Science, planning, and actionable awareness do combat air pollution

Air pollution from various sources affects both health and the environment. With rising urbanisation and industrial activity, recognising pollution sources, health impacts, monitoring tools, and mitigation strategies, along with public awareness, is essential for building healthier, more sustainable communities. This article highlights pollution sources, particulate matter, health risks, and practical strategies for cleaner air.

What should be done to address air pollutants’ impact on health threats?

Air pollution stems from both indoor and outdoor sources, affecting air quality in these environments. Outdoor air pollution originates from natural sources, such as pollen dispersion, dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires, as well as anthropogenic activities, including vehicular emissions, open waste burning, industrial processes, and mining operations. It is a common misconception that Indoor air quality is better than outdoor air quality. However, indoor activities, such as household biomass burning for cooking in poorly ventilated homes, can significantly elevate indoor air pollutant levels, often surpassing those of outdoor pollutants. Because outdoor sources vary from area to area, targeted mitigation strategies can be informed by continuous monitoring and source identification specific to that environment.  Indoor pollutant levels from activities such as the use of biomass for cooking and heating can be reduced by using cleaner fuels and improving ventilation in homes.

How vulnerable are PM2.5 and PM10 for children?

Children are more vulnerable to pollutant exposure when compared to adults due to their distinct physiological characteristics and behavioral patterns. Children breathe at a faster rate compared to adults and also sit closer to the ground, making them more vulnerable to higher pollution exposure. Additionally, children’s immune systems are less developed than those of adults, and their respiratory tracts are more permeable, making them more susceptible to harmful airborne pollutants. PM2.5 particles are typically more hazardous to human health than PM10. Due to its fine size, PM2.5 penetrate deeper into the human body and causes lung and heart-related issues. Asthma is one of the most common diseases caused by long-term exposure to air pollution.

How does the calibrated low-cost sensor data, synchronised with satellite-acquired information, address air quality concerns?

Conventional air quality monitoring instruments offer high accuracy but are often limited by high maintenance costs, lack of portability, and large size. In recent times, the low-cost sensor industry has been expanding, with numerous companies introducing PM and gas sensors that are affordable, compact, and highly portable. Even though these sensors are required to be calibrated to produce high-accuracy data, their affordability and portability make it easier to collect high spatiotemporal resolution data, either through stationary monitoring networks or mobile monitoring. These sensor networks can also aid in identifying potential sources in a specific region and help formulate mitigation strategies. Satellites also provide valuable information on air pollution and sources such as fires (as shown in the figure) and dust storms. The integration of calibrated low-cost sensor data with satellite-acquired information can provide invaluable data, as it bridges the spatial gap in air quality monitoring.   

Please define the role of urban planning in reducing airborne pollution.

Urbanisation significantly contributes to air pollution, primarily due to increased traffic and construction activities. Land use planning has been proven to be a critical strategy in reducing air pollution. This helps in separating pollution sources, such as industrial zones, from residential areas. The development of green infrastructure, including trees, parks, and green corridors, helps filter air pollutants while also cooling urban areas. They also act as natural sinks for the harmful pollutant. The strategy for reducing air pollution in urban planning may vary from area to area, depending on changes in pollution sources. The use of data-driven tools, including Land Use Regression (LUR), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and satellite imagery, enables planners to assess pollution patterns and model the impacts of future development.

How can public awareness and educational campaigns address air pollution?

Public awareness, fostered through educational campaigns, can play a significant role in addressing air pollution. Raising awareness of air quality can also be achieved through multiple approaches, such as scientists and researchers de-jargonising scientific findings to the public or through participatory and engaging activities that allow citizens to learn about air pollution, along with ways to measure and mitigate pollutants. Hands-on participation in air quality monitoring promotes pro-environmental and pro-scientific attitudes.

Educational activities using low-cost sensors offer a unique opportunity to engage citizens as scientists in data collection for scientific purposes. Data collected from these studies via a monitoring network involving citizen scientists can also help in analysing and identifying local air quality patterns and trends. Other initiatives, by utilising mass media, social marketing, and community outreach methods, can increase awareness about air quality concerns, encourage shifts in individual behaviour, and build public support for efforts aimed at reducing pollution.