Control of Air, Radiation and Noise
pollution
What is Air Pollution?
• Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles
and gases in the air.
• It contains a certain substances in
concentrations high enough to cause a
harmful effect on the human health.
Epidemiology of Air Pollution
• Air pollution is an environmental problem
caused by multiple sources, both
anthropogenic and natural.
• The effect on human health may relate with
the air pollution that are particularly caused
by increase in population.
Philippines posts 2nd highest number of
household air pollution deaths in Western Pacific
Region
Air Pollution Control
• The techniques employed to reduce or
eliminate the emission into the atmosphere
of substances that can harm
the environment or human health.
Considerations in Designing an Effective Air
Quality Control Strategy
• Environmental: factors such as ambient air
quality conditions, relevant meteorological
conditions, location of the emissions
source, legal requirements, noise levels, and
any ancillary pollution from the control
system itself.
• Engineering: factors such as pollutant
characteristics (such as abrasiveness,
reactivity and toxicity), gas stream
characteristics, performance characteristics
of the control system, and adequate utilities
(for example, water for wet scrubbers).
• Economic: factors such as capital cost,
operating costs, equipment maintenance,
equipment lifetime, and administrative and
enforcement costs.
Control Of Particulates
• Airborne particles can be removed from a
polluted airstream by a variety of physical
processes. -Dirty air enters the chamber
from a tangential direction at the outer wall
of the device, forming a vortex as it swirls
within the chamber.
-The larger particulates, because of their
greater inertia, move outward and are
forced against the chamber wall.
-Slowed by friction with the wall surface,
they then slide down the wall into a conical
dust hopper at the bottom of the cyclone.
-The cleaned air swirls upward in a
narrower spiral through an inner cylinder
and emerges from an outlet at the top.
--Accumulated particulate dust is
periodically removed from the hopper for
disposal.
Common Types of Equipment for collecting
fine particles
1.Cyclones
• A cyclone removes particulates by causing
the dirty airstream to flow in a spiral path
inside a cylindrical chamber.
2.Scrubbers-
Devices called wet scrubbers trap
suspended particles by direct contact with a
spray of water or other liquid..
3.Electrostatic precipitators
commonly used method for removing fine
particulates from airstreams.
 4.Baghouse filters
Dust-laden air is blown upward through the
bottom of the enclosure by fans and
particulates are trapped inside the filter
bags, while the clean air passes through the
fabric and exits at the top of the baghouse.
Control Of Gases
Three basic techniques:
1. Absorption- It involves the transfer of a
gaseous pollutant from the air into a contacting
liquid, such as water. The liquid must be able either
to serve as a solvent for the pollutant or to capture
it by means of a chemical reaction.
2. Adsorption- It is the sticking of a particle to a
surface. The particle can be a gas, liquid, or solid
atom, molecule, or ion, and the surface can be a
liquid or solid.
3. Incineration or combustion.- It can be used to
convert VOCs and other gaseous hydrocarbon
pollutants to carbon dioxide and water.
Republic Act 8749
THE PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999
“A comprehensive air quality management
policy and program which aims to achieve
and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos”
RADIATION POLLUTION- It is caused by
radioactive substances which emit invisible
radiation released in the environment through
human activities.
Examples of radioactive substances
(neutrons, alpha particles, and beta
particles) or waves of pure energy (gamma
and X-rays.)
It is more dangerous than any other
pollutant on earth. Exposure to heavy doses
of radiation causes skin burns and
suppression of bone marrow functioning
and increased to radiation results in
cancer.
SOURCES
• Nuclear power plants
• Nuclear weapon
• Transportation of nuclear waste
• Disposal of nuclear waste
• Refining of radioactive substances
TYPES OF POLLUTANTS
1. Non-ionizing radiation
Relatively long wavelength electromagnetic
radiation considered as less dangerous than
ionizing radiation.
Examples:
• Radio waves, microwaves, visible radiation,
ultraviolet radiation, and very low
electromagnetic fields)
(Both types are harmful to humans and other
organisms.  Nuclear power plants are one of
the most active sources.)
2. Ionizing radiation
Short wavelength radiation and causes severe
health problems including cancer and even death
Examples:
Heat waves,Radiowaves,Infrared
light,Visible light,Ultraviolet light,X rays and
Gamma rays
DISTRIBUTION OF RADIATION POLLUTION
1. Nuclear accidents from nuclear energy
generation plants
Chernobyl -considered the world’s worst nuclear
disaster to date.
2. The use of Nuclear Weapons
Example:Nuclear missiles and Atomic bombs
3. Tests on radiation
• Radiation is one of the key elements in the
cure and treatment of cancer.
• Medical procedures ( CT scans,X rays and
PREVENTION
nuclear medicine)
4. Cosmic rays
These come from outer space to our planet with
intense radiation as their nature therefore
causing radioactive pollution.
Radiation exposure in the Philippines
EFFECTS
1. Genetic mutations
• Radiation leads to damage of DNA strands
leading to genetic break up in the course of
time. The degree of genetic mutation
leading to changes in DNA composition vary
due to the level of radiation one has been
exposed to and the kind of exposure.
• The resulting mutation makes one highly
susceptible to cancer
2. Diseases
• Cancer is the most dominant radiation
related disease. Others include leukemia,
anemia, hemorrhage, a reduction in the life
span leading to premature aging and
premature deaths as well as others such as
cardiovascular complications.
3. Soil infertility
• Radioactive substances in the soil react
together with the various nutrients leading
to destruction of those nutrients, thus
rendering the soil infertile and highly toxic.
Such soil leads to the harvest of crops that
are riddled with radiation and thus, unfit for
consumption by both humans and animals.
4. Burns
• The immediate presence of burns, red
lesions and sores is evidence. To make it
worse, this can lead to skin cancer.
1. Proper disposal of radioactive waste- it
cannot be disposed, incinerated or buried
in the same way as normal waste. waste
should be; stored in heavy and thick
concrete containers
2. Proper labelling- radiation can enter the
body by a mere touch of radioactive
material. Containers with such elements
should be well labeled in order for one to
use protective gear when handling them.
3. Banning of nuclear tests - It has already
been proven that nuclear power has a lot of
latent power that is very destructive. These
tests done to perfect the energy contribute
greatly to the overall presence of
radioactive substances.
4. Proper storage - It is mandatory for
containers carrying radioactive material to
be stored properly. For starters,
Such substances should be stored in
radiation proof containers to ensure no
seeping or leakage during handling. Proper
storage means no harm and can minimize
cases of accidental leakage.
Radiation health objectives
• To minimize the health effects due to
radiation.
• To increase public understanding of
radiation and radio activity
Pressurized “Compressed gas” Gases
» A gas or mixture of gases having, in a
container, an absolute pressure exceeding
40 psi at 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or
» A gas or mixture of gases having, in a
container, an absolute pressure exceeding
104 psi at 130 deg. F (54.4 deg. C)
regardless of the pressure at 70 deg. F (21.1
deg. C); or
» A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding
40 psi at 100 deg. F (37.8 deg. C).
General Hazards
» Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable,
oxidizing, corrosive, or inert.
» In the event of a leak, inert gases can
quickly displace air in a large area creating
an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, toxic
gases can create poison atmospheres, and
flammable or reactive gases can result in
fire and exploding cylinders.
» Compressed gases can cause fires,
explosions, oxygen deficient atmospheres,
toxic gas exposures as well as the innate
physical hazard associated with cylinders
under high pressure
Aerosol Spray
» Aerosol spray is a type of dispensing system
which creates an aerosol mist of liquid
particles.
» It is used with a can or bottle that contains
a payload and propellant under pressure.
Examples:
⋄ When the container's valve is
opened, the payload is forced out of
a small hole and emerges as an
aerosol or mist.
⋄ As propellant expands to drive out
the payload, only some propellant
evaporates inside the can to
maintain a constant pressure.
⋄ Outside the can, the droplets of
propellant evaporate rapidly, leaving
the payload suspended as very fine
particles or droplets.
Safety Concerns
» Hazards associated with aerosols vary
greatly, and, depending on the type of
product in the container, there is danger of
contact with corrosive or toxic materials.
Aerosols containing Infectious Agents and
Hazardous Materials
» Small aerosol particles can readily penetrate
and remain deep in the respiratory tract, if
inhaled.
» Aerosols may remain suspended in the air
for long periods of time.
» Aerosol particles can easily contaminate
equipment, ventilation systems, and human
skin.
Acute symptoms of aerosol exposure include
headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath,
throat irritation, and skin rash. A misdirected spray
can cause eye injury and chemical burns.
Ways to Eliminate/Reduce the Hazards associated » Keep aerosol cans away from children and
with Aerosols (Laboratory) pets.
» Conduct procedures that may produce How to dispose Aerosols?
aerosols in a biological safety cabinet or a
» If an aerosol can is completely empty, it can
chemical fume hood.
be disposed of in the regular trash.
» Keep tubes stoppered when vortexing or However, it is best to check with your local
centrifuging. environmental health department or solid
waste agency, as some communities accept
» Allow aerosols to settle for one to five
the cans as part of their metals recycling
minutes before opening a centrifuge,
program.
blender, or tube.
» If an aerosol can is not empty, it is best to
» Place a cloth soaked with disinfectant over
use the entire product for its intended
the work surface to kill any biohazardous
purpose and then place the empty
agents.
container in the trash or find out if it can be
» Slowly reconstitute or dilute the contents of recycled.
an ampoule.
OTHER PRESSURZE GASES
» When combining liquids, discharge the
Non-liquefied gases
secondary material down the side of the
container or as close to the surface of the » Non- liquefied gases are also known as
primary liquid as possible. compressed, pressurized or permanent
gases.
» Avoid splattering by allowing inoculating
loops or needles to cool before touching » These gases do not become liquid when
biological specimens. they are compressed at normal
temperatures, even at very high pressures.
» Use a mechanical pipetting device.
⋄ Nitrogen
How to handle Aerosols?
⋄ Argon
» Never leave or place an aerosol can near
high heat sources, such as a heater, direct ⋄ Helium
sunlight, or fire. Heat causes the
⋄ Oxygen
propellants to expand, which may result in
an explosion. ⋄ hydrogen
» Never puncture or subject an aerosol can to Liquefied Gases
sharp impact; a sudden puncture may cause
» Liquefied gases are gases which can become
an explosion.
liquids at normal temperatures when they
» Never place an aerosol can in an electric are inside cylinders under pressure.
household trash compactor; the increased
» They exist inside a cylinder in a liquid-
pressure may cause an explosion.
vapour balance or equilibrium.
» Never throw a full or partially full aerosol
» Initially the cylinder is almost full of liquid,
can into the regular trash. Refuse collectors
and gas fills the space above the liquid.
may be injured by exploding cans and/or be
sprayed with hazardous chemicals.
 » As gas is removed from the cylinder, ⋄ Even at a relatively low pressure, gas
enough liquid evaporates to replace it, can flow rapidly from an open or
keeping the pressure in the cylinder leaking cylinder.
constant.
» Flammable gases, such as acetylene,
» Anhydrous ammonia butane, ethylene, hydrogen, methylamine
and vinyl chloride, can burn or explode
» Chlorine
under certain conditions
» propane
» Some pure compressed gases are
» carbon dioxide chemically unstable.

» nitrous oxide ⋄ If exposed to slight temperature or

pressure increases, or mechanical
shock, they can readily undergo
Dissolved Gases certain types of chemical reactions
such as polymerization or
» Acetylene
decomposition.
⋄ Acetylene is the only common
⋄ These reactions may become
dissolved gas.
violent, resulting in fire or explosion.
⋄ Acetylene is chemically very
» Many compressed gases are toxic or very
unstable. Even at atmospheric
toxic.
pressure, acetylene gas can explode.
Nevertheless, acetylene is routinely ⋄ They could cause various health
stored and used safely in cylinders at problems depending on the specific
high pressures (up to 250 psig at gas, its concentration, the length of
21°C). exposure and the route of exposure
(inhalation, eye or skin contact).
⋄ This is possible because acetylene
cylinders are fully packed with an ⋄ Contact between the skin or eye and
inert, porous filler. The filler is liquefied gases in liquid form can
saturated with acetone or other freeze the tissue and result in a
suitable solvent. When acetylene burn-like injury.
gas is added to the cylinder, the gas
» Some compressed gases are corrosive.
dissolves in the acetone.
⋄ They can burn and destroy body
tissues on contact.
Hazards of Compressed Gases
⋄ Corrosive gases can also attack and
» All compressed gases are hazardous
corrode metals.
because of the high pressures inside the
cylinders. ⋄ Common corrosive gases include
ammonia, hydrogen chloride,
⋄ Gas can be released deliberately by
chlorine and methylamine.
opening the cylinder valve, or
accidentally from a broken or
leaking valve or from a safety device.
Noise Polution
Epidemiology of Noise
» also known as environmental noise or
sound pollution, is the propagation of noise
with harmful impact on the activity of
human or animal life
» . The source of outdoor noise worldwide is
mainly caused by machines, transport and
propagation systems.
» Poor urban planning may give rise to noise
pollution, side-by-side industrial and
residential buildings can result in noise
pollution in the residential areas.
» Some of the main sources of noise in
residential areas include loud music,
transportation noise, lawn care
maintenance, nearby construction, or
young people yelling (sports games).
» Noise pollution associated with household
electricity generators is an emerging
environmental degradation in many
developing nations.
(The Environmental Management Bureau
(EMB)
Noise Control Objectives
» The Hierarchy of Controls concept is often
used to reduce noise in the environment or
the workplace.
» Engineering noise controls can be used to
reduce noise propagation and protect
individuals from overexposure.
» When noise controls are not feasible or
adequate, individuals can also take steps to
protect themselves from the harmful
effects of noise pollution.
» If people must be around loud sounds, they
can protect their ears with hearing
protection (e.g., ear plugs or ear muffs).
» In recent years, Buy Quiet programs and
initiatives have arisen in an effort to combat
occupational noise exposures.
» These programs promote the purchase of
quieter tools and equipment and encourage
manufacturers to design quieter
equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCIES
(Private)
World Wide Fund for Nature
» Their projects focuses on food, water, and
climate, and wildlife. they exert effort to
ensure the survival of the rarest and most
endangered species in the country.
Waves for Water
» The organization works with leaders and
partners to provide clean and potable water
for communities here and abroad.
Save Philippine Seas
» The organisation initiates citizen-led
programs to empower pilipinos towards
behavioural change.
» Part of the advocasea of Save Philippine
Seas is to promote community
empowerment, environmental education,
and shark conservation.
Earth Island Institute
» Earth Island Institute is an international org
that jumpstarts programs focused on hyper
local and grassroots environmentalism.
» The organization also hold campaigns
against dolphin captivity and killings.
Greenpeace Philippines
» The main goal of Greenpeace Philippines is
to protect natural landscapes, species, and
more from environmental threats such as
 perilous waste imports, coal projects, and
illegal logging.
Haribon Foundation
» Haribon Foundation uses their widely
known platform to save different bird
species and to conserve their habitats as
they empower and educate people.
Rare
» Rare is an international organization that
promotes campaigns focused on
sustainable fishing and resource
management. They work with local groups
to educate people on the best and proper
fishing practices.
Mother Earth Foundation
» They hold programs in schools
and barangays to promote environmental
education and proper waste management.
Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation
» Philippines Biodiversity Conservation
Foundation works to restore natural
habitats and aims to educate the public on
how to protect wildlife from feasible harm.
Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines
» Marine Wildlife Watch exerts strong efforts
to protect these creatures from illegal
trading and capture.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCIES
(Government)
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)
» Republic Act No. 8749 (June 23, 1999),
otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air
Act of 1999, converted EMB from a staff to
a line bureau.
» Environmental quality standards for the
prevention and control of pollution and the
protection of the environment, and ensures
their implementation. As a line bureau of
the DENR, it is mandated to implement five
environmental laws, Presidential Decree
1586 (June 11, 1978).
Mines and Geosciences Bureau
» The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)
is the primary government agency under
the DENR that is responsible for the
sustainable exploration, development,
utilization and conservation of all mineral
resources in public and private lands within
the territory and exclusive economic zone
of the Republic of the Philippines.
» The local government as our partner in
stewarding our mineral resources is
responsible for the issuance of Small Scale
Mining Permits (SSMP), Special Pebble
Permits (SPP) and Quarry Permits
PROTECTED AREAS AND WILDLIFE
BUREAU/BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BUREAU
» The Bureau was also able to implement IEC
programs which helped in educating
students and partners on biodiversity and
nature conservation, such as the
International Day for Biological Diversity,
World Wetlands Day, International Coastal
Clean-up, and other activities such as
lectures, summer camps, tour guides,
interviews, photo/video shooting.
National Mapping and Resources Information
Authority
» The Philippines National Mapping and
Resource Information
Authority (Filipino: Pambansang
Pangasiwaan sa Pagmamapa at
Impormasyon sa Yaman), abbreviated
as NAMRIA, is an agency of the Philippine
government under the Department of
 Environment and Natural
Resources responsible for providing the
public with mapmaking services and acting
as the central mapping agency, depository,
and distribution facility of natural resources
data in the form of maps, charts, texts, and
statistics.
National Water Resources Board (Philippines)
» The National Water Resources
Board (NWRB) is the leading government
agency for the water sector in
the Philippines, regarding water
resources and potable water; it is conferred
with policy-making, regulatory and quasi-
judicial functions within the Philippine
government. The NWRB is an attached
agency of the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources and responsible for
ensuring the optimum exploitation,
utilization, development, conservation and
protection of the country's water resource,
consistent with the principles of "Integrated
Water Resource Management". The NWRB
Board is composed of five cabinet
secretaries, plus a representative from
academia and the NWRB's executive
director; the board is chaired by the
Secretary of Environment and Natural
Resources.