AIR POLLUTION - TIME TO ACT [Article written while working as content writer at Bluebase]

We are all aware of the harmful effects of air pollution. Currently red alert has already been issued to cities like Beijing and Delhi as their atmospheric air has become unfit for living.  Pollution levels are soaring high in almost all the major cities of the world. Some temporary relief like regulating vehicle traffic and banning diesel vehicles could only benefit on the short run. A permanent solution needs to be arrived on this agenda as early as possible.

Our country stands at third place among the world’s most air polluted countries [Source:  WHO Report 2014]. Our nation’s capital Delhi tops the list of highly polluted cities of the world. Air pollution has been a major issue for most populated countries around the world. Development and infrastructure of dense populated cities need to be planned effectively to avoid this pathetic situation. Industry explosion, Population outburst and Increase in number of vehicles are major culprits contributing to air pollution.

SOME STATISTICS:

Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure level of pollutants in air.  Indian city, Delhi has an AQI index of 395 which is far higher than the normal level of 150. Our Chennai city is also not lagging much behind and is very close to entering this danger zone with an AQI index value of 146.

Air that surrounds us consists of numerous particles including dust and hazardous materials. These dust particles that are mixed with air are called as Particulate Matter.  Depending on their size PM can be classified as 2.5 and 10. Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in air are high. PM_2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Because of their small size they get accumulated in our lungs during our respiration causing lung cancer, asthma and heart diseases. Delhi has PM_2.5 value of 295 micrograms which is far more than the permissible value of 60 micrograms.

REMEDIES:

·         To tackle this “odd-even” car ban rule in which odd number cars will be operated on a few days of the week and even number cars on the remaining days of the week and both cars on Sundays could be introduced.

·         Usage of diesel powered SUV cars need to be gradually reduced.

·         Registrations of new diesel cars need to be banned completely.

·         Usage of gas powered call taxis must be encouraged.

·         Use public transport whenever possible.

·         Always walk or ride a bicycle while commuting to nearby places.

·         Consider turning your vehicle engine off while stuck at a heavy traffic or signal.

·         Search for most fuel efficient and lowest polluting model vehicle while making a new vehicle purchase.

·         Don’t smoke. Also never become a passive smoker. Send smokers outside.

·         Clean frequently to remove dusts and molds.

·         Obey speed limits while driving and accelerate gradually. This reduces fuel consumption as well as saves the atmosphere.

·         Use less gasoline, natural gas, and electricity. Saving energy helps reduce air pollution.

At present 13 of the Indian cities feature in the list of top 20 most polluted cities of the world. Hence protecting our atmosphere by reducing air pollution is the need of the hour. If we don’t take this issue seriously soon our mother earth will become unfit for supporting human life...