Effects of Disrupted Air Quality on human health and Solutions to them..

  By Amartey Rose Tiorkor             

   

A vehicle releasing smoke into the atmosphere.

The effects of climate change on air quality will continue to vary in regions. In many areas of the United States, climate change is expected to worsen harmful ground,  ground – level ozone, increase people’s exposure to allergens like pollen, and contribute to worsening air quality. 

Did you know wildfires smoke lowers air quality and harms human health?

Top Climate Impacts On Air Quality 

Climate change affect air quality at both local and regional scales. There are three Impacts caused by climate change which affects the huge health.

  Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution: People's health are affected by outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution. Climate driven changes in weather conditions, are expected to increase ground-level ozone and particulate matter such as windblown dust from droughts or smoke from wildfires. These changes worsen existing air pollution. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to health problems , such as respiratory and heart diseases.  When there is increase in outside air pollutants,  such as ozone and particulate matter it would lead to higher indoor exposures. Indoor pollutants causes heart diseases,  respiratory diseases such as asthma and cancer. 

Wildfire Smoke : Wildfire smoke is also an impact on air quality which is caused by climate change. Exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of respiratory diseases. Wildfire smoke pollutes the air causing it unsafe for human health. It also leads to respiratory illnesses such as asthma,  bronchitis and among others. 

Airborne Allergens: Airborne Allergens is another impact on air quality. When climate change increases people’s exposure to pollen and other airborne allergens leads to more allergy related illnesses such as asthma and hay fever.

Ways we can reduce climate change and air quality impacts on our health. 

Speaking with Isaac Armah, a health professional, he stated that switching power to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower will reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Reduce air pollution from vehicles. Walking, biking, and taking public transit among other actions can reduce emissions from transportation These choices can also provide other benefits, such as safer streets.

Develop urban forests. Planting trees, especially in urban areas and along roads or highways, can help improve air quality. Trees also provide other benefits, such as reducing the impact of urban heat islands. 

Prevent wildfires. Pay attention to weather and drought conditions. Avoid activities involving fire or sparks when it’s dry, hot, and windy to help prevent wildfires. 

Improve indoor air quality. Reduce or remove sources of indoor air pollutants whenever possible. For example, consider using portable air purifiers or high-efficiency filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

In conclusion,  practicing these ways to reduce climate change and air quality would not have any impact on our health but rather would keep us safe.

ABOUT THE WRITER.

Rose Amartey is a young lady who hails from Kweiman in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. She is a level 300 student pursuing a degree in Public Relations at the University of Media, Arts and Communication - Institute of Journalism. She loves to read, cook and socialize with people. Her personal values are hard work, determination, respect and humility. She acts as a scriptwriter for the Caring Climate Chronicles blog.