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Describe the impact:

Polluted air in Singapore poses health risk among Singaporeans because........ (describe the impacts)

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Air pollution causes as many as 7 million premature deaths each year: UN report

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SINGAPORE - Air pollution is the largest environmental health risk, causing between six million and seven million premature deaths and an estimated US$5 trillion (S$6.78 trillion) in welfare losses each year, the United Nations said on Wednesday (March 13) in a landmark 700-page report on the state of the planet.

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Water sports companies have suspended all sea activities because of all the oil spills & indefinitely as large swathes of the soiled East Coast Park coastline have been cordoned off and swimming banned at Sentosa’s Tanjong, Siloso and Palawan beaches, they told The Straits Times.

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Beachfront shops at Sentosa, East Coast Park face thinner crowds after oil spill forces beach closures

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But some say things are improving slowly, with the stench beginning to lift. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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the sea animals are at risk of extinction due to the amount of plastic in the ocean that humans litter.

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because Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people's nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs.

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The main sources of air pollution in Singapore are emissions from the industries and motor vehicles. From time to time, transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires in the region also affect Singapore's air quality, particularly during the Southwest monsoon period from August to October.

The government employs a strategy of integrated urban and industrial planning, together with development control, to minimise air pollution. Additional measures include legislation, strict enforcement programmes, and air quality monitoring. These help ensure that air quality remains good despite Singapore's dense urban landscape and large industrial base.

Singapore enjoys better air quality than many cities in Asia, comparable with that of cities in the United States and Europe. Singapore's Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) has remained in the 'Good' and 'Moderate' range in 2022.

Singapore's air quality targets, sulphur dioxide emission inventory, as well as industrial and vehicle emission standards are detailed below.

Air quality targets

As international air quality benchmarks such as the World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines (WHO AQGs) are constantly reviewed, NEA established the Advisory Committee on Ambient Air Quality in July 2010 to recommend air quality targets for Singapore. The committee was chaired by NEA, with representatives from various stakeholders from the public sector and institutions of higher education*.

The committee completed its work in July 2011 and made recommendations based on the assessment that the WHO AQGs are internationally-recognised and rigorous as they are backed by scientific findings and health studies. The committee also proposed that NEA should work towards achieving the WHO AQGs for all air pollutants in the long term.

The executive summary of the committee's recommendations is appended: executive summary

*Full list of representatives: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Economic Development Board, Energy Market Authority, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Singapore Environment Council, Singapore Tourism Board, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, National Health Group and the Singapore Health Services.

MSE, together with NEA, reviewed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) commitments launched in 2009 to achieve an annual mean of 12µg/m ³ of PM 2.5 by 2020. The agencies have worked with relevant government bodies and various stakeholders to arrive at a set of revised national air quality targets pegged to the WHO AQGs. The targets are in Annex I.

To work towards achieving these air quality targets by 2020, NEA has developed a roadmap with a set of abatement measures that will allow Singapore to achieve sustainable growth and development while maintaining public health and economic competitiveness. The abatement measures are summarised in Annex II.
Annex I: Singapore Ambient Air Quality Targets
[1] Sustainable Singapore Blueprint annual target for PM2.5 of 12µg/m³ will be retained and aligned with WHO Interim Target of 37.5 µg/m³ for 24-hour mean
Annex II: Summary of Abatement Measures

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
With effect from July 2013, NEA mandated the supply of Near Sulphur-Free Diesel (NSFD) with a sulphur content of 0.001% to pave the way for Euro V emission standards for diesel vehicles and further reduce SO ₂ emissions from diesel vehicles and industries.

With effect from 1 October 2013, NEA will mandate cleaner petrol for motor vehicles with sulphur content lower than 0.005% to pave the way for the Euro IV emission standards. This will also reduce HC and NO x which will give rise to ozone.

With effect from 1 July 2017, NEA mandated the supply of cleaner petrol for motor vehicles with sulphur content lower than 0.001%.

NEA, together with EDB, will work with refineries to improve their processes and decrease their SO ₂ emissions. Power stations are also working towards using cleaner fuels for their energy needs in order to lower their SO ₂ emissions. As the power stations and industries switch to the use of cleaner fuels to reduce SO ₂, there will also be a simultaneous reduction in other pollutants including PM2.5.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 + PM₁₀)
With effect from 1 Sep 2017, all new petrol vehicles will have to meet the Euro VI emission standard. With effect from 1 Jan 2018, all new diesel vehicles will have to meet the Euro VI emission standard.

From 1 Aug 2017 to 31 Jul 2019, the enhanced Early Turnover Scheme for commercial vehicles will incentivise owners of Euro II or Euro III emission standards vehicles to turnover to Euro VI (or equivalent) vehicles.

With effect from 1 January 2014, all in-use diesel driven vehicles are required to achieve a smoke opacity reading of 40 Hartridge Smoke Units (from 50 Hartridge Smoke Units) or below during vehicle inspection.

Ozone
From 1 January 2018, the emission standard for all three-wheeled (Cat L5e) and large motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 200cc will be tightened to the Euro VI standard, while smaller motorcycles with an engine capacity of 200cc and below will see the Euro VI standard implemented from 1 Jan 2020.

From 1 April 2018, the exhaust emission standards for in-use petrol vehicles will be tightened. Limits for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon, which is a precursor to ozone, will be tightened and introduced respectively.

[2] Ozone is not directly emitted but is formed through complex chemical reactions involving hydrocarbons (HC) and nitric oxide & nitrogen dioxide (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. HC and NOx emitted from motor vehicles, industries, power stations and refineries are the precursors for ozone formation.

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) Emission Inventory

Sulphur dioxide (SO ₂) is one of six pollutants that are closely tracked and monitored in Singapore. The others are particulate matter (PM ₁₀), fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Sources of SO 2 emissions in Singapore include industries such as refineries and power stations, as well as motor vehicles.

The 2018 SO ₂ emission inventory, developed based on extensive emissions data from various sources, is shown in the table below. While these companies operate within permissible limits and form part of the chemical cluster (comprising the petroleum, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals sectors which contribute to over a third of Singapore's total manufacturing output), it is important to continue working towards lower emissions.

Industrial emissions

The NEA's Source Emission Test Scheme for industries requires industries to conduct source emission tests on their own, or engage accredited laboratories under the Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) to do so for them. This allows industries to monitor their air emissions regularly, and ensure they meet prescribed air emission standards.

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The main sources of air pollution in Singapore are emissions from the industries and motor vehicles. From time to time, transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires in the region also affect Singapore's air quality, particularly during the Southwest monsoon period from August to October.

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describe the impact:

Land pollution harms ecosystems, reduces soil fertility, and poses health risks to humans and wildlife.

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In the 21st century, there isn't a single surface or space on Earth that hasn't in some way been impacted by pollution. The consequences are far-reaching for both the environment and human health.

While the prevention of land pollution on a large scale will require changes in policy and regulation, there are steps that individuals can take in their daily lives to help prevent land pollution.

What is Land Pollution?

Land pollution refers to the deterioration of the earth's land surfaces at and below ground level. It is caused by the accumulation of solid and liquid waste materials that contaminate groundwater and soil. These waste materials are often referred to as municipal solid waste (MSW), which includes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

As different waste materials and pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, plastic, litter and pharmaceuticals sit on top of and leach into our soil, they change and degrade its natural composition. Over time, some pollutants can also go through a chemical transformation, creating secondary pollutants like fumaric and phthalic acids.

The permeability of the soil formations below the waste can increase or reduce the risk of land pollution. The higher the permeability of the soil, the more likely that land pollution will occur. Meanwhile, extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods can exacerbate the effects of land pollution as they disperse or concentrate certain pollutants.

The Main Causes of Land Pollution

While there are many causes of land pollution, the main contributors include litter, waste, urbanization, construction, mining, extraction, and agriculture. Let's dive into how these different issues lead to increased land pollution.

1. Litter and Waste

Litter

Illegal dumping also contributes to land pollution. Oftentimes people will dump waste illegally in places such as forests, open fields and ditches rather than in approved dumping areas. Common types of illegally dumped waste include asbestos waste, cars and waste that can be recycled or reused.

All litter, whether intentional or not, causes pollution by releasing chemicals and microparticles as it degrades.

Waste

Even if you throw your trash into the bin and take it out to be picked up by the garbage truck, its journey is not complete. Your trash has to go somewhere and where it typically goes is a landfill. When not managed propertly, landfills can also contribute to land pollution.

For example, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that solid wastes were collected with the environment in mind. Prior to that, waste was typically left on top of the ground in open dumps, which resulted in rats, mosquitoes and other disease infestations, as well as foul smells and windblown debris.

There are now significantly safer practices for disposing of waste, including the recovery and use of landfill gas for electricity.
Texas Disposal Systems Landfill , located just outside of Austin, Texas, is unique by design and combines natural and manmade barriers to meet stringent environmental protection regulations. The landfill structure features a performance-based linear system with a leachate collection system and thick re-compacted clay sidewall liners. The liner system easily meets the standards of the performance-based landfill liner system currently required by both the EPA TCEQ TDS offers a variety of builder solution services aimed at helping builders achieve easy and cost-effective construction recycling and waste disposal plans. Our services ensure builders remain in compliance with both city ordinances and a project's plan, and include roll-off dumpsters concrete recycling
2. Urbanization and Construction

Large quantities of people living close together, producing trash, and littering in a dense area does inevitably lead to land pollution. To accommodate our increasing population, construction activities also occur, which result in large waste materials, such as metal, plastic, wood and bricks.

When these materials are not properly disposed of, it contributes to the land pollution of that area. To help reduce the environmental impact of construction sites, it's important to work with partners that offer comprehensive solutions to achieve cost-effective construction recycling and waste disposal plans.

3. Mining and Extraction

Mining is the extraction of minerals and other geological materials from the ground, which are then used for a wide range of purposes including but not limited to producing gasoline for automobiles, generating electricity and selling materials such as gold and silver.

This extraction and the methods used, however, deplete the earth of its natural resources and cause damage and land pollution in its wake. It also frequently damages the surrounding area's natural ecosystems, altering the landscape, destroying natural habitats for wildlife and ultimately reducing biodiversity.

For example, coal mining often uses acid mine drainage (AMD) to help extract coal from its surroundings. When the runoff of acid used in this method finds its way into local natural water supplies and sources, it has a chemical reaction with the surrounding rocks and sand and creates sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is toxic not only to humans but to most other plants and wildlife as well.

4. Agriculture

Agriculture is foundational for both everyday life, as well as the economy as a whole. It also, however, can have profound effects on the planet. Agricultural pollution occurs when contamination created as a by-product of raising livestock and growing food crops is released into the environment, and the contamination is vast. Major contributors to agricultural-related land pollution include run-off from pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer and animal waste.

Unsustainable farming practices such as intensive cultivation and overgrazing can also strip the land of its natural nutrients, leaving it no longer viable for future crops unless it is restored.

Effects of Land Pollution

Land pollution touches essentially every area of the living world, including:

Contamination of drinking water

Polluted soil, which leads to a loss of fertile land for agriculture and a reduction in the availability of food

Climate change, which causes an onslaught of disastrous problems, including flash floods and irregular rainfalls

The endangerment and extinction of species in wildlife

Habitat destruction, where animal and plants wiped out in certain areas

Habitat shifting, where animals are are forced to flee where they live in order to survive

An increase in wildfires due to polluted areas often becoming very dry

Increased air pollution, which burning waste contributes to

Increased soil pollutants can enter the body through the food chain, and cause health issues

Increased human health issues, including cancer, respiratory illnesses, and congenital disabilities, caused by exposure to harmful chemicals

How to Prevent Land Pollution

Given the disastrous effects of land pollution, taking preventive measures to reduce its impact moving forward is crucial. Finding solutions to land pollution is not a matter of discovering a silver bullet - it will require efforts on multiple fronts.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Given that the use of pesticides and chemicals in farming and agriculture greatly contributes to land pollution, finding alternatives will help to reduce the environmental impact. Farmers, for instance, can use natural ingredients by switching from bio-fertilizers to manure or enrolling in programs that provide education and resources regarding sustainable farming.

On the individual level, supporting environmentally-conscious, local farmers at your closest farmer's market or local grocery store can help to build up business for farmers with more sustainable farming practices. Another option is to contribute to or volunteer in an urban garden in your neighborhood.

Reforestation

Reforestation involves replanting an area with trees. This can be needed for areas that have experienced wildfires, for instance, or where trees had been chopped down and milled. This process helps to bind the soil, which helps to protect it from land pollution and prevents soil erosion and flooding.

Solid Waste Treatments

When solid waste is not properly treated it can increase the level of toxic chemicals and hazardous substances in soil. Chemical treatment methods under a controlled environment can help reduce land pollution. This solid waste treatment method includes neutralization. This treatment alters the pH level of waste before it gets dumped into landfills.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Buy locally or used to reduce your environmental impact.
At the individual level, there are many things we can do to reduce our contribution to land pollution. One of the simplest ways to do this is to reuse or recycle items so that you aren't creating waste out of a material or item that still has a purpose. With the growing awareness around what can be recycled and an increase in recycling bins in many cities, it has never been easier to recycle.

Composting

Where Can I Find More Land Pollution Information?

There is a constantly growing body of literature around the causes and effects of land pollution, as well as preventative and restorative measures being taken. Here is a starter list of both classic and new educational resources.

Actionable Resources for Land Pollution:

Reports on Land Pollution:

Books on Land Pollution:

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson: Published in 1962, Silent Spring altered public awareness about the then-common pesticide DDT and sparked revolutionary policy changes that protected natural resources.

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold: Part natural history, part personal essay, The Sand County Almanac follows Leopold as he explores the natural ecosystem of his native Wisconsin as well as other areas. Another classic, it was published in 1949 and helped spur the modern environmentalist movement.

The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert: If you're tired of hearing about the "next mass extinction" without really knowing what it's about, Kolbert's book is a data-backed look at previous mass extinctions as a way of teaching us about our current mass extinction.

by Timothy Egan: Egan shares the stories of individuals who survived The Dust Bowl, a period of severe dust storms that ravaged the prairies during the 1930s. The dust storms were caused primarily by unsustainable agricultural practicesThe Worst Hard Time

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard: An in-depth look at the impact of overconsumption, The Story of Stuff follows "stuff" from its creation in factories to its final resting place in a landfill in an attempt to promote awareness and sustainable practices.

Dispose of Waste the Safe, Smart Way with TDS

At Texas Disposal Systems (TDS), we recognize that we are in a unique position to help reduce land pollution for Texans. With over 2,000 acres of land and the state's first totally integrated facility, we are one of the largest independently owned solid waste collection, processing, and disposal companies in the nation. And we are dedicated to helping the Texas environment thrive.

Our efforts to reduce the impact of air pollution, water pollution, land pollution are extensive, and include:

Best practices in terms of landfill management

Diverting reusable and recyclable materials from our landfill via our Material Recovery Facilities (approximately 441,400 tons per year!)

Use of recycled materials in the construction of roads, buildings, and topsoil initiatives across our facilities

Large-scale, on-site composting

Recycling and sales outlet facilities

Working toward a closed-loop energy solution using the methane emitted from our landfill

The planting of trees and shrubs throughout our facilities

Supporting environmentally sound construction through our building services, including concrete recycling, scrap metal processing, and more

Working with local businesses, including the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, H-E-B, Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Keep Austin Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity

And so much more...

With an eye to the present and future health of Texans, TDS strives to give Texas residents and businesses access to more holistic waste disposal solutions. We are more than just a waste service provider.

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Land Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Prevention | TDS

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Land pollution leads to the deterioration of the earth's land surfaces. Learn about what causes it, its effects, and how we can prevent it moving forward.

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Air pollution

Air pollution has become more deadly since 1980 due to climate change.This had impacted Asia and had the highest death toll led by 49 million mortalities in china and 26.1 million in India. Air pollution is not a joke and we should take serious action.

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135 million early deaths since 1980 linked to air pollution, with spikes during climate events

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Asia had the highest death toll, led by 49 million mortalities in China and 26.1 million in India. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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Polluted air can cause damage to the lungs and heart respiratory system.It also causes death around the globe.

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Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air-pollutants that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , each year, indoor and outdoor air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths around the globe. Ninety-nine percent of human beings currently breathe air that exceeds the WHO's guideline limits for pollutants, with those living in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most. In the United States, the Clean Air Act , established in 1970, authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to safeguard public health by regulating the emissions of these harmful air pollutants.

What Causes Air Pollution?

"Most air pollution comes from energy use and production," says , director of the Clean Air team at NRDC. Driving a car on gasoline, heating a home with oil, running a power plant on fracked gas : In each case, a fossil fuel is burned and harmful chemicals and gases are released into the air.

"We've made progress over the last 50 years in improving air quality in the United States, thanks to the Clean Air Act. But climate change will make it harder in the future to meet pollution standards, which are designed to protect health ," says Walke.

Air pollution is now the world's fourth-largest risk factor for early death. According to the 2020 State of Global Air report -which summarizes the latest scientific understanding of air pollution around the world-4.5 million deaths were linked to outdoor air pollution exposures in 2019, and another 2.2 million deaths were caused by indoor air pollution. The world's most populous countries, China and India, continue to bear the highest burdens of disease.

The effects of air pollution on the human body vary, depending on the type of pollutant, the length and level of exposure, and other factors, including a person's individual health risks and the cumulative impacts of multiple pollutants or stressors.

Smog and soot

These are the two most prevalent types of air pollution. Smog (sometimes referred to as ground-level ozone) occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight. Soot-a type of particulate matter -is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens that are carried in the air. The sources of smog and soot are similar. "Both come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, engines, generally anything that combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, or natural gas," Walke says.

Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs, especially those of children, senior citizens, and people who work or exercise outdoors. It's even worse for people who have asthma or allergies; these extra pollutants can intensify their symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. The tiniest airborne particles in soot are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and worsen bronchitis, lead to heart attacks, and even hasten death. In 2020, a report from Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health showed that COVID-19 mortality rates were higher in areas with more particulate matter pollution than in areas with even slightly less, showing a correlation between the virus's deadliness and long-term exposure to air pollution.

Hazardous air pollutants

Another category of toxic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are by-products of traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke. In large amounts, they have been linked to eye and lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even cancer. In one study , the children of mothers exposed to PAHs during pregnancy showed slower brain-processing speeds and more pronounced symptoms of ADHD.

Greenhouse gases

While these climate pollutants don't have the direct or immediate impacts on the human body associated with other air pollutants, like smog or hazardous chemicals, they are still harmful to our health. By trapping the earth's heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases lead to warmer temperatures, which in turn lead to the hallmarks of climate change: rising sea levels, more extreme weather, heat-related deaths, and the increased transmission of infectious diseases. In 2021, carbon dioxide accounted for roughly 79 percent of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions, and methane made up more than 11 percent. "Carbon dioxide comes from combusting fossil fuels, and methane comes from natural and industrial sources, including large amounts that are released during oil and gas drilling," Walke says. "We emit far larger amounts of carbon dioxide, but methane is significantly more potent, so it's also very destructive."

Pollen and mold

Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health. Though they aren't regulated, they can be considered a form of air pollution. "When homes, schools, or businesses get water damage, mold can grow and produce allergenic airborne pollutants," says Kim Knowlton, professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University and a former NRDC scientist. " Mold exposure can precipitate asthma attacks or an allergic response, and some molds can even produce toxins that would be dangerous for anyone to inhale."

Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change . "Lab and field studies are showing that pollen-producing plants-especially ragweed-grow larger and produce more pollen when you increase the amount of carbon dioxide that they grow in," Knowlton says. "Climate change also extends the pollen production season, and some studies are beginning to suggest that ragweed pollen itself might be becoming a more potent allergen." If so, more people will suffer runny noses, fevers, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. "And for people with allergies and asthma, pollen peaks can precipitate asthma attacks, which are far more serious and can be life-threatening."

Air Pollution in the United States

More than one in three U.S. residents-120 million people-live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the by the American Lung Association (ALA). Since the annual report was first published, in 2000, its findings have shown how the Clean Air Act has been able to reduce harmful emissions from transportation, power plants, and manufacturing.

Recent findings, however, reflect how climate change-fueled wildfires and extreme heat are adding to the challenges of protecting public health. The latest report-which focuses on ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution-also finds that people of color are 61 percent more likely than white people to live in a county with a failing grade in at least one of those categories, and three times more likely to live in a county that fails in all three.

In rankings for each of the three pollution categories covered by the ALA report, California cities occupy the top three slots (i.e., were highest in pollution), despite progress that the Golden State has made in reducing air pollution emissions in the past half century. At the other end of the spectrum, these cities consistently rank among the country's best for air quality: Burlington, Vermont; Honolulu; and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Air Pollution and Environmental Justice

No one wants to live next door to an incinerator, oil refinery, port, toxic waste dump, or other polluting site. Yet millions of people around the world do, and this puts them at a much higher risk for respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, cancer, and death. In the United States, people of color are 1.5 times more likely than whites to live in areas with poor air quality, according to the ALA.

Historically, racist zoning policies and discriminatory lending practices known as have combined to keep polluting industries and car-choked highways away from white neighborhoods and have turned communities of color-especially low-income and working-class communities of color-into sacrifice zones, where residents are forced to breathe dirty air and suffer the many health problems associated with it. In addition to the increased health risks that come from living in such places, the polluted air can economically harm residents in the form of missed workdays and higher medical costs.

Environmental racism isn't limited to cities and industrial areas. Outdoor laborers, including the estimated three million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States, are among the most vulnerable to air pollution-and they're also among the least equipped, politically, to pressure employers and lawmakers to affirm their right to breathe clean air.

Recently, cumulative impact mapping , which uses data on environmental conditions and demographics, has been able to show how some communities are overburdened with layers of issues, like high levels of poverty, unemployment, and pollution. Tools like the Environmental Justice Screening Method and the EPA's provide evidence of what many environmental justice communities have been explaining for decades: that we need land use and public health reforms to ensure that vulnerable areas are not overburdened and that the people who need resources the most are receiving them.

Controlling Air Pollution

In the United States, the Clean Air Act has been a crucial tool for reducing air pollution since its passage in 1970, although fossil fuel interests aided by industry-friendly lawmakers have frequently attempted to its many protections. Ensuring that this bedrock environmental law remains intact and properly enforced will always be key to maintaining and improving our air quality.

But the best, most effective way to control air pollution is to speed up our transition to cleaner fuels and industrial processes. By switching over to renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar power), maximizing fuel efficiency in our vehicles, and replacing more and more of our gasoline-powered cars and trucks with electric versions, we'll be limiting air pollution at its source while also curbing the global warming that heightens so many of its worst health impacts.

And what about the economic costs of controlling air pollution? According to a report on the Clean Air Act commissioned by NRDC, the annual benefits of cleaner air are up to 32 times greater than the cost of clean air regulations. Those benefits include up to 370,000 avoided premature deaths, 189,000 fewer hospital admissions for cardiac and respiratory illnesses, and net economic benefits of up to $3.8 trillion for the U.S. economy every year.

How to Help Reduce Air Pollution

"The less gasoline we burn, the better we're doing to reduce air pollution and the harmful effects of climate change," Walke explains. "Make good choices about transportation. When you can, ride a bike, walk, or take public transportation. For driving, choose a car that gets better miles per gallon of gas or buy an electric car ." You can also investigate your power provider options-you may be able to request that your electricity be supplied by wind or solar. Buying your food locally cuts down on the fossil fuels burned in trucking or flying food in from across the world. And most important: "Support leaders who push for clean air and water and responsible steps on climate change," Walke says.

How to Protect Your Health

"When you see in the news or hear on the weather report that pollution levels are high, it may be useful to limit the time when children go outside or you go for a jog," Walke says. Generally, ozone levels tend to be lower in the morning.

If you exercise outside, stay as far as you can from heavily trafficked roads. Then shower and wash your clothes to remove fine particles.

The air may look clear, but that doesn't mean it's pollution free. Utilize tools like the EPA's air pollution monitor, , to get the latest conditions. If the air quality is bad, stay inside with the windows closed.

If you live or work in an area that's prone to wildfires, stay away from the harmful smoke as much as you're able. Consider keeping a small stock of masks to wear when conditions are poor. The most ideal masks for smoke particles will be labelled "NIOSH" (which stands for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and have either "N95" or "P100" printed on it.

If you're using an air conditioner while outdoor pollution conditions are bad, use the recirculating setting to limit the amount of polluted air that gets inside.

This story was originally published on November 1, 2016, and has been updated with new information and links.

This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can't resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can't republish our material wholesale or automatically-you need to select stories individually; you can't republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should to let us know when you've used one of our stories.

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Air Pollution: Everything You Need to Know

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The effects of air pollution wreck havoc on human health and our planet as a whole. Learn about what causes air pollution and how to help reduce the effects.

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Describe the impact:

In Manila, Philippines - land is badly polluted with trash and litter which may cause living environment to be dirty and unhygienic. This may cause residents to be affected with diseases because trash/litter may attract pests/ mosquitoes -- causing a spread of dengue/malaria

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An oil spill in east coast park caused water pollution, this is bad for the water because it can hurt the animals as ingesting oil can make animals sick. Oil can also coat an animal's fur or feathers, leading to hypothermia and a loss of buoyancy.

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2 East Coast Park beach sections reopen for water sports after oil spill, but swimming not advised

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Activities at the the two sections should be confined to water sports like kayaking, said NEA. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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The Pasig River: Reviving a Dead Water in the Philippines