What is Haze ?
Haze is traditionally an atmospheric phenomenon where dust,
smoke and other dry particles obscure the clarity of the sky. The World
Meteorological Organization manual of codes includes a classification of
horizontal obscuration into categories of fog, ice fog, steam fog, mist, haze,
smoke, volcanic ash, dust, sand and snow. Sources for haze particles include
farming (ploughing in dry weather), traffic, industry, and wildfires.
 | ||||
| (http://hollyonthehill.com/utahs-air-quality/)
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Malaysian Haze 1997
State of emergency had to be declared in Sarawak
when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeded 500
levels. During the period, the number of respiratory
cases has increased.
Long-week choking smog-like haze over Malaysia. Its worst on
August 11, 2005. This was a comeback of the haze crisis which last hit Malaysia
in September 1997. A state of emergency was announced at Port Klang and Kuala
Selangor when the Air Pollution Index (API) was raised above the 500 level.
Health Effects of Haze
Exposure to haze may cause a variety of adverse health effects. The small particles that cause haze are composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. When inhaled, they can enter the bloodstream and get absorbed by underlying tissue, potentially interacting with other compounds and substances in the body, for example ‘bad’ cholesterol, to produce damaging effects such as inflammation.
Short-term adverse effects of exposure to haze:
Long-term effects of exposure to haze
A large number of particles in a haze are below 2.5 micrometers in
diameter. Therefore these ultra small particles stay in the air
longer and are easily carried over long distances, increasing their
chances of being inhaled by animals and humans.
The long-term risks associated with exposure to fine particles:
-Minimize outdoor activities.
-Close all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter the workplace.
-Ensure maintenance of the air conditioner with regular cleaning and servicing.
-Use an air purifier to keep the particulate levels low.
-Provide health education regarding Haze to the employees
-Provide respirators for employees who have to work outdoors
-Conduct Fit Testing
-Reassignment of job tasks
General Measures for the Workers
-Inform the management if you are suffering from any heart or respiratory diseases
-Take your medication regularly if suffering from an existing disease, especially heart disease
and respiratory diseases.
-Drink more water and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
-Cut down on alcohol and coffee
-Avoid smoking
-Wear a respirator when you go outside
Source of Pollution
NATURAL ANTHROPOGENIC
-Forest Fire -Transportation
-Dust storm -Industrial
-Volcanic Eruption -Agriculture
-Residential
Effect of Air Pollution
1. Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air
pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart
conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the body. Several millions
are known to have died due to direct or indirect effects of Air pollution.
Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly suffer from
pneumonia and asthma.
2. Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate
alterations that the world is witnessing due to Global warming. With increased
temperatures world wide, increase in sea levels and melting of ice from colder
regions and icebergs, displacement and loss of habitat have already signaled an
impending disaster if actions for preservation and normalization aren’t
undertaken soon.
3. Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur
oxides are released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels.
When it rains, the water droplets combines with these air pollutants, becomes
acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can
cause great damage to human, animals and crops.
4. Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a condition where high
amount of nitrogen present in some pollutants gets developed on sea’s surface
and turns itself into algae and and adversely affect fish, plants and animal
species. The green colored algae that is present on lakes and ponds is due to
presence of this chemical only.
5. Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face
some devastating affects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air
can force wildlife species to move to new place and change their habitat. The
toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect sea
animals.
6. Depletion of Ozone layer: Ozone exists in earth’s
stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet
(UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As ozone
layer will go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin
and eye related problems. UV rays also have the capability to affect crops.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment