WE CANNOT overemphasize the value of raising public awareness and action to combat air pollution. We cannot forever hold our breath to avoid dirty air which has become a scourge of relentless urbanization.
It was thus a relief to know that – as reported in this paper a few days ago – the air quality in Iloilo City remains good, based on the monitoring of the Environmental Management Bureau. The pandemic is a factor. Due to quarantine restrictions, many motor vehicles stayed off the streets, thus the total suspended particulate (TSP) is way below the standard. The high quantities of TSP in the air would be disturbing if not alarming. TSPs are tiny airborne particles or aerosols from human or natural sources that enter and pollute the atmosphere. Smoke-belching vehicles, open burning of trash and the uncontrolled releases from industries are top sources of particulate emissions which can lead to ill health or death. The children, the elderly and those suffering from heart and respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema are most susceptible to the adverse effects of TSP exposure.
Let us ponder on the vital steps to improve our air quality. There are many easy ways. We can start by not dumping or setting trash on fire. Let’s cut our waste size to the minimum by consuming wisely and making it a daily habit to segregate, reuse, repair, recycle and compost.
Let’s quit smoking to prevent tobacco smoke, a known human carcinogen, from harming your lungs and the health of those near you.
If you are moneyed type, refrain from buying extra cars for personal or family use. 15. Have your car serviced regularly and drive properly. Report smoke-belchers to the Environmental Management Bureau or to your provincial, city or municipal environmental officers. Convert to cleaner fuels if possible. Campaign for tricycles to switch to biodiesel.
Plant and nurture trees. They cleanse the air by absorbing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide and supply humans and animals with oxygen.
Small or big, personal or communal, we all must take action to protect the air, a shared resource, from degrading any further.
