Nearly 90 percent of people living in urban cities all over the world are exposed to more air pollution than what is considered safe. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report about outdoor pollution worldwide, which showed air quality had deteriorated since its last database released in 2011, with Pakistan, Qatar, and Afghanistan emerging as the countries with the worst levels. Generally, air quality was poorest in Asia, followed by South America and Africa. But even in developed countries, many cities fail to meet the WHO guidelines, which recommend the concentration of particles smaller than 10 micrometers (PM10) should reach not more than 20 micrograms per cubic meter on average over a year, while particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic meter on average. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers (PM10) are dangerous, because they enter our bodies as we inhale, thereby inflaming and damaging the lining of the lungs. Referred to as “coarse,” particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers come from sources that include crushing or grinding operations, and dust stirred up by vehicles traveling on roads. Particles measuring 2.5 micrometers and smaller, so-called “fine particles,” comprise all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, and some industrial processes. In the Gulf, Bahrain seems to be the worst offender, with an annual PM10 of up to 318 and PM2.5 reaching 66. Doha, however, scored worst on PM2.5 with an annual average of 93. But also United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are no clean air havens: in the Kingdom, pollution is mainly caused by sandstorms, traffic, and industrial waste. In a similar WHO study from 2011, Jeddah, Makkah, Al-Hafuf, and Riyadh scored an annual PM10 average of 129, 141, 151, and 157, respectively, while in 2014 Jeddah scored somewhat better with an average of 87 (PM10) and 28 (PM2.5), still way above what is considered safe. The consequences on people's health are of great concern and comprise both short as well as long term effects. The inflammation pollution causes in the lungs can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and coughing. Increases in chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma and bronchitis as well as pneumonia are being reported all over the world as a result of air pollution. These are effects of short-term exposure. That is not all. According to the American Heart Association and the WHO, chronic exposure to air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Other consequences are increases in cases of lung cancer, hypertension, dementia, diabetes, and birth defects. Worldwide, air pollution is estimated to cause about 9 percent of lung cancer deaths, 5 percent of cardiopulmonary deaths, and about 1 percent of respiratory infection deaths, according to WHO data. In the Kingdom, outdoor air pollution led to 4,401 deaths in 2008 alone, an increase of nearly 50 percent from 2004. Not everyone is affected in the same way by air pollution. Children, the elderly, and people who are already suffering from respiratory or cardiac illness are the most vulnerable groups. Fortunately, awareness about the consequences of energy consumption on people's health is slowly increasing, and within the last few years the Saudi government has intensified its efforts and investments to make the country's air cleaner. On the other hand, half of the Kingdom's hydrocarbon pollution in the air is caused by vehicles, and as long as petrol prices remain low and major cities lack proper public transport, it is unlikely this pollution will diminish. There are, however, several things you can do to protect yourself and your family from unhealthy air. Here are 10 tips to start working on improving the air quality in the city you live in: • Try to take the car as little as possible, by combining trips and carpooling to work, parties, or the mall. If possible, walk or bike to places, or use public transport. • While walking is a healthful activity, avoid exercising along busy roads and intersections. On days with heavy pollution, walk indoors in a mall or the gym. It is also best to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, when pollution levels are usually lower. • Use less energy at home. Electricity, whether it is from light bulbs, air conditioners, or electronics, causes air pollution. By turning off appliances and lights when you leave the room you will conserve energy and save money in addition to helping improve the air quality in your city. • If your children go to school by bus, encourage the school to invest in new, clean buses rather than the old diesel fuelled buses that are frequently used. The same goes for buses that transport laborers – encourage your company to invest in cleaner transport. • Fill up your tank after dark. According to the American Lung Association, gasoline emissions evaporate as you fill up your gas tank. These contribute to the formation of ozone. Filling up after dark prevents the sun from turning those gases into smog. • Do not burn wood or trash. Burning firewood and trash without filter leads to severe particle pollution. • Plant trees around your house. Having trees in the street does not only look pretty, they also provide shade and absorb carbon dioxide from the air, thus reducing pollution, while providing oxygen in return. • Consider installing solar panels on the roof of your house. By using green energy you will greatly contribute to a cleaner environment. • If you have a lawn, use hand-powered rather than gasoline-powered equipment. The latter often pollute the air even more than cars. • Eat clean. Stock up on foods rich in antioxidants that protect your cells against the damage caused by free radicals, which include pollution. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Good sources of these are broccoli, carrots, citrus fruits, kale, kiwi, mango, pepper, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, and watermelon, but really most fruits and vegetables contain plenty of antioxidants.
