Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School (SHMYO) Environmental Health Instructor Ahmet Adiller evaluated air pollution and its causes. Stating that pollutants in the air are transported from one region to another under normal conditions, experts point out that the fog layer suspended in the air prevents pollutants from adhering to the foggy region and being transported to different regions. In this case, the experts noted that the air in the areas where there is dense fog is more polluted than the period when there is no fog, and draws attention to the fact that people with respiratory and heart diseases should be especially careful during these periods. Experts emphasize that the fog also creates an adhesion surface for viruses and bacteria.
Air pollution is the situation where the air moves away from its natural state.
Stating that air is a gas mixture containing oxygen, one of our basic needs, Lecturer Ahmet Adiller said, “What the gases in this mixture are and in what proportions they are present is of vital importance. Because all living things in the world, whether they live on land or in water, have adapted to this gas mixture ratio. We call air pollution the presence of a gas in the air that is not in this gas mixture or the change in the ratio of a gas already in the air. Of course, air pollution is not just a concept related to gases. Particulate solids in the air, namely dusts and liquids, can also be included in air pollution. In short, we can say that air pollution is the situation where the air moves away from its natural state.” he said.
Air pollution negatively affects environmental health
Noting that respiration is the most basic and most frequently performed physiological activity, air pollution is one step ahead of other types of environmental pollution. We may not consume food or water when we find it unhealthy or when we do not like it. But we have to keep breathing.” he said.
Polluted air can weaken the immune system
Stating that breathing polluted air for a long time can cause many different ailments, from allergic reactions to heart diseases, from stroke to lung cancer, Adiller said:
“Of course, it is not the right approach to say that air pollution directly causes lung cancer. However, people with a genetic predisposition are likely to be a trigger factor. Some pollutants in the air breathed for many years accumulate in the tissues and organs of the human body, causing chronic diseases and weakening of the immune system. Detailed studies conducted around the world show that one of the underlying causes of many diseases is air pollution.
Every living thing in the ecosystem is affected
Pointing out that air pollution brings with it many negative processes from an environmental point of view, Lecturer Ahmet Adiller said, “As air is in contact with all living things and all environmental elements, it directly or indirectly affects the ecosystem and all living things in it. For example, acid rains, which occur as a result of air pollution, affect water resources and soil, which is the source of nutrients, as well as their direct effects on living things. Polluted water resources as a result of acid rain affect living things directly with their water consumption, as well as affecting the plants grown in the soil, putting food safety at risk. Although the reports show that the number of deaths and diseases related to air pollution and air pollution has decreased, especially in developed countries, more serious measures should be taken against air pollution and more radical policies should be accepted. he said.
Fog in polluted air increases the negative effects
Stating that fog is basically a meteorological phenomenon that develops due to temperature differences in the air, and it would not be correct to say that air pollution causes fog, Ahmet Adiller said, “However, the air quality of the region where the fog occurs is very important for health. If the quality of the air with fog is low, that is, if there is fog in a polluted air, the fog significantly increases the negative effects of air pollution. said.
Lecturer Ahmet Adiller said, “Under normal conditions, while pollutants in the air are transported from one region to another with air movements, the fog layer suspended in the air prevents the pollutants from being transported to different regions by sticking to the foggy region, so to speak. In this case, the air in areas with dense fog becomes more polluted than in the absence of fog. During these periods, people with respiratory and heart diseases should be especially careful. warned.
Fog raises risk of Covid-19
Ahmet Adiller said, “Since fog also creates an adhesion surface for viruses and bacteria, it also increases the risk of Covid-19 during the pandemic process. The risk of transmission also increases, as viruses and bacteria can hang in foggy air longer than they normally would.” said.
Human contribution to air pollution is huge
Stating that air pollution can be natural or human-induced, which is called anthropogenic, Adiller said, “Today, natural air pollution is at a level that can be neglected next to human-induced air pollution. We can say that the increasing need for energy and raw materials, especially with the industrial revolution, has brought us to today. The use of fossil fuels based on heating or energy and the ineffective use of air pollution control systems in industry are the main causes of air pollution.
Individual and collective measures should be taken
Noting that mass measures as well as individual measures will be effective in preventing air pollution, Adiller listed his recommendations as follows:
“We all contribute more or less to the air pollution that negatively affects our current living conditions. The vehicles we drive, the fuels we use, or any product we buy contribute to air pollution. Therefore, we must first admit our guilt and shape our lifestyle accordingly. Of course, although what we can achieve individually is limited, the impact of a mass movement will bring bigger steps. The use of fossil fuels and the implementation of environmental policies on renewable energies will be considered as the first steps to create a more sustainable world in the not too distant future, as well as visible environmental impacts in the short term.
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