Air pollution can cause all matter of problems – from short-term effects like headaches and dizziness, to long-term problems such as respiratory issues and some cancers.
As a team of air quality scientists, we regularly see the effects of air pollution – predominantly increased levels of Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) and particulate, which are just a small number of the toxic substances that pollute our air.
We’ve put together a few ways that – little by little – we can all help reduce air pollution.
It starts at home:
Leaving lights switched on, appliances plugged in, and taking baths use large amounts of energy, which all contribute to air pollution. Making small changes – like making the most of natural light, ensuring everything is switched off before leaving the house or when it’s not in use, and opting for a quick shower instead of a bath can all make a difference!
Re-think your journey:
Cars are one of the top causes of air pollution – emissions released by cars and the production of fuel are huge contributors to the polluted air we breathe. Driving is often a necessity, especially if you don’t live in the city, but have a think about the times when it’s not. Can you lift share? Walk, cycle or use public transport? Reduce the amount of car journeys you take per week? Small changes make a big difference.
Amend your shopping list:
The production of processed foods, packaging and products all take their toll on the air we breathe every day. While producers should be taking it upon themselves to develop products in a way that is as un-harmful as possible, consumers can also do their bit by purchasing responsibly. Buying fresh, cooking from scratch more often, eating fewer meat and dairy products, and using cleaning chemical-free cleaning products are all a great start.
Helping to reduce your own contributions to air pollution is a great starting point to ensure we are on track for cleaner, safer air.
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home or in your local area, get in touch with the Envirochem team today to find out about our air quality and emissions testing.