IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

NAME:B.PAVALA PRASHANCLASS:3 CARNATIONTEACHER:PUAN ESAH

CONTENTS

Air Pollutants 1-4

Diseases related to respiratory system 5

Ways to improve air quality 6-7

Practice maintaining clean air 8-14

AIR POLLUTANTS

An air pollutant is a substance in the air that can have adverse effects on humans and the ecosystem. The substance can be solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. A pollutant can be of natural origin or man-made. Pollutants are classified as primary or secondary. Primary pollutants are usually produced from a process, such as ash from a volcanic eruption. Other examples include carbon monoxide gas from motor vehicle exhaust, or the sulfur dioxide released from factories. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Rather, they form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact. Ground level ozone is a prominent example of a secondary pollutant. Some pollutants may be both primary and secondary: they are both emitted directly and formed from other primary pollutants.

Major primary pollutants produced by human activity include:

Sulfur oxides (SOx) - particularly sulfur dioxide, a chemical compound with the formula SO2. SO2 is produced by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, and their combustion generates sulfur dioxide. Further oxidation of SO2, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus acid rain.[2] This is one of the causes for concern over the environmental impact of the use of these fuels as power sources.Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - Nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen dioxide, are expelled from high temperature combustion, and are also produced during thunderstorms by electric discharge. They can be seen as a brown haze dome above or a plume downwind of cities. Nitrogen dioxide is a chemical compound with the formula NO2. It is one of several nitrogen oxides. One of the most prominent air pollutants, this reddish-brown toxic gas has a characteristic sharp, biting odor.Carbon monoxide (CO) - CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic yet non-irritating gas. It is a product by incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood. Vehicular exhaust is a major source of carbon monoxide.Volatile organic compounds - VOCs are a well-known outdoor air pollutant. They are categorized as either methane (CH4) or non-methane (NMVOCs). Methane is an extremely efficient greenhouse gas which contributes to enhanced global warming. Other hydrocarbon VOCs are also significant greenhouse gases because of their role in creating ozone and prolonging the life of methane in the atmosphere. This effect varies depending on local air quality. The aromatic NMVOCs benzene, toluene and xylene are suspected carcinogens and may lead to leukemia with prolonged exposure. 1,3-butadiene is another dangerous compound often associated with industrial use.Particulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM), atmospheric particulate matter, or fine particles, are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas. In contrast, aerosol refers to combined particles and gas. Some particulates occur naturally, originating from volcanoes, dust storms, forest and grassland fires, living vegetation, and sea spray. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and various industrial processes also generate significant amounts of aerosols. Averaged worldwide, anthropogenic aerosolsthose made by human activitiescurrently account for approximately 10 percent of our atmosphere. Increased levels of fine particles in the air are linked to health hazards such as heart disease,[3] altered lung function and lung cancer.Persistent free radicals connected to airborne fine particles are linked to cardiopulmonary disease.[4][5]Toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, especially their compounds.Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - harmful to the ozone layer; emitted from products are currently banned from use. These are gases which are released from air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosol sprays, etc. CFC's on being released into the air rises to stratosphere. Here they come in contact with other gases and damage the ozone layer. This allows harmful ultraviolet rays to reach the earth's surface. This can lead to skin cancer, disease to eye and can even cause damage to plants.Ammonia (NH3) - emitted from agricultural processes. Ammonia is a compound with the formula NH3. It is normally encountered as a gas with a characteristic pungent odor. Ammonia contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to foodstuffs and fertilizers. Ammonia, either directly or indirectly, is also a building block for the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals. Although in wide use, ammonia is both caustic and hazardous. In the atmosphere, ammonia reacts with oxides of nitrogen and sulfur to form secondary particles.[6]Odors such as from garbage, sewage, and industrial processesRadioactive pollutants - produced by nuclear explosions, nuclear events, war explosives, and natural processes such as the radioactive decay of radon.

Pollution in the sky of Athens, Greece.Secondary pollutants include:

Particulates created from gaseous primary pollutants and compounds in photochemical smog. Smog is a kind of air pollution. Classic smog results from large amounts of coal burning in an area caused by a mixture of smoke and sulfur dioxide. Modern smog does not usually come from coal but from vehicular and industrial emissions that are acted on in the atmosphere by ultraviolet light from the sun to form secondary pollutants that also combine with the primary emissions to form photochemical smog.Ground level ozone (O3) formed from NOx and VOCs. Ozone (O3) is a key constituent of the troposphere. It is also an important constituent of certain regions of the stratosphere commonly known as the Ozone layer. Photochemical and chemical reactions involving it drive many of the chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere by day and by night. At abnormally high concentrations brought about by human activities (largely the combustion of fossil fuel), it is a pollutant, and a constituent of smog.Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) - similarly formed from NOx and VOCs.Minor air pollutants include:

A large number of minor hazardous air pollutants. Some of these are regulated in USA under the Clean Air Act and in Europe under the Air Framework DirectiveA variety of persistent organic pollutants, which can attach to particulatesPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. Because of this, they have been observed to persist in the environment, to be capable of long-range transport, bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue, biomagnify in food chains, and to have potentially significant impacts on human health and the environment.

Diseases to respiratory system

Diseases and conditions of the respiratory system fall into two categories: Viruses such as influenza, bacterial pneumonia and the new enterovirus respiratory virus that has been diagnosed in children; and chronic diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to Dr. Neal Chaisson, who practices pulmonary medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, there is not much that can be done for viral infections but to let them run their course. "Antibiotics are not effective in treating viruses and the best thing to do is just rest," he said.

COPD is the intersection of three related conditions chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma and emphysema, Chaisson told Live Science. It is a progressive disease that makes it increasingly difficult for sufferers to breath.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, according to Tonya Winders, president of the Allergy & Asthma Network. These signs and symptoms may be worse when a person is exposed to their triggers, which can include air pollution, tobacco smoke, factory fumes, cleaning solvents, infections, pollens, foods, cold air, exercise, chemicals and medications.

Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, but the disease can affect non-smokers as well. Every year, about 16,000 to 24,000 Americans die of lung cancer, even though they have never smoked, according to the American Cancer Society. Like all cancers, lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

Ways to improve air quality

We make choices everyday that can help reduce air pollution. Below are a few ideas that you can take to help clean our air.

At Home

Conserve energy - turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces production emissions.)Keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained. You should also consider replacing old wood stoves with EPA-certified models. Visit www.epa.gov/burnwise.Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter.Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities.Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F.Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.Test your home for radon-a dangerous, radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. If the test shows elevated levels of radon, the problem can be fixed cost effectively. Visit www.epa.gov/radon.Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. If you or your visitors must smoke, then smoke outside. Visit www.epa.gov/smokefree.Buy Smart

Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances. They are environmentally friendly products. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles. Visit www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.Drive Wise

Plan your trips. Save gasoline and reduce air pollution.

Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

Practice maintaining air clean

Drive Less -- Drive SmartAbout half of the air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Twoimportant ways to reduce air pollution are to drive less -- even a littleless -- and to drive smart. Taking fewer trips in your car or truck helpscut air pollution. And adopting smart driving habits reduces your car'semissions.Driving less doesn't mean you have to stay home. Try combining drivingwith alternative modes of transportation:1. Carpool.2. Walk or ride a bicycle.3. Shop by phone or mail.4. Ride public transit.5. Telecommute.Driving smart keeps pollution at a minimum. *6. Accelerate gradually.7. Use cruise control on the highway.8. Obey the speed limit.9. Combine your errands into one trip.10.Keep your car tuned and support the smog check program.11. Don't top off at the gas pumps.12.Replace your car's air filter.13.Keep your tires properly inflated.14.What about smoking vehicles?Contact the EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards.* What you do when you are stuck in traffic and not "driving" can be very importantas well. Consider turning your engine off if you will be idling for long periods of time.That's not all. When shopping for your next car...15. Look for the most efficient, lowest polluting model--or even use either a nonpollutingcar or zero emission vehicle. Visit these web sites for informationthat will help you identify clean and fuel efficient vehicles in any part of thecountry:o EPA's Green vehicle Guideo The DOE/EPA Fuel Economy Guideo The U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Site If you must drive on days with unhealthy air, drive your newest car. Newercars generally pollute less than older models.Choose Air-Friendly ProductsMany products you use in your home, in the yard, or at theoffice are made with smog-forming chemicals that escape intothe air. Here are a few ways to put a lid on products thatpollute:16.Select products that are water-based or have lowamounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).17. Use water-based paints. Look for paints labeled "zeroVOC."

18. Paint with a brush, not a sprayer.19.Store solvents in air-tight containers.20. Use a push or electric lawn mower.21.Start your barbecue briquettes with an electric probe, oruse a propane or natural gas barbecue.Save EnergySaving energy helps reduce air pollution. Whenever you burnfossil fuel, you pollute the air. Use less gasoline, natural gas,and electricity (power plants burn fossil fuels to generate electricity):22. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.23.Replace energy hungry incandescent lights with fluorescent lighting.24.Check with your utility company for energy conservation tips, like purchasingenergy saving appliances.25. Use a thermostat that automatically turns off the air conditioner or heaterwhen you don't need them.26.Add insulation to your home.27. Use a fan instead of air conditioning.28. Use an EPA-approved wood burning stove or fireplace insert.29. Heat small meals in a microwave oven.30. Insulate your water heater.31. Install low flow showerheads.32. Dry your clothes on a clothesline.Waste NotIt takes energy to make and sell the products we use. Here are ways to cut energyuse, reduce air pollution, and save money.33.Choose recycled products.34.Choose products with recyclable packaging.35.Reuse paper bags.36.Recycle paper, plastics, and metals.37. Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper. Watch out for the small stuffWhen you breathe, very small particles -- suchas dust, soot, and acid droplets -- can slip pastyour lung's natural defense system. Theseparticles get stuck deep in your lungs and maycause problems -- more asthma attacks,bronchitis and other lung diseases, decreasedresistance to infections, and even prematuredeath for the elderly or sick. Here are a fewthings you can do to reduce particulate matterpollution and protect yourself:38. Don't use your wood stove or fireplaceon days with unhealthy air.39.Avoid using leaf blowers and other typesof equipment that raise a lot of dust.Use a rake or broom instead.40. Drive slowly on unpaved roads.41. Drive less, particularly on days withunhealthy air.42.Avoid vigorous physical activity on dayswith unhealthy air.Know The Inside StoryAir pollution is a problem indoors and out. Most people spend at least 80 percent oftheir lives indoors. Here are some ways you can reduce pollution in your home, officeor school:43. Don't smoke. Send smokers outside.44. Products such as cleaning agents, paints, and glues often contain harmfulchemicals. Use them outdoors or with plenty of ventilation indoors.45. Use safer products, such as baking soda instead of harsher chemical cleaners.46. Don't heat your home with a gas cooking stove.47. Have your gas appliances and heater regularly inspected and maintained.48.Clean frequently to remove dust and molds.Visit EPA's Indoor Air Quality Home Page for more information.Speak Up For Clean AirDo what you can to reduce air pollution. It will make a difference. Use your civicinfluence to improve regional and national air pollution standards:49.Write to your local newspaper. Support action for healthy air.50. Let your elected representative know you support action for clean air.