Transcript AIR POLLUTION

Why there is air pollution?
Concentrations of certain substances
become high enough to toxify the
atmospheric environment.
 More traffic
 Commercial activities
 Industrial activities

Air pollution comes from three
major sources
1.
2.
3.
Combustion-engine vehicles such as
gasoline powered cars
Industrial and community such as air
condition or heating of homes and
buildings
Indoor sources such as tobacco smoke
Hot weather and rising air
 helps disperse it
 Rainfall
 wash out certain pollutants in the air
 Temperature inversion
 traps air pollutants in lower atmosphere
 Still wind conditions
 inhibit effective dispersion of air
pollutants
 Northerly wind prevails in Southern China
 make HK pollution more serious

Health Effects
API
Air
Pollution
Level
Health Implications
0 to 25
Low
Not expected
26 to 50
Medium
Not expected for the general population
51 to 100
High
Acute health effects are not expected but
chronic effects may be observed if you are
exposed to such levels persistently for a long time.
101 to 200
Very High
People with existing heart or respiratory illnesses
may notice mild aggravation of their health
conditions. Generally healthy individuals may also
notice some discomfort.
201 to 500 Severe
People with existing heart or respiratory illnesses
may experience significant aggravation of their
symptoms. There may also be widespread
symptoms in the healthy population (e.g. eye
irritation, wheezing, coughing, phlegm and sore
throats).
Environmental effect
How to control the air pollution?
1.




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Reducing Emissions from Vehicles
tighter fuel and vehicle emission standards
cleaner alternatives to diesel
control emissions from remaining diesels
with devices that trap pollutants
strengthen vehicle emission inspections and
enforcement against smoky vehicles
promote better vehicle maintenance and
eco-driving habits
2. Reducing Emissions from
Industrial Sources and Power Plants

The Air Pollution Control Ordinance
 control emissions from power plants,
industrial and commercial sources, etc

A regulation introduced in 1990
 reduced sulphur dioxide pollution to very
low levels

Emissions from power plants have been
substantially reduced over the years
Further suggestions for more effective control
￡ Use clean technology:
 choose the production technologies which use
minimum electricity, fuels and solvents
 reduces emissions of pollutant
￡ Do not use aerosol consumer products:
 like hair sprays, furniture polish, pesticides
￡ Use low solvent degreasers:
 use in the cleaning of oils, grease, or wax
 reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds
 reduces formation of ozone
Further suggestions for more effective control
￡ Switch off engine while waiting:
 air pollution can be reduce,
 save fuels and money
￡ Switch off the domestic appliances:
 turn off the fans and air-conditioner when you
are not using
￡ Use energy efficient domestic appliances:
 save energy light bulbs, refrigerators.
 reduce air pollution from the power station