Air Pollution Part2 - Tan En Li (Group Leader)

Air pollution is something that we cannot really ignore nowadays. This is evident from the moment we step out of our house and are greeted with black colored smog that hits us directly reminding us that breathing clean air is more of a distant dream. It is so easy for us to endlessly rant and rave about the causes of air pollution and its ill effects, but little do we realize that each person is responsible for all the causes of air pollution and the situation that we face today. Take a look around you at the dismal state of affairs. The thick smog that is seen in the morning hours is not really due to somebody else but rather due to each and every one of us.

How Do We Cause Air Pollution?

We cause air pollution directly through our use of electricity, fuels, and transportation.

We also cause air pollution indirectly, when we buy goods and services that use energy in their production and delivery. Most of this air pollution we cause results from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline to produce electricity and power our vehicles.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a good indicator of how much fossil fuel is burned and how much of other pollutants are emitted as a result. Using carbon dioxide as an example, the average family in the United States causes air pollution in the following ways:

How you can help to prevent Air Pollution:

• Carpool- This will help to reduce the number of vehicles on the already congested roads.
• Always keep your car tuned properly so that it remains in a good condition.
• Save energy- Try to use minimum amounts of natural gas and even electricity. Whenever possible, avoid the use of air conditioner and use a fan instead.
• Always buy recycled products.
• Reuse things such as paper and plastic bags, paper etc. This will contribute a lot towards reducing the effects of air pollution and global warming.
• Avoid the use of firecrackers. You don’t really need it to express your feeling of happiness.
• Go in for water-based paints instead of varnishes.
• If you really cannot avoid using your car, plan your work systematically to reduce air pollution.