Data from the World Health Organization shows that in 2016 over 3 billion people were exposed to air containing dangerous levels of pollutants. An estimated 7 million people die every year from ailments related to outdoor or indoor air pollution. See: http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/cities/en/

The air pollutant with the greatest impact is fine particulates that penetrate our defenses and settle deep into the lungs and can enter the cardiovascular system, causing stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, and respiratory infections, including pneumonia. The WHO estimates that nearly one-quarter of adult deaths from non-communicable diseases (heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, etc.) comes from exposure to air pollutants.

The biggest cause of this exposure to dangerous concentrations of fine particles is from combustion from inadequate stoves inside the home or uncontrolled combustion of solid waste outdoors. More than 40% of the world’s population must cook with dirty cooking fuels and/or uses cooking devices that do not shephard away the byproducts of combusting those fuels. While several programs have brought cleaner burning fuels and devices to many people, population growth has not reduced the level of exposure.

While natural elements can contribute to air emissions, such as desert sand and dust, other major sources of fine particulates include industrial emissions, agriculture, dirty burning cars, trucks and buses, and coal-fired power plants.

Air pollution does not recognize borders. Countries implementing and enforcing new programs and rules to reduce air emissions within their borders are often inundated by air pollution coming from other nations. Wind can take fine particulates and gaseous pollutants long distances from their sources.

CCES has the expertise and experience to help your firm assess what your air pollution emissions inventory is and (from a technical point of view) how your facility stands in terms of compliance with applicable federal, state, and local air quality regulations. We can develop economic options for you to consider to reduce emissions to improve the health of your employees and neighbors and comply with regulations. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or karell@CCESworld.com.