The average person, unless he or she is a proponent of Sudarshan Kriya, practises yoga or meditates, rarely, if ever, thinks about breathing. Obviously, this statement does not include anyone suffering from any of the various lung diseases, which make the very act of breathing difficult. It is vital to life, yet breathing is a function very often taken for granted. Every breath a person takes provides an inflow of necessary oxygen and an expulsion of carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, many parts of the world have now reached a stage where what living organisms inhale can and does kill them.
UNICEF last week revealed that air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. Quoting from the State of Global Air report issued by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), an independent US-based nonprofit research organisation, UNICEF highlighted that of that number some 700,000 were children under five years old. In fact, the UN child rights organisation which partnered with HEI on the report divulged that while hypertension and malnutrition remained the leading cause of death among adults and children under five respectively, air pollution now comes in at number two in both categories.
The major sources of air pollution are well known: non-electric motor vehicles; factories; any device large or small that uses kerosene, fuel oil, wood or coal; cigarette smoke; agriculture; mining; and forest fires are some that fit the bill. This is because they emit particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, ozone, and nitrogen and sulphur dioxide. The ill-effects on humans include irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin; headaches, dizziness, and nausea; pneumonia or bronchitis; asthma, emphysema, heart disease and cancers. It is also believed that air pollution causes long-term damage to the nerves, brain, kidneys, liver and other organs as well as birth defects. Of course, one has to factor in the length of people’s exposure and the amount and type of pollutants. Nevertheless, the dangers should never be underestimated.
There is much more concern today over the health impact of outdoor fine PM. These are very tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter and not visible to the human eye. Breathed in, they get into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, from where they can affect virtually any organ. According to the report, children are especially vulnerable to air pollution, the effect of which can begin while they are still in the womb. It has been proven that children inhale more air per kilogramme of body weight than adults and therefore, more pollutants while their lungs, brains and bodies are still developing, the report stated.
In addition, according to UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden almost 2,000 children under the age of five die every day from health issues linked to air pollution. Noting the profound effect on the next generation, she urged that the data available be used “to inform meaningful, child-focused action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.”
Meanwhile, animals, including wildlife, are similarly affected. Long-term studies have noted behavioural changes, birth defects, diseases, and lower reproductive rates. These differences throw a spanner in the works of the food chain system and cause imbalances that could adversely affect entire species. Nor is flora spared. Air pollutants can reduce the growth rate of plants and trees, including below ground. Some could very well become extinct, but scientists believe that trees, in particular, adapt and over time the species change becoming less sensitive to the pollution. However, this has ramifications that could include their resilience to floods and droughts as well as their suitability as habitats for birds and animals. Every action has a reaction; often the latter is unexpected in a perilous way.
History has shown that humans have a remarkable propensity for self-preservation. Unfortunately, in era after era any action towards this end tended to be taken only after the threat became so real that its effect was not only direct, but proven. Greed and arrogance, two of the main drivers of this behaviour have retained their prominence and have even grown unchecked.
However, the simple fact is that if we wish to be able to continue to breathe even half-decent air, and properly, we have to act now. While governments and businesses have to do their part, every individual can take steps to reduce air pollution, like eschewing gas-guzzling vehicles and riding bicycles or walking where possible. In the developed world public transportation – trains and buses – are another option, but they are sadly not available (in the case of the former) or advisable (as regards the latter) in this country.
Incidentally, advocating for walkways and bicycle lanes on all new roads being built and old ones being repaired or expanded must become part of citizens’ roles. People can also stop burning garbage and yard trimmings and regardless of how nostalgic the ‘bush cook’ is, find an option that is good for the environment. Not every change has to be an edict from the top, people-driven transformation can be radical, but lasting and just what the doctor ordered.
