Pollution... the Silent Killer


Pollution
Climate change and carbon emissions have deviated much of our attention away from an underlying immediate problem: pollution. Contributing to over 40,000 early deaths each year, this is certainly an overlooked issue. The sources range from outdoor pollution caused by vehicular emissions and factories, to poor circulation and exchange of the air indoors. Vitally then, we need to raise the awareness towards this present problem in order to make a difference for the long term.

Sources of pollution

o   Vehicular emissions – primarily CO2 & NOx

o   Industrial emissions – mainly CO2 & SOx

o   Tobacco smoke, especially in poorly ventilated areas

o   Mould and mildew in closed plus unventilated areas

o   Scents and sprays chemically reacting to produce secondary pollutants

o   Poorly maintained gas appliances

Reducing pollution
Increasing levels of awareness has led to greater consideration into the ways in which pollution can be minimised. Indeed, more expansive and wide range measures have now been proposed. In reference to vehicular pollution, a key proposition is to encourage transport via walking, cycling and public means (e.g. buses and trains). These measures lessen the net number of vehicles on the road. In turn, this will not only decrease pollution, but also promote the presence of a more active society. Secondly, the establishment of renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind, can aid with the reduction of industrial pollution. These sources provide an efficient green source of energy which is more than capable of meeting day-to-day demands.

Finally, indoor pollution can be lowered via maintaining well ventilated areas and not keeping them enclosed. Simply, this requires opening a window for a few minutes, allowing air circulation. Scents which are not chemically reactive can be purchased, reducing the risk of producing secondary pollution. In terms of gas appliances, their condition can be maintained by regular cleansing as well as ensuring that any damage is repaired.  

A final word
Clearly then, it is essential that we put forward all our efforts to eradicate this problem. By purely reading this article, you have made yourself more knowledgeable of this issue: the key underlying foundation for making a change. The well-being of our planet is in our hands. You have the power to MAKE A DIFFERENCE…

Thanks for taking the time to read this week’s blog
Universal Medicine (Gagandeep Sachdeva)            
Acknowledgements: facts and statistics have been obtained from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment 

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