CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF AIR

POLLUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

TODAY

A term paper

presented to the Department of English

Vicente L. Basit Memorial High School

Awitan, Daet, Camarines Norte

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS

IN ENGLISH 10

Submitted by:

IVAN CRIS V. PALMA

Grade 10 – Zeus

January, 2019
 APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfillment of the course requirements in English 10, this term

paper entitled “Causes and Effects of Air Pollution in the Philippines Today”
has been prepared and submitted by Ivan Cris V. Palma, who is hereby
recommended for oral deliberation,

RECOMMENDATION APPROVAL

Approved by:

RHEUBEN G. RIGON

English Facilitator

___________________________

Date

i
 FACILITATOR’S APPROVAL SHEET

This term paper entitled “Causes and Effects of Air Pollution in the
Philippines Today” has been prepared and submitted by Ivan Cris V. Palma in
partial fulfillment of the course requirements in English 10, is hereby accepted
and approved after having been presented in an oral deliberation.

RHEUBEN G. RIGON

English Facilitator

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researcher wishes to extend his heartfelt gratitude and recognition to

all the people who heartedly helped in many varied ways the realization of this
humble work. Special mention goes to the following persons:

To Mr. Rheuben G. Rigon, his adviser, for his guidance and unselfish
support, advice and help which gave depth substance in organizing this labor of
love.

To his beloved parents and guardians, for their financial assistance and
moral support so as to his sister who kept on giving their love and
understanding and serve as inspirations to pursue this study.

To his friends and loved ones who are always there to accompany him
with their prayers.

Above all, to Almighty God with whom he is indebted with the strength,
courage and determination in the fulfillment of the study.

The Researcher

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 DEDICATION

This humble work is sincerely and lovingly dedicated to our Almighty God,
who gave me powerful effort in overcoming the trials that I encountered.

To my beloved parents and sisters who gave me financial support in

completing this research.

To my classmates, friends and loved ones who provided the much needed
moral support and inspiration, this paper is dedicated.

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 INTRODUCTION

Air pollution is a concern which poses threat to human health and

likewise greatly impacts the ecosystem and the environment.

An expert on air quality and pollution, Environment and Management

Bureau Consultant Engr. Reynaldo Tejada shares his knowledge on the impact
of air quality and pollution in human health, the ecosystem and the
environment in a presentation held here recently on air modeling in the Baguio-
La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay areas.

Even with the passage of the Clean Air Act which puts in place air
pollution control and policy, Tejada said there are reasons why one should be
concerned in air pollution as it poses significant threat to the human health and
atmosphere.

Its effect in the human body leads to various health-related disease,

decreased lung functions, cancers, eye and throat irritation, he adds. At high
risk are children and elderly and those individuals with asthma and
cardiopulmonary diseases.

Sources of air pollution are anthropogenic and natural sources.

Anthropogenic or man-made sources such as those which are stationary like
chimneys, mobile sources like vehicle emissions and area sources emanating
from forest fires, kaingin or burn and slash, and cigarette smoke. Examples of
natural sources are those emitted by volcanoes.

Impact of air pollution is categorized into local, regional and global

scale. If local, there is a need to measure criteria of pollutant as established by
the government to determine exposure level everyday to a certain limit and
certain pollutant within a particular timeframe, said Tejada.

The global effect of air pollution is global warming, greenhouse gases

effect and ozone depletion, he further adds.

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 The main purpose of this study is to explain the causes and effects of air
pollution in the Philippines.

The paper also aims to enhance awareness of the importance of showing

discipline and responsibility of the LGBT citizens towards cleanliness. It also
aims to promote programs to solve the problems.

This paper will discuss the overall implications of air pollution in the
Philippines. It will discuss the case against air pollution in the Philippines.

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AIR POLLUTION

What is one thing that you cannot live without?

It’s an admittedly tricky question. When not taken literally, you can have
a plethora of answers: food, water, friends, love, and even sense of purpose.
Apart from those items (and abstract concepts), however, there is one simple
thing that we need 24/7, day in and day out: the air we breathe.

We breathe all the time, and we don’t even have to do it consciously in

the first place. This crucial task — one that is absolutely necessary for our
continued survival — has been hardwired in our brains through our autonomic
nervous system, the system designated to maintain the functions in our bodies
that we do not perform consciously: breathing, the beating of our hearts, and
even the digestion of the food we eat.

On average, adult humans have respiration rates ranging from 12 to 16

breaths per minute. That’s 16 opportunities per minute for an adult to get the
oxygen they need for the proper functioning of their body. However, that also
means 16 opportunities per minute for harmful chemicals in the air to get
inside the body and cause a multitude of complications.

A Primer On Air Pollution

Based on 2016 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO),

91% of the world’s population reside in locations that don’t meet WHO’s
imposed air quality standards. According to WHO’s estimates, approximately
4.2 million deaths worldwide in 2016 were caused by outdoor air pollution.

Before we delve into this further, it helps to ask: What is air pollution?

Air pollution can be defined as the presence of harmful chemicals in the

air we breathe — chemicals that can hamper one’s good health. Said chemicals
are products of myriad anthropogenic activities, such as fuel combustion from
vehicles, heat and power generation due to oil and coal power plants, smoke

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from manufacturing factories and mines, waste incineration, and even the
simple act of cooking food at home.

These chemicals, also known as pollutants, come in various forms. The

largest group is called particulate matter (PM), which includes particles that
comprise sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride,  black carbon, mineral
dust, and even water. The sizes of these pollutants can be measured in microns.
A micron is a millionth of a meter: picture a meter-long thread divided into a
million equal parts. That’s how small a micron is.

Particulate matter can be further classified according to their size, either

as PM10 (less than 10 microns in diameter) or PM2.5 (less than 2.5 microns in
diameter). These particles can remain suspended in air and eventually be
inhaled. When this happens, they pass through the airway and enter the
bloodstream, where they can wreak havoc inside the body.

Another pollutant is ground-level ozone, a major product of

photochemical smog. This phenomenon can be observed in China, where cities
are inundated with thick smoke consisting of particulate matter, carbon
monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). These components react with each other and sunlight to produce
ozone, which can exacerbate asthma and lead to reduced lung function and
other respiratory diseases.

Carbon monoxide, one of the main ingredients of photochemical smog,

is often produced from exhaust from motor engines and machinery that burn
fossil fuels. Increased concentration of this compound in one’s body can
damage the body’s ability to transport oxygen to its different parts, which is
critical for all organs in the body. Nitrogen dioxide, another smog component,
comes from emissions from power and industrial generation. WHO states that
when introduced independently into one’s system, it can aggravate symptoms
of asthma and bronchitis, which may escalate to respiratory infections.

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Measuring Air Pollution

The next question would be: How exactly are air pollution levels
measured?

As we know, air is comprised of a multitude of compounds, elements,

and chemicals. Our atmosphere contains nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon
dioxide, water vapor, and other obscure gases. Thus, air pollution levels are
usually measured through the individual concentrations of the pollutants
mentioned above. These concentrations are expressed in μg/m3 annually or per
24-hour mean. An annual mean constitutes the mean for one-hour daily
measurements for a year. A 24-hour mean, on the other hand, is the average of
all hourly concentration readings over the span of 24 hours.

In 2005, WHO imposed air quality guidelines to provide thresholds and

limits for key air pollutants that may cause health complications. Based on the
guidelines, WHO estimates that reducing the amount of particulate matter
(PM10) to 20 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) annually would
subsequently decrease air pollution-related mortality rates by 15%. For the
smaller and more harmful variant, PM2.5, they imposed a standard of 10
μg/m3 per annum. In the case of other pollutants, ozone (O3) has a safety level
of 100 μg/m3 for an 8-hour running mean, while NO2 has a safety level of 40
μg/m3 (annual mean).

At present, the worldwide average concentration for PM2.5 stands at 38

μg/m3, nearly four times the value of the recommended safety levels. 

AIR POLLUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

In the southeast Asian region — where the Philippines is located — the

average PM2.5 concentration is 21 μg/m3 annually, over twice the
recommended value.

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The Philippines’ annual PM2.5 concentration rests at 18.4 μg/m3, according to
the 2016 WHO report. This value is approximately 80% higher than the safe
levels indicated by WHO. Aside from national data, WHO also collected data
from the major cities of participating countries.

In fact, out of all the listed cities in the Philippines, Baguio City recorded
the highest PM2.5 data at 44 μg/m3 in 2013 — quadruple the recommended
safe level.

Cebu and Dagupan also recorded high values, each with an annual mean
of 28 μg/m3 and 27 μg/m3, respectively. Manila’s 17 μg/m3 and Davao’s 11
μg/m3 also exceeded the prescribed safety level.

All of the listed cities also failed to reach the limit set for particulate
matter of 10 microns in size (PM10). Baguio ranked highest once more, with
84 μg/m3 of PM10, which is also four times the recommended level.
Meanwhile, Cebu, Dagupan, and Manila also failed, registering values of 54,
51, and 55 μg/m3, respectively. While the city of Davao came close to meeting
the prescribed safe level (at 21 μg/m3), it still exceeded the limit.

These numbers have already caught the attention of the government.

According to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu:

“Air pollution affects each and every one of us…We need stronger
coordination and wider collaboration so we can once and for all solve our air
pollution problem.”

Meanwhile, WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Gundo Weller

stated:

“Air pollution continues to pose a dangerous threat to the health of the

Filipinos, especially those living in urbanized communities…With the health
and environment sectors, we are working together to reduce the harmful impact
of these environmental risks to people’s health and well-being.”

The Philippines is currently pushing back against air pollution through

the implementation of various laws and ordinances. One of these is Republic

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Act No. 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. RA 8749 currently
serves as the foundation for the country’s air quality management. It aims to
raise awareness about pollution prevention through programs such
as Linis/Ligtas Hangin, coupled with Bantay Tambutso, Bantay Tsimnea,
and Bantay Sunog. The RA also aims to enforce regulatory standards upon
stationary sources of pollution, such as factories and power plants. RA 8749
encompasses the cooperation of agencies such as the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of
Transportation and Communication (DOTC), the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the
Department of Energy (DOE), and many others. 

In 2019, the country is slated to lead the regional forum on health and
environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mitigating THE DAMAGE: What NEXT?

One cannot help but wonder, though, if our country is really doing
enough.

This year, researchers at Yale and Columbia Universities along with the
World Economic Forum released a new Environmental Performance Index
(EPI). The report ranked 180 countries based on various performance
indicators on 10 issues regarding the health of the environment and its
viability. It also provided a scale showing how a particular country is
accomplishing (or ‘close to accomplishing’) its established environmental
policies. According to the report, air quality remains the top environmental
problem — a fact made evident by the increasing urbanization and
industrialization of large countries such as India and China.

The 2018 EPI ranks the Philippines as 82nd out of 180 countries,
indicating that our country has a higher health rating than China (120),
Thailand (121), Vietnam (132), and Indonesia (133). However, while our

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country ranked 43rd in the Air Pollution category, we were still ranked 111th
in terms of Air Quality due to the use of solid fuels in households.

In reality, the Philippines continues to struggle in establishing a firm

grasp on air quality control. There has been a steep rise in the number of
vehicles operating in the country, subsequently contributing to the amount of
pollutants in the atmosphere. Other anthropogenic activities, such as the use of
fireworks and firecrackers, also take a toll on the environment. On Jan 1, 2017,
several areas in Manila recorded tremendously high levels of PM2.5. Ateneo
de Manila University (369 μg/nm), Taft Avenue (448 μg/nm), and
Paranaque (433 μg/nm) were at levels way beyond the safe limit (50 μg/nm).
This year, however, the DENR reported that air pollution levels on New Year’s
Eve dropped significantly.

The Philippines is a developing country that has to deal with many

socio-economic and developmental issues. In the face of these issues, some are
concerned that over the past two years and in spite of the current
administration’s promises, environmental protection appears to have taken a
backseat. The government, of course, is responsible for creating and enforcing
policies and laws so that its citizens may breathe clean air, as well as enjoy all
natural resources based on the principles of sustainable development.

The effects of pollution are evident and undeniable. This is particularly

observable in Metro Manila, due in no small part to the sheer volume of
vehicular smoke that practically envelops it. On top of that, our country
continues to depend on energy harnessed from coal power plants, a fact
bemoaned by environmentalists due to the known impact of coal-fired power
plants on air pollution levels. 

We face a real problem in this dire situation, as we have no choice but to

breathe in, regardless of the quality of the air where we reside. Think about it:
At this very minute, there are 16 opportunities for the pollutants in the air to
enter our bodies. Pollutants that negatively affect the quality of our lives and
reduce the time we can spend on this beautiful, albeit polluted, planet.

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 Pollution is now a common place term, that our ears are attuned to. We
hear about the various forms of pollution and read about it through the mass
media. Air pollution is one such form that refers to the contamination of the air,
irrespective of indoors or outside. A physical, biological or chemical alteration
to the air in the atmosphere can be termed as pollution. It occurs when any
harmful gases, dust, smoke enters into the atmosphere and makes it difficult for
plants, animals and humans to survive as the air becomes dirty.

Air pollution can further be classified into two sections- Visible air
pollution and invisible air pollution. Another way of looking at Air pollution
could be any substance that holds the potential to hinder the atmosphere or the
well being of the living beings surviving in it. The sustainment of all things
living is due to a combination of gases that collectively form the atmosphere;
the imbalance caused by the increase or decrease of the percentage of these
gases can be harmful for survival.

The Ozone layer considered crucial for the existence of the ecosystems
on the planet is depleting due to increased pollution. Global warming, a direct
result of the increased imbalance of gases in the atmosphere has come to be
known as the biggest threat and challenge that the contemporary world has to
overcome in a bid for survival.

TYPES OF POLLUTANTS

In order to understand the causes of Air pollution, several divisions can be

made. 

Primarily air pollutants can be caused by primary sources or secondary

sources. The pollutants that are a direct result of the process can be called
primary pollutants. A classic example of a primary pollutant would be the
sulfur-dioxide emitted from factories

Secondary pollutants are the ones that are caused by the inter mingling
and reactions of primary pollutants. Smog created by the interactions of several
primary pollutants is known to be as secondary pollutant.

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CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion

of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is one the
major cause of air pollution. Pollution emitting from vehicles including trucks,
jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes cause immense amount of pollution. We rely on
them to fulfill our daily basic needs of transportation. But, there overuse is
killing our environment as dangerous gases are polluting the environment.
Carbon Monooxide caused by improper or incomplete combustion and
generally emitted from vehicles is another major pollutant along with Nitrogen
Oxides, that is produced from both natural and man made processes.

2. Agricultural activities: Ammonia is a very common by product from

agriculture related activities and is one of the most hazardous gases in the
atmosphere. Use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural
activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful chemicals into the air and
can also cause water pollution.

3. Exhaust from factories and industries: Manufacturing industries release

large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and
chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air. Manufacturing
industries can be found at every corner of the earth and there is no area that has
not been affected by it. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and
various other chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution.

4. Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth

are extracted using large equipments. During the process dust and chemicals
are released in the air causing massive air pollution. This is one of the reason
which is responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers and
nearby residents.

5. Indoor air pollution: Household cleaning products, painting supplies emit

toxic chemicals in the air and cause air pollution. Have you ever noticed that
once you paint walls of your house, it creates some sort of smell which makes
it literally impossible for you to breathe.

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 Suspended particulate matter popular by its acronym SPM, is another
cause of pollution. Referring to the particles afloat in the air, SPM is usually
caused by dust, combustion etc.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION

1. Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution are alarming.

They are known to create several respiratory and heart conditions along with
Cancer, among other threats to the body. Several millions are known to have
died due to direct or indirect effects of Air pollution. Children in areas exposed
to air pollutants are said to commonly suffer from pneumonia and asthma.

2. Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the

world is witnessing due to Global warming. With increased temperatures world
wide, increase in sea levels and melting of ice from colder regions and
icebergs, displacement and loss of habitat have already signaled an impending
disaster if actions for preservation and normalization aren’t undertaken soon.

3. Acid Rain: 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.

4. Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a condition where high amount of

nitrogen present in some pollutants gets developed on sea’s surface and turns
itself into algae and and adversely affect fish, plants and animal species. The
green colored algae that is present on lakes and ponds is due to presence of this
chemical only.

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5. Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some devastating
affects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife
species to move to new place and change their habitat. The toxic pollutants
deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect sea animals.

6. Depletion of Ozone layer: Ozone exists in earth’s stratosphere and is

responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s
ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons, hydro
chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As ozone layer will go thin, it will emit
harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin and eye related problems. UV
rays also have the capability to affect crops.

When you try to study the sources of Air pollution, you enlist a series of
activities and interactions that create these pollutants. There are two types of
sources that we will take a look at: Natural sources and Man-made sources.

Natural sources of pollution include dust carried by the wind from

locations with very little or no green cover, gases released from the body
processes of living beings (Carbon dioxide from humans during respiration,
Methane from cattle during digestion, Oxygen from plants during
Photosynthesis). Smoke from the combustion of various inflammable
objects, volcanic eruptions etc along with the emission of polluted gases also
make it to the list of Natural sources of Pollution.

While looking at the man-made contributions towards air pollution,

smoke again features as a prominent component. The smoke emitted from
various forms of combustion like in bio mass, factories, vehicles, furnaces etc.
Waste used to create landfills generate methane, that is harmful in several
ways. The reactions of certain gases and chemicals also form harmful fumes
that can be dangerous to the well being of living creatures.

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SOLUTIONS FOR AIR POLLUTION

1. 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 same timings you can explore this option to save energy and money.

2. Conserve energy: Switch off fans and lights when you are going out. Large
amount of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity. You can save the
environment from degradation by reducing the amount of fossil fuels to be
burned.

3. Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Do not throw

away items that are of no use to you. In-fact reuse them for some other
purpose. For e.g. you can use old jars to store cereals or pulses.

4. Emphasis on clean energy resources: Clean energy technologies

like solar, wind and geothermal are on high these days. Governments of
various countries have been providing grants to consumers who are interested
in installing solar panels for their home. This will go a long way to curb air
pollution.

5. Use energy efficient devices: CFL lights consume less electricity as against

their counterparts. They live longer, consume less electricity, lower electricity
bills and also help you to reduce pollution by consuming less energy.

Several attempts are being made world wide on a personal, industrial

and governmental levels to curb the intensity at which Air Pollution is rising
and regain a balance as far as the proportions of the foundation gases are
concerned. This is a direct attempt at slacking Global warming. We are seeing
a series of innovations and experiments aimed at alternate and unconventional
options to reduce pollutants. Air Pollution is one of the larger mirrors of man’s
follies, and a challenge we need to overcome to see a tomorrow.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

Title Page ……………………………………………………………

Approval Sheet …………………………………………………….. i

Facilitator’s Approval Sheet ………………………………………. ii

Acknowledgment …………………………………………………….. iii

Dedication …………………………………………………………… iv

Table of Contents …………………………………………………….. v

Introduction …………………………………………………………… 1

Statement of the Problem ………………………………………. 3

Air Pollution ……………………………………………………. 4

Air Pollution in the Philippines ……………………………………… 6

Types of Pollutants …………………………………………….. 10

Causes of Air Pollution ……………………………………………... 11

Effects of Air Pollution ……………………………………………… 12

Solution to Air Pollution ……………………………………………… 14

Bibliography …………………………………………………….. 15

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Periodicals

Ambag, Rafael. “How Bad is the Air Pollution in the Philippines?” Flip
Science, June 18, 2018.

Cunninghim,William P. and Cunninghim,Mary Ann,3rd (ed). “Air: Climate and

Pollution.” Principles of Environmental Science. New York. McGraw
Hill,2006

Internet Sources

https://www.flipscience.ph/health/how-bad-air-pollution-philippines/

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-
pollution.php

https://warmheartworldwide.org/environmentalnews2/?
gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgvPn_Mel3gIVBbaWCh20g9dEAAYASAAEgJLzvD_
BwE
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Air pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or

compounds (including those of biological origin) in the air, at levels that pose a
health risk. In an even broader sense, air pollution means the presence of
chemicals or compounds in the air which are usually not present and which
lower the quality of the air or cause detrimental changes to the quality of life
(such as the damaging of the ozone layer or causing global warming).

This Research Paper aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is Air Pollution

2. What are the causes of air pollution?
3. What are the effects of air pollution?
4. How can air pollution be reduced?
5. Who are responsible for air pollution?
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