Air pollution is becoming a major problem in developing countries worldwide. Rapid urbanization without proper assessment of environmental impact is one of the main driving forces for its prevalence. Broadly categorized into indoor and outdoor, air pollution is becoming a by-product among cities experiencing unprecedented economic growth.

 

Sources of indoor pollution may include combustion of solid fuels, tobacco smoking, emissions from construction materials and furnishings, and improper maintenance of ventilation and air conditioning systems. Exposure to gas cookers, new furnishings, damp conditions, household products or naturally occurring radon, although even minor source of air pollution, may significantly accumulate and have a recognized health effects (WHO, 2005 WHO, 2006).

 

Indoor smoke from solid fuel combustion causes about 21% of deaths from lower respiratory infections, 35% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and about 3% of deaths from lung cancer according to the WHO (2009).

 

Meanwhile, outdoor air pollution is primarily from vehicles, combustion of fossil fuels in stationary sources, such as power generating stations, among others. Other unintentional sources may include forest fires and deliberate biomass burning. In 2006, WHO reported that even nature contributes to many trace gases and particles within the atmosphere. Trees, for example, release volatile organic compounds

 

Outdoor air pollution in urban areas accounts for about 1.2 million deaths (2% of all deaths) and 0.6% of the global burden of disease in 2004 as reported by WHO in 2009. Significant contributor to air pollution is transportation-related air pollution. Increasing the risks of cardiopulmonary-related deaths and non-allergic respiratory disease, transportation-related air pollution has been studied to have to an association with increased risks of lung cancer, myocardial infarction, increased inflammatory response and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Krzyzanowski, 2005).

 

The first step in solving air pollution is educating our selves about air pollution. Everyone should be aware about the potential harm that air pollution can do to our community, our environment and our health. Raising awareness will motivate people to get involved and pressure governments and businesses to push for projects that will not only enhance our airspace but will also sustain the economic growth without sacrificing our environment.

 

 

References

 

Krzyzanowski, M. (2005). Health effects of transport-related air pollution: Summary for policy-makers. Copenhagen: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe.

World Health Organization. (2005). Indoor air pollution and health. Geneva: World Health Organization WHO Fact Sheet No. 292

World Health Organization. (2006). Air quality guidelines—global update 2005. Particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Copenhagen: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe.

World Health Organization. (2009). Global health risks: Mortality and burden of diseases attributable to selected major risks. Geneva: WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data.

 

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