Target 7: How to protect yourself from dangerous air pollution
Target 7: How to protect yourself from dangerous air pollution WDBJ
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Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution Linked to Millions of Premature Deaths
According to the World Health Organization, the combined effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution are connected to at least seven million premature deaths every year.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
It’s not just big cities that have poor air quality. Even Virginia’s Blue Ridge region is not immune to dangerous air pollution. Data from WHO shows 99% of the global population breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants.
“Air quality has been a longstanding problem. WHO and others show that it’s a Top 10 risk factor for death and disease globally,” Virginia Tech Associate Professor Steve Hankey told WDBJ7.
Hankey explained while the air quality in the U.S. is typically cleaner compared to other countries, the geography along Virginia’s Blue Ridge can sometimes trap contaminants and cause poor air quality.
“There’s something called an inversion layer and during certain weather patterns you have different layers of warm and cold air and that can effectively cap off emissions in a valley like this,” Hankey said.
This can be especially problematic on days where we have active burning wildfires, causing dangerously high levels tiny particles in the air that we breathe.
He explained the way air quality is measured is not very accurate when it comes to what we’re exposed to daily.
Measuring Air Quality
- Air quality is often measured by looking at levels of PM 2.5 – or tiny particles – that can come from a variety of sources like wildfires, vehicles, industrial emissions or even cooking a meal inside.
- For every unit of 10 increase in PM 2.5, the risk for all-cause mortality is about 5-6 percent higher.
Hankey studies air quality in our hometowns by riding his bicycle equipped with air monitoring technology that can measure on the go. He said it gives him hyper-local readings.
“If you’re near a road if you’re near some emissions source those are kind of the places that are dirtier,” explained Hankey. “And cleaner places tend to be parks or places with more vegetation, open space places where you’re far from these emissions.”
Reducing Exposure to Air Pollution
- Switch up your commute by walking or biking when possible.
- When driving, choose routes with less traffic.
- Move away from freeways and busy roads to reduce exposure.
And when you’re inside, he said we still need to be mindful about dangerous contaminants in the air.
According to the WHO, more than 3 million people die every year just from indoor air pollution alone.
“Any source of emission that you can imagine inside, such as someone smoking a cigarette, secondhand smoke, or cooking and something burning,” Hankey said.
Reducing Indoor Air Pollution
- Use high-quality air purifiers with filters like Ultra HEPA.
To learn measures you can take to limit your exposure to air pollution, click here.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
Analysis
The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to air pollution and its impact on health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article highlights the connection between air pollution and premature deaths, emphasizing the need to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and air pollution. This aligns with Target 3.9 of SDG 3. The indicator mentioned in the article, mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution, can be used to measure progress towards this target.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the issue of air pollution in both urban and rural areas, emphasizing the impact on Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. This aligns with Target 11.6 of SDG 11, which aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator mentioned in the article, annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in cities, can be used to measure progress towards this target.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the role of weather patterns and wildfires in exacerbating air pollution. This highlights the need to integrate climate change measures into policies and planning, as stated in Target 13.2 of SDG 13. The indicator mentioned in the article, the number of countries strengthening capacity-building for adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer, can be used to measure progress towards this target.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted). |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wdbj7.com
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