Air Pollution: How serious is it?

While I was browsing through my facebook account, I saw this ad post from  Esco Fume Hood's facebook page. And it got me into thinking, is air pollution really a threat? It led me into several pages of facts into another, with surmounting reality that if we overdo it without taking positive actions, then we are on the mercy of mass extinction. So these are the facts I've gathered and it's up to you  if you'll do your part as well.

 


In 2012
The largest air pollution-related burden was borne by South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. There was a recorded total of 3.3 million deaths linked to indoor air pollution and 2.6 million deaths related to outdoor air pollution.




New data reveals a strong link between both indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure and cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and ischaemic heart disease. Data also showed a strong correlation between air pollution and cancer. Fine particulate matter is associated with a broad spectrum of acute and chronic illness, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases.


Outdoor air pollution-caused deaths :

Worldwide, it is estimated to cause about 16% of lung cancer deaths, 11% of COPD deaths, and more than 20% of ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Particulate matter plution is an environmental health problem that affects people worldwide, but low- and middle-income countries disproportionately experience this burden.

“Cleaning up the air we breathe prevents non-communicable diseases as well as reduces disease risks among women and vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly...”

--Dr Flavia Bustreo

Indoor air pollution-caused deaths :

So how can your lab take actions?
Your lab can help curtail the growth of air-pollution and its associated diseases by starting in your very own lab. Fume hoods are common source of air pollutants, which were generated from the chemical analysis done inside the cabinet. Before these fumes leave the exhaust system, ideally it should have been neutralized and should be generally safe. One engineering control we can put into our fume hood is by installing scrubbers.

Next topic, I will discuss in details the theory behind the use of a fume hood scrubber.

Stay safe and happy Friday!

Source :
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/air-pollution/en/