygen. Trees have the ability to remove gaseous pollutants (including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide) and filter fine particulate matters in the air. With their natural air filtering ability, trees provide numerous benefits and significantly remove indoor air pollutants. They do, however, require regular care and maintenance to grow strong and healthy. Shade trees in particular, provide cover and can cool the air temperature a few degrees, making them a great alternative to air conditioners.
Taking simple steps and making lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your exposure to air pollutants. Doing so will not only improve your physical health, but it will also help protect the health and performance of your brain.
Plant a tree to help reduce air pollution around the perimeter of your house. For the best selection of trees in GTA, call Caledon Treeland at (905) 880-1828. You can also come and visit our farm to select your own trees and create a beautiful landscape for your property. Our team of tree specialists can supply, move, and install a variety of trees at competitive prices.