BI4301 : Air Pollution

Air Pollution

The study documented in the New York Times explains that there could be a connection between the degree of smoke and cognitive functions (Peter, 2018). Various air pollutants have been described in other studies but the main focus for this article will be the carbon oxide pollutants. Adequate steps are not being taken to deal with pollution that led to immense campaigns in China with a view of sensitizing the government of the adverse effects of air pollution (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Gurjar, Molina, and Ojha (2013) go on to explain that a study by the WHO established that air pollution causes about 2 million premature deaths globally every year.

Although there are deliberate actions to reduce the number of carbon oxides in the air such as tree planting campaigns and carbon credits are given to those who plant trees (Vallero, 2014). A study conducted over a period of three years in Beijing established pollution caused a total of 369,000 deaths globally (Vallero, 2014). The study outlined that the number of deaths per day caused by pollution, particularly carbon oxides, is bound to increase if necessary measures are not taken (Capello & Gaddi, 2018). The news by the New York Times presents a new dimension of the story by explaining that pollutants might also be robbing the young generations of their cognitive skills (Peter, 2018). Experts propose that some deliberate steps should be taken to deal with the problem of pollution.

Significant strides have been made by various countries in attempts to minimize the amount of carbon oxides in the air through the introduction of electric and solar-powered cars to reduce the amount of carbon emission in the atmosphere (Vallero, 2014). Similalry, China has taken relevant steps to introduce electric commuter buses (Capello & Gaddi, 2018). However, a successful strategy is one that involves all the stakeholders.

References:

Capello, F., & Gaddi, A. V. (2018). Clinical Handbook of Air Pollution-Related Diseases. London, UK: Springer.

Gurjar, B. R., Molina, L. T., & Ojha, C. P. (2013). Air Pollution: Health and Environmental Impacts. New York: CRC Press.

Peter, T. (2018, August 29). Pollution May Dim Thinking Skills, Study in China Suggests. Retrieved from New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/29/world/asia/pollution-health-china.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FAir%20Pollution&action=click&contentCollection=science&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collectio

Vallero, D. (2014). Fundamentals of Air Pollution. New York, NY: Elsevier.