Air Pollution In Australia Facts And How It Affects The Entire World

The air we breathe, the water we drink, the sky we live under, all these are intrinsic parts of nature.

No one ever thinks that they would expire, vanish or become poisonous but it may be only a matter of time before fresh air becomes rare.

Air pollution all over the world is at its peak. In this article, we will present facts on Australia where air pollution exists as the biggest threat and a pertinent health risk contributing to increased premature deaths and diseases. Let's understand and demystify the environmental threat Australia faces and how it affects the whole world.

Air pollution constitutes the fourth biggest threat to health, following diabetes, smoking, and dietary habits. According to the world economic forum, nine out of 10 of the world population lives in areas where air pollution exceeds safe limits.

Air pollution is caused by the release of pollutants in the air, which are made up of tiny particles of soil, smoke, dust, and allergens. Sources of such particles which are carried in the air we breathe are cars, trucks, factories, industrial waste, power plants, engines, or burning fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas.

These tiny particles are known as PM 2.5 and their diameter is less than 2.5 micrometers. Imagine something we cannot see with our naked eyes enters our lungs and puts us at the receiving end of many diseases.

As per WHO, the annual average concentration of PM 2.5 should be below 10 micrograms per cubic meter; however, more than half of the world’s population lives in areas where these limits are exceeded.

Australia, known for its beaches, deserts, open spaces, and natural wonders, is also one of the most highly urbanized countries in the world with cities like Sydney and Brisbane which have been growing rapidly. The cost of development is an increased rate of air pollution.

The country is reeling under the rapid outbreaks of bushfires, increased premature deaths, and respiratory diseases widely affecting human health.

As per the reports of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 3,000 Australians die prematurely due to urban pollution each year. Air quality guidelines in Australia have slipped behind worldwide standards, according to the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Australia is ranked 95th on the list of the world’s most polluted countries, with 106 countries participating as per the reports of IQ Air. China topped the list of worst air pollution closely followed by India. Tasmania has the cleanest air quality and Queensland has the worst air pollution among Australian states.

A first impression of the data may create an illusion that all is well. However, closer scrutiny reveals that despite being the better of many countries, the worst does not automatically become good.

Australia is reeling under increased air pollution. A rapidly increasing population and a higher rate of urbanization eventually contribute to higher demand for resources, more transport facilities, more vehicle emissions, enhanced rate of energy consumption, and more industrial waste. These are some very common sources of pollution in the country.

Besides this, one of the biggest sources of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels for transport and industrial activities. The constant and regular occurrences of bushfires grab international headlines almost every year.

Fires have scorched over 29.6 million acres (12 million ha) as of February 2020, killing over one billion animals and at least 33 people and destroying thousands of houses. The problem of bushfires is here to stay for a long time if attention is not given to this issue.

Australia lags behind in forming an efficient policy to reduce air pollution. It intends to reduce annual emissions to 28-30% by 2030. Australia is the fourth largest producer of coal.

In order to achieve its target of reduction of emission, phasing out coal production is all the more important to control global warming. The government has always been reluctant to make unnecessary cuts in coal production considering the role coal plays in the Australian economy. Therefore, the goal of 2030 seems impractical.

Besides this, policies to reduce emissions, review of vehicle emissions, and increased fuel efficiency are effective ways to control pollutants in the air yet have not been achieved thus far.

After reading about the health effects of climate change and lack of clean air, check out Los Angeles pollution facts and Beijing pollution facts.

Outdoor Air Pollution

Emissions from motor vehicles, solid fuel burning, and industry are some of the most prevalent sources of outdoor air pollution.

Common air pollutants from outdoor air pollution include particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, which cause asthma attacks, and respiratory and lung diseases. Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide lower the blood's ability to transport oxygen.

The ozone layer is being depleted due to outdoor air pollution. The ozone layer is 18.7-31.2 mi (30-50 km) above the Earth's surface.

Its main function is to protect us from ultraviolet rays. Increased human activities are destroying the ozone layer faster than the rate at which it is produced by nature. Chlorofluorocarbons and halons are gases that have created a hole in the ozone layer, eventually contributing to decreased protection from UV rays.

There is an increased greenhouse effect from gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide CFCs, and halons which are being produced massively due to increased human activities. This means that the temperature has soared higher and the Earth has become warmer, causing an imbalance in weather and climates all over the world.

Indoor Air Pollution

Spending time in homes, or choosing to work from home is no longer a safer option because homes are not devoid of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Sources of pollution at home include tobacco smoke, wood-burning heaters, dust, faulty gas heaters, fuel-burning appliances, mold, and odors from paint, solvents, and other chemicals.

Dust Storms And Air Pollution

According to the World Meteorological Organization, sand and dust storms usually occur when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from bare and dry soil into the atmosphere.

These usually occur in semi-arid regions and are caused by thunderstorms or strong pressure with cyclones. A large amount of sand and dust is carried far through the air. Australia is a strong contributor of these dust emissions.

It is due to these storms that respiratory diseases are further exacerbated. These storms trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, cystic fibrosis, and other breathing-related problems. These dust particles reach our mouth, nose, and eventually our lungs and respiratory tract. Dust often reaches the eyes, causing severe itching and irritation.

Hazardous Substances And Air Pollution

Australia’s Air Quality Standards are regulated by the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC). Australia uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) metric that measures concentrations of main pollutants in the ambient air. The higher the AQI number, the more contaminated the air is in the surrounding area.

There are several hazardous substances borne in the air. Some of the most commonly found substances in Australia are listed below.

Lead. The sources of lead in the air are mainly ore and metals processing, aviation fuel, waste incinerators, acid-battery manufacturers, soil erosion, bushfires, sea spray or volcanic eruptions. Lead is also found in lead based paint at home.

It has a neurological impact on children and can cause behavioral problems and low IQ. It also affects the nervous system, kidney function, immunity, and cardiovascular activity. Lead in soil results in decreased reproduction rates in plants and animals.

Cadmium. The main source of cadmium is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil. Incineration of municipal waste is also one of its sources. Increased exposure to cadmium leads to the risk of lung cancer, pulmonary irritation, and kidney diseases.

Arsenic. One of the most toxic pollutants, arsenic is widely spread in air and water. Its main source is contaminated drinking water, cigarettes, foods, industry, and soil. Arsenic exposure increases the risk of several diseases such as hyperpigmentation, keratosis, vascular diseases, and various forms of cancer.

Health Impacts Of Air Pollution

As has been discussed in sufficient detail earlier, it is easy to understand that the impact of air pollution has been severe. Many studies have shown that there is an intrinsic relationship between higher levels of air pollution and its impact on human health.

Some common health diseases due to air pollution are coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, lower respiratory infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Toxic air pollution has led to babies being born with reduced birth weight. It has also caused type 2 diabetes and almost 2,614 years of life lost each year. The impacts are only going to worsen if we continue to be ignorant.

No one wants to live beside a heap of garbage or around an industry of toxic fumes, yet knowingly or unknowingly we are all doomed to survive in air filled with toxic substances, breathing in pollutants and inviting numerous diseases.

There is only so much a government and its policies can do without general awareness and social awakening of the common masses.

The battle against air pollution is ongoing.

Together, a better present for us and a safer future can be created for the coming generation. The next time you keep your car running when stopped at a red light you might want to think about the impact of vehicle emissions and the release of pollutants.

Try using a bicycle for smaller distances, use public transport, and reduce fuel consumption. These are considerably small yet important steps in the process of a long battle against pollution. Universal access to clean fuel, better waste management, non-fossil fuel-based power generation, and affordable fuels is essentially needed. With these actions, we can keep our air clean.

The ambient air quality is very important when it comes to air quality standards. According to the World Health Organization, when it comes to air quality standards, the ambient air quality index value should be less or equal to 50.

Such ambient air quality indicates clean air. A higher score indicates that measures must be taken to improve air quality.

If energy consumed from the land and air is not clean, it can cause multiple health risks and health problems. Health problems may include heart disease.

It will cause other health impacts, a decrease in human activity (especially in urban areas), and other issues. Smoke exposure from vehicles and dirt from a dust storm and other natural resources is among very common air quality issues. Air quality must be improved to protect health from cardiovascular disease and other issues.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for air pollution in Australia facts then why not take a look at coal pollution facts or car pollution facts.