Although many companies have recently committed to becoming carbon neutral by a certain year, it’s not enough to reverse the effects of pollution. One of the best ways that we as individuals can prepare and fight back is by being educated about pollution. For this month’s blog, we dive into the effects of air pollution on our bodies, climate, and infrastructure. Activa Coating can be used to help combat the effects of air pollution, either inside our homes and offices or on the outside of our buildings and sidewalks. Activa uses the power of photocatalysis to help clean the air.
Human Health
First and most importantly, air pollution can have a drastic effect on your physical health. Targeting important body functions such as the lungs and heart, air pollution is not something to be taken lightly. According to the EPA, any exposure to air pollutants creates a higher risk for deadly illnesses such as heart and lung disease. Exposure to air pollution also creates a higher risk for cancer and birth defects. This risk goes up exponentially for those with underlying health issues. Children and those already experiencing respiratory or heart issues need to be mindful when coming into contact with harmful air pollution. Other than using our product, Activa Coating, to help safely remove air pollutants from your house, office, or other space, we highly recommend that those who are at high risk wear masks whenever coming into contact with low quality air.
Climate Change
The second and possibly the most obvious effect of air pollution is to our climate and the physical world around us. Some of these effects include acid rain, haze, eutrophication, ozone depletion, and climate change. (Follow the links to learn more or read below!)
- Acid rain is rain that contains an unhealthy amount of nitric and sulfuric acid. This is caused mainly by fossil fuels and other contaminants being released into the atmosphere. Acid rain can have a drastic effect on plants, soil, and bodies of water.
- Eutrophication is the over concentration of nutrients in water, such as nitrogen, that ends up causing an outbreak bloom of algae. This over blooming has the potential to kill off other plant species and fish, making a less diverse ecosystem.
- Ozone depletion is the process in which manmade chemicals (such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are destroying the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which is the layer that gives everyone UV protection. With our UV protection layer constantly being depleted due to air pollution, the risk of health problems, such as skin cancer, rising become much more likely. The loss of the stratospheric ozone layer has also shown to affect sensitive crops and will ultimately affect the yield.
All of these effects contribute to what we know today as the greenhouse effect. With there being an over concentration of carbon dioxide and methane being put out into our atmosphere daily, we continue to see our global temperatures and sea levels rise.
Building Integrity
Lastly, air pollution can affect the integrity of your sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, home, and business. Many people underestimate the erosion that can occur due to a combination of air pollution and its effects (like, acid rain). Some of these effects can include loss of material, discoloration, and even structures breaking down. Cleaning your building or home inside and out is one of the best ways to help maintain its look and structural integrity.
Conclusion
Overall, with the world growing more and more polluted, it’s a great idea to stay educated on how these changes could affect you or your home/business. The more you know, the better you can protect the planet, your family, and yourself. Air pollution can have more of an effect than originally perceived. Activa Coating can be used to help keep your indoor air clean and the outside of your building clean and safe from erosion. Plus, when Activa Coating is used outdoors, its photocatalytic properties are still put to use! Even outside, Activa Coating helps clean the air. Check out our products today to protect your home inside and out!
