Cities and regions across the globe have taken commendable steps to combat bad air quality for their citizens, future generations, and the planet. While these remarkable moves have been made, the health effects of poor-quality air are mostly concentrated in lower-income countries with fewer resources and poor infrastructure. There are socio-economic aspects of the problem to address, but you can play your part from home to reduce your emissions output and keep those around you safe.
Human health and the world we live in
With the scientific strides made in researching the topic, it’s indisputable that humans have had a devastating effect on the planet with our fossil fuel use and negligence for decades regarding the impact we have on the environment. Thankfully, attitudes and actions are changing for the better, but there is a lot more to be done.
It’s not just our environment that suffers either; the health of people living in places with poor air quality is demonstrably worse than those with cleaner air. Certain forms of cancer and other dangerous illnesses are proven to be more likely if you regularly inhale poor-quality air.
Let’s take the process of flaring, where natural gas is burned and released into our air because it's often cheaper for oil and gas companies to do this than store it, as an example. Harrowing reports in Iraq detail the tragic health problems incurred by those living close to the oil sites, where the flaring takes place. The practice is thankfully in decline but its effects can be terminal for some.
Where are the effects felt the most?
A study published by Statista states that, in 2022, the country with the worst air pollution on Earth by average PM2.5 (fine particular matter) concentration is Chad. In this regard, the landlocked African nation is a significant distance ahead of Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Bangladesh, who are next on the list.
However, Lahore in Pakistan is, in fact, the most air-polluted city anywhere and the residents of New Delhi, India suffer from PM2.5 concentration in their air the most of any capital city.
Countries with dense populations and residents who earn typically low incomes appear to be the worst affected nations in terms of air pollution, in tone with what many researchers suspected before the reports were published.
Why is air quality so crucial?
In the UK alone, air pollution and long-term exposure to bad air quality are responsible for an estimated 28,000-36,000 deaths per year. It’s obvious to see why so many populated areas like London, Birmingham, and Bristol have introduced Clean Air Zones or Ultra Low Emission Zone that aim to decrease the number of pollutants in areas which have lots of people living in them.
Wherever you live, clean air to breathe should be the very minimum you’re granted as a human, let alone a citizen or resident of any country.
Of course, as humans we have a lot of control over what happens to our planet and the environment we live in, but what about the voiceless? The habitat and lives of animals and all forms of wildlife are at risk if pollutants continue to be emitted into our atmosphere at dangerous levels.
What can we do?
There’s no question that government intervention is required in countries where levels of pollutants are out of control. However, at home, you can get into good habits when starting your home fires.
Always opt for kiln-dried or properly seasoned wood over wet or treated wood to keep your carbon footprint in check. This will produce less smoke that makes its way into the air we breathe, keeping those around us safe. Explore the kiln-dried wood range on offer from Homefire here.
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