Environmental and Health Impacts

of Air Pollution: A Review

MANISALIDIS, I.,STAVROPOULOU, E., STAVROPOULOS, A., & BEZIRTZOGLOU, E.

Dominique Louise L. Solis

MAEd-Biological Science
What is AIR POLLUTION?

• Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air.

• Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen and mold spores
may be suspended as particles.
• Some air pollutants are poisonous. Inhaling them can increase the
chance you'll have health problems. People with heart or lung
disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from air
pollution. Air pollution isn't just outside - the air inside buildings can
also be polluted and affect your health.

https://medlineplus.gov/airpollution.html
What is AIR POLLUTION?
• Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and
natural sources.
• Vehicle emissions, fuel oils and natural gas to heat homes, by-products of
manufacturing and power generation, particularly coal-fueled power plants, and
fumes from chemical production are the primary sources of human-made air
pollution.
• Nature releases hazardous substances into the air, such as smoke from wildfires,
which are often caused by people; ash and gases from volcanic eruptions; and
gases, like methane, which are emitted from decomposing organic matter in
soils.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution/
 What is AIR POLLUTION?

• Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP), from motor vehicle emissions,

may be the most recognizable form of air pollution.
• Ozone, an atmospheric gas, is often called smog when at ground
level.
• Noxious gases, which include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx), are components of
motor vehicle emissions and byproducts of industrial processes.

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution/
 What is AIR POLLUTION?

• Particulate matter (PM) is composed of chemicals such as sulfates,

nitrates, carbon, or mineral dusts.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC) vaporize at or near room
temperature—hence, the designation volatile. They are called organic
because they contain carbon.
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are organic compounds
containing carbon and hydrogen.

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution/
 https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics

• An air quality index is used by government agencies to communicate

to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is
forecast to become.
Approach to the Problem

• Environment is a coupling of biotic and abiotic.

• Pollution is defined as the introduction into the
environment of substances harmful to humans and other
living organisms. Pollutants are harmful solids, liquids, or
gases produced in higher than usual concentrations that
reduce the quality of our environment.
 Approach to the Problem
• Although the industrial revolution was a great success in terms of technology,
society, and the provision of multiple services, it also introduced the production
of huge quantities of pollutants emitted into the air that are harmful to human
health.
• Social, economic, and legislative concerns and lifestyle habits are related to this
major problem.
• Anthropogenic air pollution is one of the biggest public health hazards
worldwide, given that it accounts for about 9 million deaths per year.
 Approach to the Problem
• Climate changes and the effects of global planetary warming seriously affect
multiple ecosystems, causing problems such as food safety issues, ice and iceberg
melting, animal extinction, and damage to plants.
• Short-term exposure to air pollutants is closely related to COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma,
respiratory disease, and high rates of hospitalization (a measurement of morbidity).
• The long-term effects associated with air pollution are chronic asthma, pulmonary
insufficiency, cardiovascular diseases, and cardiovascular mortality.
Approach to the Problem

• Moreover, air pollution seems to have various malign health

effects in early human life, such as respiratory, cardiovascular,
mental, and perinatal disorders, leading to infant mortality or
chronic disease in adult age.
• Air pollution mainly affects those living in large urban areas,
where road emissions contribute the most to the degradation of
air quality.
 Approach to the Problem

• This leads to poor air quality, especially in countries with social

disparities and a lack of information on sustainable management of
the environment.
• The use of fuels such as wood fuel or solid fuel for domestic needs
due to low incomes exposes people to bad-quality, polluted air at
home.
Approach to the Problem

• China is one of the Asian countries confronting serious air pollution

problems.
• Extreme air pollution is recorded in India, where the air quality
reaches hazardous levels.
• Pollution is occurring both in urban and rural areas in India due to
the fast industrialization, urbanization, and rise in use of motorcycle
transportation.
Sources of Exposure

• The classification of air pollutants is based mainly on the

sources producing pollution.
• Major sources, Area sources, Mobile sources, and Natural
sources.
 Sources of Exposure
• Major sources include the emission of pollutants from power stations, refineries, and
petrochemicals, the chemical and fertilizer industries, metallurgical and other
industrial plants, and, finally, municipal incineration.
• Indoor area sources include domestic cleaning activities, dry cleaners, printing shops,
and petrol stations.
• Mobile sources include automobiles, cars, railways, airways, and other types of
vehicles.
• Natural sources include, physical disasters such as forest fire, volcanic erosion, dust
storms, and agricultural burning.
 Sources of Exposure

• Air pollution is determined as the presence of pollutants in the air in large

quantities for long periods. Air pollutants are dispersed particles, hydrocarbons,
CO, CO2, NO, NO2, SO3, etc.
• Water pollution is organic and inorganic charge and biological charge at high
levels that affect the water quality.
• Soil pollution occurs through the release of chemicals or the disposal of wastes,
such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides.
 Sources of Exposure

• Air pollution can influence the quality of soil and water bodies by
polluting precipitation, falling into water and soil environments.
• Notably, the chemistry of the soil can be amended due to acid
precipitation by affecting plants, cultures, and water quality.
 Sources of Exposure
• Pollution is classified following type of origin:
• Radioactive and nuclear pollution, releasing radioactive and nuclear pollutants into
water, air, and soil during nuclear explosions and accidents, from nuclear
weapons, and through handling or disposal of radioactive sewage.
• Noise pollution is produced by machines, vehicles, traffic noises, and musical
installations that are harmful to our hearing.
• Environmental pollution occurs when changes in the physical, chemical, or
biological constituents of the environment (air masses, temperature, climate, etc.)
are produced.
Climate and Pollution

• Climate is the other side of the same coin that reduces the quality of our
Earth.
• Pollutants such as black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone, and aerosols
affect the amount of incoming sunlight. As a result, the temperature of the
Earth is increasing, resulting in the melting of ice, icebergs, and glaciers.
• The spread of epidemics is associated with natural climate disasters and
storms, which seem to occur more frequently nowadays.
• Malnutrition and disequilibration of the immune system are also
associated with the emerging infections affecting public health.
 Air Pollutants
A. Particulate Matter (PM) and Health
o Particulate matter (PM) is usually formed in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions between
the different pollutants.
o Particulate matter contains tiny liquid or solid droplets that can be inhaled and cause serious health
effects.
o Particulate Matter (PM) is divided into four main categories according to type and size.
• Gas contaminants include PM in aerial masses.
• Particulate contaminants include contaminants such as smog, soot, tobacco smoke, oil smoke, fly
ash, and cement dust.
• Biological Contaminants are microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and bacterial spores),
cat allergens, house dust and allergens, and pollen.
• Types of Dust include suspended atmospheric dust, settling dust, and heavy dust.
Particle size Penetration degree in human respiratory system

>11 μm Passage into nostrils and upper respiratory tract

7–11 μm Passage into nasal cavity

4.7–7 μm Passage into larynx

3.3–4.7 μm Passage into trachea-bronchial area

2.1–3.3 μm Secondary bronchial area passage

1.1–2.1 μm Terminal bronchial area passage

0.65–1.1 μm Bronchioles penetrability

0.43–0.65 μm Alveolar penetrability

Air Pollutants

B. Ozone Impact in the Atmosphere

o Ozone (O3) is a gas formed from oxygen under high voltage
electric discharge. It is a strong oxidant, 52% stronger than
chlorine.
o Ozone uptake usually occurs by inhalation. Ozone affects the
upper layers of the skin and the tear ducts.
o Ozone increases DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes and
leads to impaired cellular function (72).
Air Pollutants
C. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
o Carbon monoxide affects the greenhouses gases that are tightly connected to global
warming and climate. This should lead to an increase in soil and water temperatures,
and extreme weather conditions or storms may occur.
o The symptoms of poisoning due to inhaling carbon monoxide include headache,
dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and, finally, loss of consciousness.
D. Nitrogen Oxide (NO2)
o Nitrogen oxide is a traffic-related pollutant, as it is emitted from automobile motor
engines.
o It is an irritant of the respiratory system as it penetrates deep in the lung, inducing
respiratory diseases, coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchospasm, and even pulmonary
edema when inhaled at high levels.
 Air Pollutants
E. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
o Sulfur dioxide is a harmful gas that is emitted mainly from fossil fuel consumption or
industrial activities.
o Environmental adverse effects, such as acidification of soil and acid rain, seem to be
associated with sulfur dioxide emissions.
F. Lead
o Lead is a heavy metal used in different industrial plants and emitted from some petrol
motor engines, batteries, radiators, waste incinerators, and waste waters.
o Elevated amounts of lead in the environment are harmful to plants and crop growth.
Neurological effects are observed in vertebrates and animals in association with high lead
levels.
 Effect of Air Pollution on Health

• Outdoor pollution is the ambient air pollution.

• Indoor pollution is the pollution generated by household
combustion of fuels.
Effect of Air Pollution on Health
• People exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants experience disease
symptoms and states of greater and lesser seriousness. These effects are grouped
into short- and long-term effects affecting health.
• Short-term effects are temporary and range from simple discomfort, such as
irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, throat, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness,
and breathing difficulties, to more serious states, such as asthma, pneumonia,
bronchitis, and lung and heart problems. Short-term exposure to air pollution can
also cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
• The long-term effects are chronic, lasting for years or the whole life and can even
lead to death. Furthermore, the toxicity of several air pollutants may also induce a
variety of cancers in the long term.
Environmental Impact of Air Pollution
• Acid rain is wet (rain, fog, snow) or dry (particulates and gas) precipitation containing toxic
amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.
• Haze is produced when fine particles are dispersed in the air and reduce the transparency of the
atmosphere.
• Ozone occurs both at ground level and in the upper level (stratosphere) of the Earth's atmosphere.
• Global climate change is an important issue that concerns mankind. As is known, the “greenhouse
effect” keeps the Earth's temperature stable.
• Wildlife is burdened by toxic pollutants coming from the air, soil, or the water ecosystem and, in this
way, animals can develop health problems when exposed to high levels of pollutants.
• Eutrophication is occurring when elevated concentrations of nutrients (especially nitrogen) stimulate
the blooming of aquatic algae, which can cause a disequilibration in the diversity of fish and their
deaths.
 Discussion

• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called air pollution a “silent public health
emergency” and “the new tobacco” .
• Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, especially during their
development.
• A successful solution could be envisaged as a tight collaboration of authorities,
bodies, and doctors to regularize the situation.
 CAUSES

• Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are
suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck
exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes and wildfires. The solid
and liquid particles suspended in our air are called aerosols.
• Air pollution happens when solid and liquid particles—called aerosols—and
certain gases end up in our air. These particles and gases can be bad for the
planet and for our health, so keeping track of them is important.

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/air-pollution/#:~:text=Air%20pollution%20is%20caused%20by,our%20air%20are%20called%20aerosols.
 Where do aerosols come from?

• Any particle that gets picked up into the air or is formed from chemical
reactions in the air can be an aerosol.
• Aerosols can come from other places, too, such as ash from an erupting
volcano. Dust, pollen from plants and mold spores are also examples of
aerosols.
What else causes air pollution?
How does air pollution affect Earth’s climate?
How does air pollution affect our health?

Breathing in polluted air can be very bad for our health.

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated
with diseases of the heart and lungs, cancers and other
health problems. That’s why it’s important for us to
monitor air pollution.
 LAWS and REGULATIONS

Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean

Air Act, is a comprehensive air quality management policy and
program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air
for all Filipinos.

6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste

Control Act of 1990. To control, supervise and regulate activities on
toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.

https://www.epa.gov/regulatory-information-topic/regulatory-information-
http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/law/philippines/ra6969.htm
topic-air
 LAWS and REGULATIONS

In March 1995, President Fidel Ramos signed into law the Philippine Mining Act
(Republic Act No. 7942) which was designed to revive the mining industry and
attract more foreign investment by defining the agreements for mineral
exploitation, and provide the requirements for acquiring mining rights.

The Control of Pollution Act 1974 enables a local authority like us to serve a

notice on a person (this includes a company) who is carrying out, or who are
planning to carry out, works of construction, demolition, road-works, railway
maintenance in order to control the noise from those operations.

https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/noise/noise-guidance-
https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress- and-advice/noise-nuisance-and-the-law/section-60-and-61-control-of-pollution-act-
proceedings/2014/SEE/SEE-III-026-FT.pdf 1974/
 MITIGATION PREVENTION
Follow these Tips Every Day to Reduce Pollution:

• Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.
• Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.
• Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel
and always tightening your gas cap securely.
• Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.
• Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.
• Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
• Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.
• Consider using gas logs instead of wood. https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/reducepollution.html
On Days when High Ozone Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps
to Reduce Pollution:

• Choose a cleaner commute - share a ride to work or use public

transportation.
• Combine errands and reduce trips. Walk to errands when possible.
• Avoid excessive idling of your automobile.
• Refuel your car in the evening when its cooler.
• Conserve electricity and set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees.
• Defer lawn and gardening chores that use gasoline-powered equipment, or
wait until evening.

https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/reducepollution.html
On Days when High Particle Levels are Expected, Take these Extra
Steps to Reduce Pollution:

• Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.

• Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
• Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/reducepollution.html
 COMPETENCIES
GRADE LEVEL TOPIC COMPETENCIES CODE
Grade 7 – Earth and 1. The Philippine 3. recognize that soil, S7ES-IVb-3
Space (4th Quarter) Environment water,
rocks, coal, and other
fossil
fuels are Earth materials
that
people use as resources;
4. describe ways of using S7ES-IVc-4
Earth’s
resources sustainably;
 COMPETENCIES
GRADE LEVEL TOPIC COMPETENCIES CODE

Grade 7 – Earth and 2. Interactions in the 5. discuss how energy from the S7ES-IVd-5
Space (4th Quarter) Atmosphere Sun interacts with the layers
of the atmosphere;

6. explain how some human S7ES-IVe-6

activities affect the
atmosphere ;

8. describe the effects of certain S7ES-IVg-8

weather systems in the
Philippines;
 COMPETENCIES
GRADE LEVEL TOPIC COMPETENCIES CODE

Grade 7 – Earth and Space 3. Seasons in the 10. show what causes change in the S7ES-IVi-10
(4th Quarter) Philippines seasons in the Philippines using
models;

Grade 8 – Living things and 4. Ecosystems 13. suggest ways to S8LT-IVj-25

their Environment (4th minimize human
Quarter) impact on the
environment.

Grade 9 - Living things and
their Environment (1st
Quarter)
1. Respiratory and 2. infer how one’s lifestyle S9LT-lc-27
Circulatory can affect the
Systems Working functioning of respiratory
with the and circulatory systems;
other Organ Systems
 COMPETENCIES
GRADE LEVEL TOPIC COMPETENCIES CODE
3. Biodiversity and 5. relate species S9LT-Ie-f-30
Evolution extinction
to the failure of
populations of organisms
to adapt to abrupt
changes in the
environment;
Grade 10 - Living things 4. Ecosystems 10. explain the S10LT-IIIi-42
and their Environment relationship between
(3rd Quarter) population growth and
carrying capacity; and
11. suggest ways to S10LT-IIIj-43
minimize human
impact on the
environment.
 COMPETENCIES

GRADE LEVEL TOPIC COMPETENCIES CODE

Grade 11/12 – Earth II. Earth materials 5. cite ways to prevent or lessen the S11/12ES-Id-9
Science and processes environmental impact that result from
the exploitation, extraction, and use of
mineral resources

6. describe how fossil fuels are formed S11/12ES-Id-10

7. explain how heat from inside the S11/12ES-Ie-11

Earth is tapped as a source of energy
(geothermal) for human use
 COMPETENCIES
GRADE LEVEL TOPIC COMPETENCIES CODE
Grade 11/12 – Earth II. Earth materials and 8. cite ways to address the different S11/12ES-Ie-f-13
Science processes environmental concerns related to the use
of fossil fuels, geothermal energy, and
hydroelectric energy
15. describe how people generate different S11/12ES-Ii-19
types of waste (solid, liquid, and gaseous)
as they make use of various materials and
resources in everyday life
16. explain how different types of waste S11/12ES-Ii-j-20
affect people’s health and the environment
17. cite ways of reducing the production of S11/12ES-Ij-21
waste at home, in school, and around the
community