AIR POLLUTION

A. TYPES OF POLLUTION

Natural and man made sources of air pollution When talking about smog and air pollutants, we can
distinguish natural and man-made sources of air pollution.

Natural Pollution Man-made Pollution

ash, soot, salt spray, volcanic gases, radon, transportation, electricity generation, household
volcanic eruptions, grass fires, windblown dust, works, industrial activities, industrial processes,
forest fires. agriculture, waste management.

B. AIR POLLUTION
-Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the
air that we breathe. These substances can be gases, particles, or
biological molecules, and they can be natural or human-made.

-Sources of air pollution include industrial activities, transportation,

agriculture, wildfires, and natural events like volcanic eruptions. When
we inhale polluted air, it can lead to various health problems, such as respiratory diseases, heart disease,
and cancer. Air pollution can also harm the environment, including plants, animals, and ecosystems.

C. COMPONENTS OF THE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE

D. COMMON CRITERIA POLLUTANTS

Common Criteria Pollutants refer to a group of air pollutants that are known to be harmful to human
health and the environment and are therefore regulated by government agencies to protect public health
and the environment.

 Particulate matter (PM): refers to tiny particles in the air that can be inhaled and cause
respiratory problems, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and
people with pre-existing health conditions.
 Ground-level ozone (O3): is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds
react with sunlight and can cause respiratory problems and lung damage.
 Carbon monoxide (CO): is a toxic gas that can be emitted by vehicles and other combustion
sources, and can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations.
 Sulfur dioxide (SO2): is a gas that can be emitted by power plants and industrial processes and
can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.
 Nitrogen oxides (NOx): are a group of gases that can be emitted by vehicles, power plants, and
industrial processes, and can contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain and can also
cause respiratory problems.
 E. NON-CRITERIA POLLUTANTS

-Non-Criteria Pollutants are pollutants that are not included in the common criteria pollutants. These
non-criteria pollutants can still have significant impacts on air quality and human health, and include:

 Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): are organic chemicals that can be emitted by various sources,
such as gasoline, solvents, and industrial processes. They can contribute to the formation of
ground-level ozone and can cause respiratory problems.
 Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs): are pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer,
reproductive or developmental effects, or other serious health problems. Examples of HAPs include
benzene, formaldehyde, and asbestos.
 Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): are organic compounds that are persistent in the
environment, and can cause a range of adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive and
developmental disorders, and immune system damage. Examples of POPs include dioxins, PCBs,
and some pesticides.
 Acid gases: are gases that can be emitted by power plants and industrial processes and can
contribute to acid rain and cause respiratory problems.
 Air toxics: are pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer, respiratory problems,
neurological damage, or other serious health problems. Examples of air toxics include benzene,
formaldehyde, and mercury.

F. ACID RAIN AND ITS HARMFUL EFFECTS

-Acid rain is a type of precipitation that is acidic in nature, with a pH level of less than 5.6. It is caused by
emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels
and industrial processes, that react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form acids.

G. PHILIPPINE EFFORTS TO CLEAN THE AIR

-The Philippine government has implemented several efforts to address air pollution and promote clean air.

 Clean Air Act: In 1999, the Philippine government passed the Clean Air Act, which aims to improve
air quality by regulating emissions from motor vehicles, industries, and other sources. The law sets
emission standards for vehicles, requires the use of cleaner fuels, and imposes penalties for non-
compliance.
 Air Quality Monitoring: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) operates a
network of air quality monitoring stations across the country to track pollution levels and identify
sources of pollution.
 Smoke-Free Policies: The Philippine government has implemented smoke-free policies in public
places, including government offices, schools, hospitals, and public transportation.
 Public Transportation Modernization: The government is also promoting the modernization of
public transportation, including the replacement of old and polluting jeepneys with new, cleaner
vehicles.
 Alternative Energy Sources: The government is promoting the use of alternative energy sources,
such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Green Buildings: The government is
encouraging the construction of green buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally
sustainable.
 Environmental Education: The Philippine government is also promoting environmental education
and awareness to help people understand the importance of clean air and the role they can play in
reducing air pollution.

DISCUSSANTS:
JHONMEL CHRISTIAN S. BOBIS
JOVEN S. BATALLER