Group 2

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

The disastrous effects of air pollution need to be curbed. Thus, governments, scientists, and environmentalists use
and test various methods to reduce pollution. There are two main types of air pollution control:

1. Input Control involves the prevention of a problem before its occurrence, or at least limiting the effects the problem
will produce. There are five major input control methods that are useful:
● Restriction of population growth
● Use of less energy
● Augmenting energy deficiency
● Waste reduction
● Production of non-polluting, renewable forms of energy

2. Output Control means cleaning up an area that has been damaged by pollution. This is more expensive than input
control.

Air pollution has indeed become a serious problem. In an effort to address this problem, the “Clean Air Act” was
passed in 1999 to provide comprehensive and integrated policy for air quality management. The law sets the national
standards for the protection of the environment and the improvement of the quality of the air we breathe.
The national ambient air quality values are routinely reviewed by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), in coordination with other concerned
agencies and sectors.

The Clean Air Act (taken from the Primer on the Clean Air Act of DENR)
Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, is a comprehensive air quality
management policy and program that aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. The guiding principles of
the Clean Air Act (CAA) provides that the state shall:
● Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature;
● Promote and protect the global environment while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government
units to deal with environmental problems;
● Recognize that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment in primarily area-based; and
● Recognize that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should therefore be the concern of all.

COVERAGE OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT

● All potential sources of air pollution (mobile, point, and area sources) must comply with the provisions of the law.
All emissions must be within the air quality standards.
● Mobile Sources refer to vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, and vans.
● Point Sources refer to stationary sources such as industrial firms and the smokestacks of power plants, hotels, and
other establishments.
● Area Sources refer to stationary of emission other than those mentioned above. These include smoking, burning
of garbage, and dust from construction, unpaved ground, and so forth.

What can the CWTS do to help clean the air?

CWTS students can conduct information campaign on how the communities can help clean the air. They can help
educate the people in the community by relaying to them the following suggestions to help clean the air.

1. For vehicle owners/motorists:

● Maintain vehicle by changing oil regularly (every 5,000 kilometer-mileage).
● Keep the engine well-tuned based on the owner’s manual.
● Keep tires properly inflated.
● Plan trips and observe proper driving habits.
● Remove unnecessary things from the trunk. Don’t overload and travel only at the speed required by traffic
regulations and road conditions.
2. For commuters:
● Try talking to the jeep/bus/tricycle drivers about the health risks of poor vehicle maintenance.
● Patronize mass transit such as buses and trains (MRT, LRT).
● Share a ride, if possible
3. For office workers:
● Reduce use of air-conditioning units.
● Make sure that lights are energy-efficient.
● Use company vehicle wisely.
● Use natural lighting by opening windows and curtains at daytime.
4. At home:
● Use low-watt bulbs or energy saving light.
● Limit the use of air-conditioning units.
● Do not burn garbage.
 ● Avoid using aerosols.
● Properly dispose of refrigerant, refrigeration equipment and used coolant.
5. For everyone:
● Talk to people on what they can do about air pollution.
● Report smoke-belchers to LTO, MMDA, and/or to the appropriate local government units.
● Walk or Ride the bike.
● Take the bus or mass transit for long-distance travel.
● Do not burn garbage in the community.
● Plant trees.
● Do not smoke in public places.