"Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials."
The release of harmful particles and chemicals into the air by transportation vehicles, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
Air pollution sources: The different sources of air pollution which may be caused by transportation including road vehicles, ships, and airplanes.
Types of air pollutants: The different air pollutants which may be emitted by transportation activities such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.
Health effects of air pollution: The health effects that may arise due to exposure to transportation-related air pollutants, such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Air quality standards and regulations: The laws and regulations that govern emissions from transportation sources, including the Clean Air Act in the United States, and the European Union Air Quality Directive.
Emissions monitoring: The methods by which emissions from transportation sources can be measured and monitored to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Green transportation options: Alternative modes of transportation that help to reduce air pollution such as electric vehicles, bicycles, and public transport.
Sustainable transportation planning: Strategies for reducing the environmental impact of transportation activities such as urban planning that prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environments.
Climate change and air pollution: The interconnection between air pollution and climate change, including the effects of transportation-related emissions on global warming.
Air pollution and environmental justice: The disproportionate effects of air pollution on marginalized communities, and the need for equitable solutions to address the environmental impact of transportation activities.
Technological solutions: Innovative technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles, fuel cells, and green infrastructure, which help to mitigate the air pollution impacts of transportation activities.
Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. It is particularly dangerous as it reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to shortness of breath, headaches, and other health problems.
Particulate Matter: Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles that are released from combustion engines, especially from diesel engines. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory problems, and can also lead to cardiovascular disease and premature death.
Nitrogen Oxides: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced when fuels are burned at high temperatures. This pollution contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, increases respiratory problems, and negatively affects visibility.
Sulfur Dioxide: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is created when burning high sulfur content fuels, like coal, high sulfur diesel, or bunker fuel. It can cause breathing difficulties, acid rain, and other environmental problems.
Volatile Organic Compounds: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that are emitted from burning fossil fuels or from plants. They contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can have a health impact on humans and the environment.
Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxides (NOx), are released when fossil fuels are burned, and they contribute to climate change.
Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is emitted from leaded gasoline, produces harmful effects on nervous system, kidneys, and may affect child development.
Noise Pollution: It refers to excessive sound created by the movement of transportation, like cars, airplanes, or trains. Noise pollution has negative effects on health, well-being, and communication.
Ozone: Ozone (O3) is a gas that forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combine in the air in the presence of sunlight. It mainly causes respiratory problems and can increase the severity of asthma attacks.
Black Carbon: Black carbon is a form of particulate matter that results from the combustion of fossil fuels by vehicles. It has a stronger impact on the climate and air quality than other particulate matter as it is dark in color, and absorbs sunlight, warming the surrounding environment.
"There are many different types of air pollutants, such as gases (including ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane and chlorofluorocarbons), particulates (both organic and inorganic), and biological molecules."
"Air pollution can cause diseases, allergies, and even death to humans; it can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and crops, and may damage the natural environment or built environment."
"Air pollution can be caused by both human activities and natural phenomena."
"The human health effects of poor air quality are far-reaching, but principally affect the body's respiratory system and the cardiovascular system."
"Many of the contributors of air pollution are also sources of greenhouse emission, i.e., burning of fossil fuel."
"Air pollution is a significant risk factor for a number of pollution-related diseases, including respiratory infections, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, and lung cancer."
"Growing evidence suggests that air pollution exposure may be associated with reduced IQ scores, impaired cognition, increased risk for psychiatric disorders such as depression, and detrimental perinatal health."
"Outdoor air pollution attributable to fossil fuel use alone causes ~3.61 million deaths annually, making it one of the top contributors to human death, with anthropogenic ozone and PM2.5 causing ~2.1 million."
"Overall, air pollution causes the deaths of around 7 million people worldwide each year, or a global mean loss of life expectancy (LLE) of 2.9 years."
"Air pollution is the world's largest single environmental health risk, which has not shown significant progress since at least 2015."
"Various pollution control technologies and strategies are available to reduce air pollution."
"Local rules, when properly executed, have resulted in significant advances in public health. Some of these efforts have been successful at the international level, such as the Montreal Protocol, which reduced the release of harmful ozone-depleting chemicals, and the 1985 Helsinki Protocol, which reduced sulfur emissions."
"Productivity losses and degraded quality of life caused by air pollution are estimated to cost the world economy $5 trillion per year."
"90% of the world's population breathes dirty air to some degree."
"Although the health consequences are extensive, the way the problem is handled is considered largely haphazard or neglected, albeit sometimes being moderately regulated and monitored."
"Indoor air pollution and poor urban air quality are listed as two of the world's worst toxic pollution problems."
"Air quality is closely related to the earth's climate and ecosystems globally."
"Some of these efforts have been successful at the international level, such as the Montreal Protocol, which reduced the release of harmful ozone-depleting chemicals, and the 1985 Helsinki Protocol, which reduced sulfur emissions."
"The scope of the air pollution crisis is large, and the problem has not shown significant progress since at least 2015."