AIR pollution is more dangerous than smoking for individuals or drinking alcohol. In this regard, 201 to 300 air quality index can badly affect the health of individuals, while an index between 101 to 150 is not good for vulnerable individuals.
Air pollution can cause biological or chemical changes due to the spread of unclean smog and gases. Especially, people from urban areas are experiencing air pollution based on gases emitted from motor vehicles, generators and factories using fossil fuel for operation. Hence, air pollution becomes a silent killer which can kill some 8.1 million individuals per year.
On 6 February this year, UNICEF issued a press release, saying that some 325 million children live in relevant countries which face over five times of PM2.5 on average yearly. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, often called fine particulate matter. These tiny particles are a major component of air pollution and can pose significant health risks when inhaled. Most of these particles come from smoke from fossil fuel, biofuel and setting fire to agricultural waste.
Surveys of experts stated that air pollution may decline some 2.5 years of lifespan of human. So, it becomes an external danger which can threaten the average lifespan of individuals. Currently, some neighbouring countries of Myanmar, as well as Asian and African countries, are experiencing a loss of average lifespan. In these countries, people lose some six years of lifespan, according to the Air Quality Life Index. As such, since toxic air can cause premature death, all humans must pay attention to their health.
Carbon monoxide in the atmosphere can prevent the human body from receiving sufficient oxygen. If inhaled in large amounts, it can lead to life-threatening consequences. Extremely small particles can cause lung cancer, respiratory failure, and other types of cancer, according to findings of scientists. Therefore, the people are advised to avoid going outdoors as much as possible, and if going out is unavoidable, it is essential to wear a proper mask before going outside.
To create a healthy and harmonious environment for people to live in, everyone should strive to minimize activities that harm the health conditions of people, reduce emissions that pollute the air in their surroundings, and limit the release of harmful particles from economic activities that affect public health. Only then will good and livable environments for the public emerge.
