51 Air Pollution In The United States Facts That Will Make You Gasp

Air pollution is a rising concern in today’s world.

The levels of air pollution have risen multifold and so have the issues and health problems related to them.

Air pollution is essentially the existence or the presence of particles in the air which are harmful to the health of humans, plants, and animals. These gases, particulates, and biological molecules are heavily released from industries and manufacturing centers.

These along with certain human activities like stubs burning, coal burning and similar activities are the main cause of air pollution across the globe.

The situation is bad even in the United States where it was reported that emissions of roughly 68 million tones were present in the atmosphere in 2020. It is believed that Los Angeles is geographically at most risk from air pollution in the US, mostly because it has the highest level of contamination.

Mobile and natural sources are believed to be the major cause of these rising pollution levels.

The increasing levels of particle pollution across major cities in the US are increasing the chances of serious health conditions like heart disease or lung cancer.

It has therefore become extremely important for the government, private sector as well as public at large to take immediate measures against the threat of air pollution which is also a triggering factor behind climate change.

Climate change is directly responsible for increases in global temperatures and disasters like forest fires and floods. Therefore, in order to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on humanity, management of air pollution levels is a must.

Read on to know more about the facts related to rising levels of air pollution in the United States and then also check beach pollution facts and Beijing pollution facts.

Air Pollution And Environmental Justice

Increasing levels of air pollution across the world are triggering climate change which is itself the biggest threat the environment is facing. There is no point in arguing about the steps to be taken by developed as well as developing countries to manage this looming disaster.

• This is why the voices asking for environmental justice are growing across the world.
• Environmental justice means that whatever affects the environment will have its impact on the people living there without considerations of race, color, or gender.
• Whether rich or poor, everyone will be affected by environmental issues.
• The World Health Organization has also pointed out the dangerous effects of indoor air pollution.
• The fine particles present in the unhealthy air lead to higher risks of developing cancer and suffering from asthma attacks.
• Environmental justice however does not always take place. Those who have fewer resources and are economically weak tend to suffer more often from the negative effects that air pollution has.
• This is essential because they tend to live in the regions where there are no air purifiers and where most of the air pollution-causing elements like industries and power plants are located.

Effects Of Air Pollution

We all know that the level of air pollution is increasing across the world and this menace has now assumed global proportions. It is therefore extremely important to understand the effects of air pollution to formulate a cohesive strategy against this threat. Mentioned below are some important facts which will highlight the harmful effects of air pollution for you.

• There are several effects of air pollution that directly or indirectly contribute towards increasing instances of premature death. 
• Key among them are cancer, increased instances of asthma, and other related respiratory problems.
• The eyes and throat are also affected by air pollution.
• People living in highly polluted areas suffer from early whitening of hair, increased instances of skin and hair problems.
• Survey also indicates that greater hair fall was recorded by people living in areas that have high levels of air pollution.
• Human health is fragile and greenhouse gas emissions create unhealthy air, rich in carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which leads to a higher risk of cancer, lung diseases, human hair problems, increased reports of asthma attacks, heart disease, early death, respiratory illnesses, heart attacks and a plethora of other health problems.
• Public health is greatly damaged by common pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other tiny particles released into the atmosphere.
• As pollution levels rise, so do the number of premature deaths. Human beings living in areas with extremely polluted air breathe in the fine articles, which affect human health and are the leading cause of lung diseases.
• The particle pollution caused by these greenhouse gas emissions ultimately leads to global warming.
• Global warming is the release behind the destruction of the ozone layer and changing climate.
• The ozone levels lead to extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat. This in turn is responsible for the melting of icebergs and the rising sea levels, which will eventually drown the coastal areas, killing millions in its wake.
• As the premature deaths and lifestyle diseases such as respiratory illnesses, lung diseases like excessive coughing, asthma attacks, and lung cancer have increased, human beings have realized the side effects of air pollution.
• The power plants using natural gas and fossil fuels are also causing air pollution as the industries release the air pollutants into the clean air, turning the cities into polluted cities.
• Not only is air pollution affecting humans, it is also responsible for the changes in behavior of migratory birds and the local wildlife in many areas.

Controlling Air Pollution

Controlling air pollution is not the duty of any single country or organization. We all must take the initiative and follow the standard procedures prescribed by the United Nations for mitigating the effects of air pollution. Here are some essential aspects of the strategy required for controlling air pollution.

• Seeing the harmful effects that air pollution is having on the human race, it is time to start controlling air pollution.
• The World Health Organization has also recommended various processes that polluted cities can use in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Air pollutants have reduced the air quality and lowered the quality of human health.
• As climate change continues, power plants are now being situated outside main cities to ensure that the air quality around its people is maintained at healthy levels.
• There are services being provided to ensure that the instances of heart diseases and lung diseases are reduced.
• Machines, such as air purifiers are being set up at various locations so that people can control indoor air pollution and stay safe and healthy at least when at home.
• Air pollutants have reduced the air quality multifold, which has led to increasing concern by the world health organization.
• The burning of fossil fuels and the release of carbon dioxide is still continuing at an alarming rate.
• There is a need to generate means of treating the air or ensure that the pollutants are treated within the industries themselves without causing harm to the people around them.
• If the particulate matter is removed from the air, the quality of air will improve and the instances of premature deaths, lung diseases, and respiratory diseases will decline.
• Breathing in clean air is also good for our mind as it improves thinking and ensures better bodily and mental functioning. 
• According to the reports and several articles, there is acclaim that China is responsible for the growing pollution in the US. They claim that pollutants from China blow over from their country to the US as it travels across the Pacific Ocean.
• Many even blame American consumerism for air pollution.
• Under the Clean Air Act, the local and central governing bodies of all counties formulate a variety of strategies to effectively control the level of air pollution taking place around us.
• There are volunteering indoor air purifying agencies that are selling these purifiers at reduced cost in various countries.
• Though the initiative is being taken, there is still a long way to go before the results are actively visible.

How To Help Reduce Air Pollution

Are you looking for ways in which you can help for reducing the levels of air pollution in your neighborhood? Well, these steps are actually quite simple yet highly effective in managing this growing problem. Read further to know how you can contribute to reducing air pollution in your vicinity.

• It is believed that the air quality was the worst in the US in 1948 as maximum citizens living there suffered from health problems such as lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
• Interestingly, it was found that in 2018, the US spent $2.9 trillion on industrial pollution.
• Now on an individual level, there are a number of things that the general population can do to improve the air quality and reduce air pollution.
• The easiest thing to do is to ensure that your car does not emit too much pollution.
• Get a pollution check done for your car every six months and whenever possible, walk or ride a cycle to reduce air pollution.
• The particulate matter destructs air quality leading to ozone pollution and particle pollution all over the cities.
• The polluted air can be controlled and clean air can be experienced by making some minute efforts.
• Do not burn leaves, stubs, and other materials, recycle products at home, limit use of natural gas, save energy and reduce the use of appliances that release particulate matter into the air.

How To Protect Your Health

Till these efforts take effect, it is important to protect our health and maintain our wellbeing. But how can you protect your health till the time a concerted global plan is formulated for the management of air pollution levels. Here are some suggestions to help you in your quest towards a better health.

• Clean air might soon become a dream in many countries.
• Machines that provide clean air must be made available at lower prices so that maximum people can make use of it.
• The use of a mask is also found to be effective as it ensures that the particulate matter does not enter our nostrils and thus our lungs.
• Breathing in clean air can improve health significantly.
• Particle pollution can cause severe coughing, difficulty in breathing, irritable throat, and redness in the eyes.
• It is best to stay home and bolt all the doors and windows when the pollution levels become extreme.
• There is a necessity to practice lung and respiratory exercises to make our lungs strong and able to take in certain amounts of pollutants since the pollution levels won’t drop immediately.
• Effective strategies must be implemented and they should be followed for extended periods of time.
• It is best to stay away from the areas high in air pollutants, such as industrial areas and roads.
• However, if you have to travel by road then it is best to do so during the early hours when the roads are less busy and there is less amount of pollution present in the air.
• Opting for environmentally-friendly energy solutions is also a realistic option.
• If the local council allows and there is an appropriate provision, you can install solar panels in your home to reduce your dependence on electricity generated by fossil fuels.
• Electric vehicles or EV also offer you a cleaner and environmentally friendly way of moving around than opting for a gas powered car.