Environmental Engineering
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Air Pollution:
Health and Economics
By Eddy Aboudi
Introduction
Air
pollution levels are a concern due to toxins such as ultrafine
particulate matter from metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]
and unburned oil droplets. Toxicological data is still lacking in
reference to nano-pollutants because traditionally it has been
difficult to measure. And, combustion processes emitting gases such as
oxides of nitrogen (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide
(SO2) are evident in the air. Exposure to air pollution is a health
hazard and has an impact on indoor ventilation costs when natural
ventilation is sufficient to maintain proper temperature and humidity
levels.
CO2 measurements have been taken in three naturally ventilated vacant locations. Indicated are different results.
The
first chart, at the top, was recorded on a tree-lined block near a park
and the river in the City of New York. It shows a low level of CO2. The
measurement does not indicate the toxins in the air, nor does it reveal
the sweet scent of cheery blossom trees.
The second
measurement, in the center, had been taken in midtown Manhattan’s
commercial district. A heavily trafficked area with offensive pungent
odors emanating from a restaurant's kitchen exhaust, in addition to an
oil burner boiler emitting smoke, soot and dust blowing onto
neighboring office buildings. The level of CO2 was relatively high.
Opening up a window on a cool summer evening caused unpleasant working
conditions.
The third chart, at the bottom, had been recorded
in a rural area In Pennsylvania. It is about a half a mile away from a
busy highway and near a coal-fired power plant where yellow smoke could
be seen pouring from its tall chimney. Cars were covered with a film
and pebbles of coal waste could be seen in the yards. The levels of CO2
were the highest on record.
Air pollution causes acid rain,
contributing to respiratory diseases. Since the time of the Industrial
Revolution, it has been evident that the air we breathe has a direct
impact on our health. The air quality in the United States has improved
since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, however, air pollution
still posses a threat to human health. In 2005, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that over 122 million Americans live
in areas with poor to marginal outdoor air quality. It’s comparable to
living in a third world country.
Living and working in hazardous
environments will require new methods of air cleaning. Natural
ventilation will reduce energy consumption. Air filters for HVAC
equipment and air purification equipment should be updated and upgraded
regularly. Planting trees and cleaning the air we breathe are a top
priority.
References
www.EPA.gov
"Cleaning the Air at the Expense of Waterways" by Charles Duhigg, New York Times, October 13, 2009, page one.
Contact
Eddy Aboudi
contact@arielair.com
917-559-2307
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Ariel Air Company Inc.
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