ECEE-523

AIR POLLUTION

Submitted by:
GROUP 1
Carlos, Elvien Mart
Reyes, Jastin Miguel
Bautista, Jessica
Guevarra, Raya Faye
Nator, Johannah Kristel
Salonga, Ariane Faye
Santos, Lindsay
Valenzuela Anne Jean
BSECE-5B
Introduction
The air we breathe is a mixture of many gases, of which oxygen is most important. If we
were not able to breathe this precious air for even a few minutes, we would die. According to
TransWeb, for normal people it will typically develop serious and possibly irreversible brain
damage after 5 to 10 minutes of not breathing. Brain cells begin to die after 1 minute without
oxygen, while a large number of brain cells died after 10 minutes of not breathing. On the other
hand, the German free diver Tom Sietas held his breath underwater for 22 minutes and 22
seconds, besting Dane Stig Severinsens previous Guinness record by 22 seconds. More or less
people will possibly die without air and that show how air is vital to us. Air is also vital to plants
and animals living on earth. We are all surrounded by air, our bodies live and move in it. Thus, it
basically shows that we are not able to live our lives without air as well as all the living things
that are enjoying and still evolving on earth.
Atmosphere
An atmosphere (from Greek (atmos), meaning "vapour", and (sphaira), meaning
"sphere") is a layer of gases surrounding a planet or other material body, that is held in place by
the gravity of that body

The atmosphere of Earth is mostly composed of nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%),
argon (about 0.9%) with carbon dioxide and other gases in trace amounts. Oxygen is used by
most organisms for respiration, nitrogen is fixed by bacteria and lightning to produce ammonia
used in the construction of nucleotides and amino acids and carbon dioxide is used by plants,
algae and cyanobacteria for photosynthesis. The atmosphere helps protect living organisms from
genetic damage by solar ultraviolet radiation, solar wind and cosmic rays.

Gases of Atmosphere
Layers of the Atmosphere
1. Troposphere- is the lowest portion of Earth's atmosphere, and is also where all weather
takes place. It contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of the total
mass of water vapor. The average depths of the troposphere are 20 km in the mid
latitudes, and 7 km in the polar regions in winter. The lowest part of the troposphere,
where friction with the Earth's surface influences air flow, is the planetary boundary
layer. This layer is typically a few hundred meters to 2 km deep depending on the
landform and time of day.

2. Stratosphere- is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the
troposphere, and below the mesosphere. About 20% of the atmosphere's mass is
contained in the stratosphere. The stratosphere is stratified in temperature, with warmer
layers higher and cooler layers closer to the Earth. The increase of temperature with
altitude is a result of the absorption of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation by ozone. This is in
contrast to the troposphere, near the Earth's surface, where temperatures decrease with
altitude. The border between the troposphere and stratosphere, the tropopause, marks
where this temperature inversion begins.

3. Mesosphere- from Greek mesos "middle" and sphaira "sphere" is the layer of the Earth's
atmosphere that is directly above the stratosphere and directly below the mesopause. In
the mesosphere, temperature decreases as the altitude increases. The upper boundary of
the mesosphere is the mesopause, which can be the coldest naturally occurring place on
 Earth with temperatures below 143 C. The exact upper and lower boundaries of the
mesosphere vary with latitude and with season, but the lower boundary of the mesosphere
is usually located at heights of about 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface and the
mesopause is usually at heights near 100 kilometers, except at middle and high latitudes
in summer where it descends to heights of about 85 kilometers.

4. Thermosphere- is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere directly above the mesosphere.
The exosphere is above that but is a minor layer of the atmosphere. Within this layer of
the atmosphere, ultraviolet radiation causes photoionization/photo dissociation of
molecules, creating ions in the ionosphere. Taking its name from the Greek
(pronounced thermos) meaning heat, the thermosphere begins about 85 kilometers above
the Earth. Thermospheric temperatures increase with altitude due to absorption of highly
energetic solar radiation. Temperatures are highly dependent on solar activity, and can
rise to 2,000 C. Radiation causes the atmosphere particles in this layer to become
electrically charged ( ionosphere), enabling radio waves to be refracted and thus be
received beyond the horizon. In the exosphere, beginning at 500 to 1,000 kilometers
above the Earth's surface, the atmosphere turns into space.
Air pollution is defined as the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more contaminants
(pollutants) in quantities and duration that can injure human, plant, or animal life or property
(materials) or which unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or the conduct of
business.
Air pollution: The presence of contaminants or pollutant substances in the air that interfere with
human health or welfare, or produce other harmful environmental effects.
Air pollutant sources can be categorized according to the type of source, their number and spatial
distribution, and the type of emissions.
Categories of Air Pollutant Sources according to type:
1. Natural Air Pollutant Sources include plant pollens, wind-blown dust, volcanic
eruptions, and lightning-generated forest fires
2. Manmade Sources include transportation vehicles, industrial processes, power plants,
municipal incinerators, and others.
Categories of Air Pollutant Sources according to number and spatial distribution:
1. Stationary Sources:
a. Single or Point sources
Point source of air pollution refers to an emission source that does not move. It is
also known as Stationary Source.
b. Area or Multiple sources
The term area source is used to describe many small sources of air pollution
located together whose individual emissions may be below thresholds of concern, but
whose collective emissions can be significant.
2. Mobile Sources
A mobile source of air pollution refers to a source that is capable of moving
under its own power.
Categories of Air Pollutant Sources according to emission:
1. Gaseous Pollutant Emissions include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide,
and nitrogen oxides.
2. Particulate Emissions include smoke and dust emissions from a variety of sources
Other Categories of Air Pollutant Sources:
1. Primary Air Pollutants are pollutants in the atmosphere that exist in the same form as in
source emissions. Examples of primary air pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, and total suspended particulates.
2. Secondary Air Pollutants are pollutants formed in the atmosphere as a result of
reactions such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and photochemical oxidation. Secondary air
pollutants include acidic mists and photochemical oxidants.
MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS:
1. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
5. Particulate Matter (PM) also known as Particle Pollution
6. Lead
7. Ozone (O3)

AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS

RESPIRATORY AND HEART PROBLEMS

 Even for healthy people, polluted air can cause respiratory irritation or breathing
difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities.
Many of us experience some kind of air pollution-related symptoms such as watery eyes,
coughing, and wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound during breathing).
Actual risk depends on current health status, pollutant type and concentration, and length
of your exposure to the polluted air.
Development of diseases such as:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Emphysema
(possibly) Cancer

CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is a long-term change in the Earth's climate, or of a region on Earth.
As well as nitrogen and oxygen, the atmosphere also contains greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse Gases - keep the earth's surface about 30 degrees C warmer than it
would otherwise be.
Water vapor (H2O)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Ozone (O3)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Greenhouse Effect - the trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere
due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun
than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface.
Global warming - increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to the
rising levels of greenhouse gases.
increase in sea levels
melting of ice from colder regions and icebergs
displacement and loss of habitat

ACID RAIN
The term "acid rain" was used as long ago as 1858 to mean rain made more acidic by
acid gas pollution. A more accurate term is acid deposition.
Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere
during the burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combines with
these air pollutants, becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid
rain.
 Acid rain can cause great damage to human, animals and crops.

EFFECT ON WILDLIFE
Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to move to new places and
change their habitat.
The development of toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water also known as
eutrophication can also affect sea animals.

DEPLETION OF OZONE LAYER

Stratospheric Ozone Layer - responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet
(UV) rays from the Sun.
Earths ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons, hydro
chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere and may:
Emit harmful rays (ultraviolet radiation) back on earth
Cause skin cancer and eye cataracts
Depress the human immune system
Harm aquatic systems and crops
Title and Definition
Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, is a comprehensive air
quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all
Filipinos.

Declaration of Principles
Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with
the rhythm and harmony of nature;

1. Promote and protect the global environment while recognizing the primary responsibility
of local government units to deal with environmental problems;

2. Recognize that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily
area-based;

3. Recognize that polluters must pay;

4. Recognize that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should
therefore be the concern of all.
Declaration of Policies
The State shall pursue a policy of balancing development and environmental protection. To
achieve this end, the framework for sustainable development shall be pursued. It shall be the
policy of the State to:
a) Formulate a holistic national program of air pollution management that shall be
implemented by the government through proper delegation and effective coordination of
functions and activities;
b) Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries though
the application of market-based instruments;
c) Focus primarily on pollution prevention rather than on control and provide for a
comprehensive management program for air pollution;
d) Promote public information and education to encourage the participation of an
informed and active public in air quality planning and monitoring; and
e) Formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse
environmental impact of a project, program or activity. This shall include the
setting up of a funding or guarantee mechanism for clean-up and environmental
rehabilitation and compensation for personal damages.

Recognition of Rights
a) The right to breathe clean air;
b) The right to utilize and enjoy all natural resources according to the principle of sustainable
development;
c) The right to participate in the formulation, planning, implementation and monitoring of
environmental policies and programs and in the decision making process;
d) The right to participate in the decision-making process concerning development policies, plans
and programs projects or activities that may have adverse impact on the environment and public
health;
e) The right to be informed of the nature and extent of the potential hazard of any activity,
undertaking or project and to be served timely notice of any significant rise in the level of
pollution and the accidental or deliberate release into the atmosphere of harmful or hazardous
substances;
f) The right of access to public records which a citizen may need to exercise his or her rights
effectively under this Act;
g) The right to bring action in court or quasi- judicial bodies to enjoin all activities in violation of
environmental laws and regulations, to compel the rehabilitation and cleanup of affected area,
and to seek the imposition of
penal sanctions against violators of environmental laws; and
h) The right to bring action in court for compensation of personal damages resulting from the
adverse environmental and public health impact of a project or activity.

Government Agencies involved

1. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
act as overall of the lead agency; prepare a National Air Quality Status Report
which shall be used as a basis in formulating the Integrated Air Quality
Improvement Framework; issue rules and regulations in the implementation of the
Act.
2. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)
in coordination with the DENR in case of industrial dischargers and the DOTC,
in case of motor vehicles, shall, based on environmental techniques, design,
impose on and collect regular emission fees from all said dischargers as part of
the emission permitting system or vehicle registration renewal system, as the case
may be; implement the emission standards for motor vehicles.
3. Department of Science and Technology ( DOST)
with the DENR, other agencies, private sector , the academe, non-government
organizations and peoples organization, shall establish a National Research
Development Program for the prevention and control of air pollution.
4. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) , DOST Local Government Units
(LGUs) -together with the DENR shall develop an action plan for the control and
management of air pollution from motor vehicles with the Integrated Air Quality
Management Framework.
 5. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and astronomical Service
Administration
(PAGASA) shall regularly monitor meteorological factors affecting
environmental conditions including ozone depletion and greenhouse gases.
6. Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
with the DENR shall regulate all projects which will involve the use of atomic
and/or nuclear energy, and will entail relaease of radioactive substances into the
environment, incident to the establishment or possession of nuclear energy
facilities and radioactive materials, handling, transport , production , storage and
use of radioactive materials.
7. Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) ,
Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) and the Philippine
Information Agency ( PIA) shall encourage participation of government
agencies and the private sector including NGOs, POs, academe, environmental
groups and other private entities in a multi-sectoral campaign.
Programs of the Act
Air Quality Monitoring and Information Network
a) Extent of pollution in the country, per type of pollutant and per type of source, based on
reports of the Department's monitoring stations;
b) Analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends and projections of air pollution at the
various levels provided herein;
c) Identification of critical areas, activities, or projects which will need closer monitoring or
regulation;
d) Recommendations for necessary executive and legislative action; and
e) Other pertinent qualitative and quantitative information concerning the extent of air pollution
and the air quality performance rating of industries in the country.
The Department, in cooperation with the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), shall
design and develop an information network for data storage, retrieval and exchange.

Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework

prescribe the emission reduction goals using permissible standards, control strategies and
control measures to be undertaken within a specified time period, including cost-effective
use of economic incentives, management strategies, collective action, and environmental
education and information. The Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework shall be
adopted as the official blueprint with which all government agencies must comply with to
attain and maintain ambient air quality standards.
"Airshed" refers to areas with common weather or meteorological conditions and sources of air
pollution which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollution in the surrounding atmosphere.

Designation of Airsheds
The Secretary of the DENR, upon recommendation of the Environmental Management
Bureau (EMB), will divide the country into different airsheds.
Airsheds are to be designated based on climate, weather, meteorology and topology,
which affect the mixture and diffusion of pollutants in the air, share common interests or face
similar development problems.

Management of Airsheds
Airsheds are to be managed by multi-sectoral Governing Boards chaired by the Secretary
of the DENR with representatives from the local governments concerned
(province/city/municipality), the private sector, peoples organizations, NGOs and concerned
government agencies.

Designated Airsheds
1. Metro Manila Airshed (NCR, Regions III & IVA)
2. Northeastern Pangasinan (Region I)
3. Metro Tugegarao (Region II)
4. Baco, Naujan, Calapan (Region IVB)
5. Naga City (Region V)
6. Metro Iloilo (Region VI)
7. Metro Cebu (Region VII)
8. Zamboanga City (Region IX)
9. Cagayan de Oro (Region X)
10. Davao City (Region XI)
11. Agusan del Norte-Butuan City (Region XII)
12. South Cotabato (Region XIII)
13. BLIST: Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba (CAR)

Governing Boards
Formulate policies and standards subject to national laws;
Prepare a common action plan;
Coordinate its members;
Submit and publish an annual Air Quality Status Report for their airshed.

Support Groups
To carry out the day-to-day work of the board, a nine-member Executive Committee is to
be elected at large by the members of the Governing Board. Technical Working Groups are also
to be formed to ensure broader participation of all stakeholders. The EMB will serve as the
technical secretariat of each Governing Board.
Air Quality Management Fund
administered by the DENR, through the Bureau, as a special account in the National
Treasury.
established to finance containment, removal and clean up operations of the government in
air pollution cases.
guarantee restoration of ecosystems and rehabilitate areas affected by violations to the
ACT,
support research, enforcement and monitoring activities of the relevant agencies.
Such fund may likewise be allocated per airshed for the undertakings herein stated.

Sources of AQMF
Air emission charges from industries and motor vehicles;
Fines and penalties for non-compliance with air pollution standards;
Grants from both private sector and donor organization;
Limited percentage (5 to 10%) of the proceeds of the Program Loan for the Metro Manila
Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program

What are covered by the

Clean Air Act?

1. Mobile
2. Stationary sources
3. Area sources

What are the compliance mandates for mobile sources of air pollution?
Exhaust emission standards for various mobile sources that are either in-use, new, rebuilt,
and imported second hand have been set.
All new motor vehicles classified under the Philippine National Standards 1891 are to be
covered by a Certificate of Conformity (COC). The COC is to be issued by the DENR to the
motor vehicle manufacturer, assembler or importer.

Penalties to smoke belching vehicles

Smoke belching vehicles on the road shall be subjected to emission testing by properly
equipped enforcement teams from the DOTC/LTO or its duly deputized agents. Violators will be
subject to the following fines/ penalties:
1st offense- ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00)
2nd offense- THREE THOUSAND PESOS (P3,000.00)
3rd offense- FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000.00) plus seminar on pollution management

Smoking is banned in any of the following locations:

inside a public building

enclosed public places including public vehicles and other means of transport
in any enclosed area outside of ones private residence, private place of work; or
any duly designated area which will be enclosed

The local government units are mandated to implement this provisions of the law
Penalty to violation of this provision is six months and one day to one year imprisonment, or a
fine of ten thousand pesos.
How should we deal with air pollution?
Use public mode of transportation
- Encourage people to use more and more public modes of transportation to reduce
pollution. Also, try to make use of car-pooling. If you and your colleagues come from
the same locality and have the same timings, you can explore this option to save
energy.
- Work up to using public transportation as often as possible, only using your car when
you can't figure out a good alternative.
Conserve energy
- Don't use your lights and appliances as often. You've heard it a million times: turn off
the lights when you leave a room, and don't leave the TV on all day! These small
actions are more important than ever when it comes to reducing air pollution, since
the electricity that runs your lights and appliances is generated by emissions-
producing coal or natural gas plants.
Use energy efficient devices
- LED and CFL lights consume less electricity. They live longer, consume less
electricity, lower electricity bills and also help you to reduce pollution by consuming
less energy.
Reuse, recycle, and compost.
- Managing your household waste effectively is another good way to reduce air
pollution. Reusing, recycling and composting can have a big effect on your garbage
output, which means less trash going into the landfills - big sources of air pollution.
Emphasis on clean energy resources
- Consider the use of clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal.
Plant trees
- Plant trees. Trees reduce air pollution, and planting them is one of the most concrete,
satisfying actions you can take to help the air quality in your region. Trees produce
oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, which they turn into food.
Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
- Such paints and cleaning products emit less smog-producing particles to the air and
are better for your breathing health too.
Try walking or biking
- Even better than taking public transportation is using your own energy to propel you
where you want to go. You can probably walk to locations that are within a five-
minute drive of your house - and if you're adventurous and have the time, you may
want to walk even further. If you're lucky enough to live in a place with good bike
routes, start using them. In places with heavy traffic, biking can be the fastest way to
get around.