Protect the health and longevity of living beings from air pollution

 

BREATHING clean air is of utmost importance. Without inhaling clean air, living beings could die, and if they breathe in polluted air, it can shorten their lifespan and lead to death. In Myanmar, during the open season, awareness talks are held at township, neighbourhood, and village levels to prevent burning in open fields. Hence, efforts are made to prevent the burning of household and agricultural waste, to ensure proper disposal, and to regulate burning through incineration systems.

Currently, air quality measurements are conducted by the relevant department regularly. South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are experiencing the highest level of air pollution. In some Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, forest fires have led to smoke and haze issues, which are actively being addressed.

Oxygen is a vital gas present in the atmosphere and is essential for all living organisms. It is extremely useful and fascinating as a chemical substance for sustaining life. Generally, humans engage in activities that release carbon dioxide, degrading oxygen in the atmosphere. As a result, the oxygen in the surrounding environment is gradually becoming more polluted.

Air pollution refers to the excessive presence of smoke, various gases, dust particles, smog, odours, and water vapour in an otherwise clean atmosphere. Such conditions can adversely affect human health in various ways. Since everyone needs to breathe, inhaling unclean, polluted air instead of fresh air can harm not only health but also endanger life. It has been found that some 60 per cent of air pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels like petroleum. Around 16 per cent is due to wildfires, haze, and sea salt evaporation, while 22 per cent is caused by human activities. Small particles that cause air pollution can easily enter the lungs through the respiratory tract leading to potential long-term damage to internal organs like the lungs, heart, liver, and brain. Air pollution can cause diseases such as cancer and other chronic illnesses.

The primary health issues include respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, lung diseases, and eye irritation. Additionally, pregnant women may face complications in childbirth, including low birth weight, premature birth, congenital disabilities, asthma, diabetes, and neurological disorders in their children.

Actions that contribute to air pollution are also becoming more common in various socioeconomic aspects. It is essential to consciously reduce activities that cause air pollution, which can damage environmental air quality, so that all living humans may enjoy longer, healthier lives. Hence, everybody has to work together in this effort.

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