THE AIR POLLUTION:

A THREAT TO OUR HEALTH

ÍNDEX
Introduction
Air Pollution is a public health problem
Problems due to air pollution
Ways to end with air pollution
Organizations that are actively engaged in
combating air pollution
Types of air pollution
Conclusion
 INTRODUCTION
Air pollution is a familiar environmental health hazard. We
know what we’re looking at when brown haze settles over
a city, exhaust billows across a busy highway, or a plume
rises from a smokestack. Some air pollution is not seen,
but its pungent smell alerts you.
It is a major threat to global health and prosperity. Air
pollution, in all forms, is responsible for more than 6.5
million deaths each year globally, a number that has
increased over the past two decades.
Air pollution and climate change affect each other through
complex interactions in the atmosphere. Air pollution is
intricately linked with climate change because both
problems come largely from the same sources, such as
emissions from burning fossil fuels. Both are threats to
people’s health and the environment worldwide.
 2023

Every day, when we breathe, tiny particles and molecules in the air enter our
bodies, posing a threat to our health. Clean air is crucial for our well-being, but
99% of people face air pollution levels higher than what's recommended by the
World Health Organization (WHO). Air pollution is a big environmental problem,
causing 7 million premature deaths yearly, just below issues like high blood
pressure and smoking. It affects the heart, lungs, and causes diseases in children
in poorer countries. It's also a significant factor in problems like early births,
asthma, and even issues with thinking and memory. Beyond health, air pollution
costs a lot for the world economy—6.1% of the total money made globally in 2019
(over $8 trillion). This shows that cleaning the air is not just about feeling good
but also about saving money. To solve this, everyone, from governments and
businesses to individuals, needs to work together. Understanding the
importance of clean air is the first step toward making the world healthier and
happier for everyone.
Air pollution has numerous disadvantages for the planet, impacting both the
environment and human health. It contributes to respiratory problems and chronic
diseases, with long-term exposure linked to increased risks of lung cancer and
cardiovascular issues. The emission of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and
methane, increases the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate
change. This results in adverse effects like rising temperatures, sea level rise, and
more frequent extreme weather events. Ecosystems suffer from the damaging
effects of pollutants, with acid rain harming soil, water bodies, and vegetation.

Reduced visibility, a consequence of particulate matter and pollutants in the air, has
safety risks in transportation and impacts daily life in urban areas. Airborne
pollutants settle on surfaces, contaminating water bodies and soil, adversely
affecting aquatic life and agricultural productivity. Stratospheric ozone depletion,
caused by certain pollutants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), increases the risk of
skin cancers and other health issues due to elevated UV radiation. Wildlife habitats
and ecosystems face disruptions, and cultural heritage sites may deteriorate
aesthetically. Recognizing the far-reaching consequences of air pollution
underscores the urgency of global initiatives to mitigate its impact and foster a
healthier and sustainable environment for future generations
 3. WAYS TO END WITH AIR POLLUTION
Individuals can contribute to ending air pollution through various actions:
1. Transportation:
Opt for public transport, biking, or walking.
Choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles.
2. Industry:
Support industries adopting cleaner technologies.
Advocate for renewable energy use in manufacturing.
3. Sustainable Practices:
Practice the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Support sustainable agriculture and forestry.
4. Energy Conservation:
Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
Support renewable energy sources.
5. Advocacy:
Advocate for stricter environmental regulations.
Encourage sustainable urban planning.
6. Education:
Raise awareness about air pollution causes and consequences.
Promote eco-friendly practices in communities.
7. Green Initiatives:
Plant trees and maintain green spaces.
Participate in community clean-up events.
8. Indoor Air Quality:
Use clean cooking methods.
Monitor and improve indoor air quality.
Individual actions collectively make a substantial impact, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment and combating air pollution.
 4. ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ACTIVELY
ENGAGED IN COMBATING AIR POLLUTION
Numerous organizations around the world are actively engaged in
combating air pollution, advocating for policy changes, and
promoting sustainable practices. Some notable organizations
include:
1. World Health Organization (WHO):
WHO provides global leadership on international health issues,
including air pollution. It offers guidelines and
recommendations to address air quality concerns.
2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
In the United States, the EPA plays a crucial role in regulating
and monitoring air quality, implementing policies, and
conducting research to reduce air pollution.
3. Clean Air Asia:
This organization focuses on improving air quality in Asian
cities by promoting sustainable transportation, advocating for
better air quality management, and supporting research
initiatives.
 5. TYPES OF AIR POLLUTION
These are the two most prevalent types of air pollution :

Smog (it’s the combination of fog, in spanish “niebla” and smoke, in spanish
“humo”) occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with
sunlight.
Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs, especially
those of children, senior citizens, and people who work or exercise outdoors.
It’s even worse for people who have asthma or allergies; these extra pollutants
can intensify their symptoms and trigger asthma attacks.
Soot—a type of particulate matter—is made up of tiny particles of
chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens that are carried in the
air.
The tiniest airborne particles in soot are especially dangerous
because they can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and
worsen bronchitis, lead to heart attacks, and even hasten death.

The sources of smog and soot are similar. Both come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, engines,
generally anything that combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, or natural gas.
In 2020, a report from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health showed that COVID-19 mortality rates were higher in areas with
more particulate matter pollution than in areas with even slightly less, showing a correlation between the virus’s deadliness and
long-term exposure to air pollution.
CONCLUSION
So, what can we do about air pollution? Well, we've
learned it's not a tiny problem. It affects our health,
nature, and even the weather. But here's the good
part: people worldwide are joining forces to fix it. We
can help too! By choosing cleaner things, using less
harmful stuff, and supporting changes where we live,
we become part of the solution. Remember, the air
we breathe is super important. By working together,
we have the power to keep it fresh and clean. Let's
take action now for a healthier, happier future! It's
like being superheroes for the air and the planet.
Every small step we take adds up to a big change. So,
let's make choices that help our air stay as clean as a
breath of fresh air should be!
WEBGRAPHY

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-
stories/detail/air-pollution--the-invisible-health-threat
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME

PROYECT MADE BY: ANTONIO LÓPEZ AGÜERO, ADRIÁN PÉREZ

CASTILLO Y HAMZA AZAOU