Air Pollution Effects by Jane Thurnell-Read

Environmental pollution is on the increase and it is affecting us all, we just do not know to what extent. We can be exposed to pollution in many different ways but I want to concentrate here on exposure that occurs as a result of breathing in air particularly in cities.

Some air pollution is filtered out by the nose as we breathe, but particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometers wide is not and so can enter the body unimpeded. Breathing through the mouth allows particles of all sizes to enter.

.When we think of air pollution we often think of asthma and lung problems, but a study published in the Journal of The American Medical Association in 2006 covering hospital admissions for 11.5 million people showed that both cardiac and respiratory admissions to hospital increased on days when levels of PM2.5 were particularly high.

Research  in 2010  involving   post-mortem examinations  of the hearts of 21 young people in Mexico City found that the heart begins to show the adverse effects of air pollution at a young age and that tiny bits of inactivated bacteria (from faeces and soil) that hitch a ride on pollutants may make the problem worse, but this (and other research) shows that air pollution can damage the heart and lead to an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Of course, it is important that we clean up the environment, but there are some really simple measures that you can take to help reduce your exposure to pollution in cities.

Research, led by Professor of Environmental Modelling Alison Tomlin from Leeds University's Faculty of Engineering, has shown that air pollution levels change dramatically within small geographical areas dependent on wind patterns, the location of traffic queues and the position and shapes of the surrounding buildings.

The findings showed that pollution hotspots tend to accumulate on the leeward side of the street, (the sheltered side) in relation to the wind's direction at roof-top level. They also revealed that that carbon monoxide levels were up to four times lower in parallel side streets compared to the main road.

If you travel a lot by bus/coach take the advice of Dr Roy Colville, senior lecturer in air pollution, Imperial College (University of London): sitting on the opposite side of the bus to the driver can decreases your exposure to air pollution by 10 per cent; sitting upstairs on a double-decker bus or coach reduces your exposure to air pollution too.

Remember that a lot of air pollution is caused by cars, so you can do your bit by reducing the amount you use a car.

You can also do other simple things:

• Driving at 80 mph rather than 70 mph uses 10-15% more fuel (UK Energy Saving Trust). It could also save your life and stop you being fined for speeding.
• At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph. (UK Government, Acton02)
• Under-inflated tyres/tires mean your engine has to work harder, so you use more fuel/gas. But don't over-inflate your tyres/tires as this is dangerous.
• When the engine is idling you're wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine. (UK government advice, ActOn02)
• Use car air-conditioning sparingly - running air-conditioning continuously will increase fuel consumption significantly.
• Lighten up – roof racks add drag and make your car less aerodynamic and so more fuel hungry. Keeping things in the boot/trunk of your car that don’t need to be there increases fuel consumption.

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