The New Straits Times, August 22, 1999
HAZY days are here again. Despite the fact that the air pollution index is not made public, the haze that has made its way here from neighbouring countries is obvious. Fortunately, El Nino is not around this time to aggravate the situation as before.
However, it is perhaps now that our lungs are getting a beating from criteria pollutants -- that is, those commonly found and which pose the greatest overall threat to human health.
Among them are gases like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases account for the majority of the pollutants normally reported to poison the body system.
Others are minute particulate matter as ranging in size from 0.01 microns to 1,000 microns (a micron is one-million of a metre).
These include dust, dirt, mist, acid droplets, smoke and soot caused by burning activities that started the haze in the first place.
The particulate matters are small enough to remain suspended in the atmosphere for extended periods of time.
Those smaller than 10 microns, generally known as PM10, are of special concern because of their ability to slip past our lung's filtering and protective mechanisms.
They can get stuck deep in the lung tissues (the aveolar regions) and may cause breathing-related problems.
This could result in asthma attacks, bronchitis and other breathing disorders. Since on average, a person inhales about six times more air per day than food and drinks consumed over the same period, inhalation and consequently, exposure to polluted air is continuous and more hazardous.
It may takes years for the body to repair the damage. It is therefore important to recognise some of the common activities that can contribute to such a situation, and as far as possible try to refrain from doing them.
Examples of activities that are contributory to PM10 in the air are the use of wood stoves or wood burning equipment and the use of blowers or similar equipment that could raise dust.
If such equipment must be used, make sure it is non-polluting and approved by the authorities. Otherwise the careful use of brooms and rakes is a better alternative.
Generally avoid burning, especially the use of open fires. This includes cooking outdoors. Also, cut down on waste that is often disposed through burning. All this will minimise pollution.
Reducing waste also means making choices involving recycled products or those with recyclable packaging paper, plastics and metals. Reuse them when necessary. For example, use both sides of paper before discarding it.
Motor vehicles, especially commercial vehicles like taxis, buses and lorries, are also a common source of air pollution. They can also add PM10 to the environment. Hence, driving less could help reduce air pollution, especially on "unhealthy" days.
When you have to use motor vehicles, make sure that the engine is well maintained and efficient. It also means one should drive smart by planning trips well and making fewer trips. Do not speed, and avoid driving on unpaved and dusty roads. The authorities should make sure that the roads are swept well.
One could also make adjustments, like carpooling, using "clean" public transport or other alternatives like bicycles or even walking where possible.
The use of telephones or other means of telecommunicating to replace driving can further reduce air pollution.
The use of cleaning agents, glues and paints that contain harmful chemicals that could be passed into the atmosphere could aggravate air pollution.
When indoors, use products that have low amounts of volatile compounds, that is zero-VOC. Check the labels. Also choose water-based products (like paints) and do not use sprayers; paint with a brush instead.
Adopt measures that reduce contamination of the environment indoors. Keep doors and windows tightly closed at all time. Use fans instead of air-conditioning. Remove shoes and outer garments before coming into the house if they are polluted. Small particles once trapped indoors are difficult to remove.
Smoking would certainly increase air pollution. In the case of the former, it is more harmful because it contributes to passive smoking.
Moreover, smoke emitted by a stick of cigarette has been reported to contain about 4,000 chemicals, some of which are known poisons and carcinogens.
All these, if practised by everyone, would definitely help to reduce the occurrence of haze and air pollution in the long-term. It is a good lifestyle to adopt so that the environment will stay cleaner and healthier all the year round.
