Air Pollution: A Hidden Danger

Air Pollution: A Hidden Danger

Air pollution is a growing global issue that occurs when the atmosphere is contaminated with various gases and fine particulate matter that exceeds the air’s natural ability to disperse and dilute them.

Six main contributors to air pollution:

• Carbon monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as wood and coal in oxygen-deficient conditions. The highest CO concentrations in the air typically occur between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm. CO has a higher affinity for hemoglobin in the blood than oxygen, leading to hypoxia.

• Lead (Pb): Released from gasoline, batteries, etc. Lead has serious health effects, particularly on children, causing neurological damage and affecting brain development. In adults, lead can cause cardiovascular problems.

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Produced from combustion processes (motor vehicle emissions, factories, lightning). NO2 is a major component of aerosol nitrates, contributing to PM2.5 formation. NO2 can negatively affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

• Ozone (O3): Bad ozone is formed through chemical reactions between NOx and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) under the influence of heat and sunlight. Ozone harms the lungs, causing pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Released from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, ore). SO2 has a distinctive pungent odor and can react with other substances in the air to form PM2.5. SO2 irritates the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, mucus production, and may worsen asthma symptoms.

• Particulate Matter (PM): Fine solid particles suspended in the air.

• TSP (Total Suspended Particulate): Particles with sizes <= 100 um.

• PM10: Particles with sizes < 10 um.

• PM2.5: Particles with sizes < 2.5 um.

PM2.5 is the most dangerous type of fine dust, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and causing various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.

PM2.5 can be produced directly from sources like dust, vehicle exhaust, etc., or indirectly from SO2 and NO2.

Air Quality Index (AQI): Calculated based on the concentration of air pollutants, including O3, PM2.5/PM10, CO, SO2, and NO2.

Safe AQI: From 0 to 50.

SO2 and NOx are the main culprits behind acid rain.

Air pollution is a serious threat to human health and the environment. To protect our health and the environment, we need to raise awareness about air pollution, implement measures to reduce pollution, and promote the use of clean energy.