Clean air: Our right and responsibility

Air is everywhere. Outdoors, indoors and even across boundaries. Clean air is an essential prerequisite for healthy living for all of us. It is so precious. However, do we truly know its importance?

Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease. It is identified as the most significant environmental health risk factor affecting health among humans. Air pollution can happen outdoors and indoors. Among indoors, household air pollution is considered a bigger issue especially in developing countries like ours. Carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM 2.5, PM 10 ) and ground level ozone are classified as very important air pollutants which affect our health. Among these air pollutants, particulate matter (PM 2.5) has been shown to be very dangerous, causing serious adverse health outcomes.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution accounts for 7 million deaths in the world annually. Most of these are premature deaths. Majority of the deaths occur in the South East Asian Region and that’s the region we live in. Unborn, children, pregnant mothers, people with chronic lung and heart diseases and certain categories of workers are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution.

Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases. Short term exposure to air pollution can cause headaches, itching and tearing of eyes, tiredness, wheezing and asthma. Long term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. The link between exposure to air pollution and type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has been shown in several studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution, in particular PM2.5, as a leading cause of cancer. A recent global review found that chronic exposure can affect every organ in the body, complicating and exacerbating existing health conditions.

Children are very vulnerable to the deadly consequences of exposure to air pollution. They face special risks from air pollution due to several reasons. Growing lungs, being very active, breathing in a great deal of air and immature detoxifying systems are some of these reasons.

Furthermore, children don’t behave like adults, and their behavior also affects their vulnerability. They are outside for longer periods and are usually more active when outdoors. Consequently, they inhale more polluted outdoor air than adults typically do. On the other hand, children stay longer hours inside houses as well. They inhale polluted air within houses to a great deal.

Several studies have found that air pollution harms children while they are still in the womb. Preterm births, low birth weight, asthma, reduced motor and mental development, childhood cancers and increased risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes in their adulthood are some of the significant health impacts they may face.

Recent studies have shown that PM2.5 exposure is associated with increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders in children (Autism), particularly with exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy and early childhood.

Some of the air pollutants are greenhouse gasses and contribute to global warming and thus to climate change. Climate change is not fiction. It is happening right now and it will happen at a faster pace in the years to come, threatening the health of all living beings including humans. Air pollution and climate change are like two sides of the same coin. Both these environmental risks affect the health of humans in a severe negative manner needing urgent attention.

We have only one planet. We need to lead healthy lives. As the most intelligent species on the planet we need to preserve clean air for our children and the future generations. Self-discipline among humans and living in harmony with nature is key to achieving clean air for all. Remember, we all have a responsibility not to pollute the air we share.

Simple actions can make a big difference to improve air quality around us. We need to understand the gravity of the problem. Improving air quality needs the concerted effort of many stakeholders. Measures should be taken at international, national, local and individual levels. At the country level, the government agencies, private agencies, academia, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations and civil society engagement is vital.

All individuals have an important role to play in reducing air pollution. The adults have a duty to inculcate good practices in children that help prevent air pollution. They need to be taught the importance of living in harmony with nature.

Key messages for individual level action in reducing air pollution

• Manage the waste properly to minimize the introduction of air pollutants
  • Take your own bag when you go shopping as much as possible. Reuse the bags.
  • Never waste food. Serve what you can eat. Practice this at home, at weddings, parties, functions and at work too.
  • Reduce the usage of plastics as much as possible.
  • Reduce waste generation by practicing sustainable consumption practices.
  • Never burn plastics outside or inside houses.
  • Do not light firewood cookers using plastic bags or used yoghurt cups.
  • Do not burn waste.

3. Manage the energy needs

• Use electricity wisely and sparingly at home, work and elsewhere.

4. Engage in sustainable consumption and production

Air pollution is a serious yet silent killer. Join hands to ensure clean air for everyone, especially our children. The action should start now.