5 Ways to Reduce Air Pollution in Metro Manila

By Alon Calinao Dy: Air Pollution is a real public health concern everywhere, especially in the Philippines. Although there are many ways to protect our environment from air pollution, this article tells you 5 important ways to keep our air clean.

Air pollution is one of the big problems in many different countries. In case you are not aware, high levels of air pollution in your body may seriously damage your health. This is actually a major problem everywhere you go in Metro Manila, and our government should try to do something to reduce this harmful pollution.

For instance, in the Philippines, how many Filipinos die annually because of air pollution? Well, according to Bank 2000 Annual Review, “In Manila alone more than 4,000 Filipinos die each year because of air pollution. ” That rate is staggering, isn’t it? But what about other places in the Philippines that are affected by this problem and those deaths that are not reported officially.

So, in my own estimate it is more than that and it is likely to grow- unless we do something. I knew most of the areas in Metro Manila, because I studied nursing there for 4 years at St. Jude College. In fact, Philippines has so much natural beauty, but air pollution is one of the main problems of investors in the country, as you are going to see that thick and polluted air from traffic fumes that we call smog.

Air pollution can cause many problems to your health, as one person will suffer respiratory problems such as acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, and even heart problems. If the government and all the people involved do not take appropriate measures to this problem, the number of deaths each year will continue to rise. As far as we know, carbon monoxide from motor vehicle exhaust is a dangerous substance that causes health problems. If you are exposed to it for a very long time, then you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.

So, what are the sources of air pollution? As most people probably know, it is coming from cars, jet airplanes and from other different sources as well, such as wildfires, dry cleaners, factories, power plants, and many more. Hence, if people can only find best ways to reduce air pollution, then we will be able to avoid possible health problem conditions, and even deaths, across the country. Indeed, it is very important to live in a healthy and safe environment without worrying too much for our loved ones.

Now, what are the measures to fight air pollution?

1. Use natural mode of transport

As you can see, transportation sector alone accounts the biggest source of polluted air that would eventually result a various problems in our health. Therefore, instead of using your car, try using bicycle for real transportation. And if your workplace is not that far, it is best for you to work on foot for a change. If everyone does and tries this, well, you will be amazed by the difference it can make to the air in our towns and cities.

2. Plant trees

Even though you do not have a hobby of planting trees, believe me, it is good for everyone. It improves air quality by eliminating harmful substances in the air. If you don’t have a garden, it is better to have one.

3. Improve government’s role in controlling air pollution

It is necessary for the government to emphasize the importance of clean air in the environment, as more and more people die annually because of air pollution. It is the government priority to reduce the emissions that cause smog and must limit the number of vehicles each day. It is also important to put heavy fines for those people who are responsible of air pollution. These include people who owned power plants, factories, and other business firms who violate this kind of law. In addition, the government must ensure to get clean fuels for the people.

4. Smoking cessation

Not only smoking is dangerous to your health, but it can contribute to air pollution. According to Dr. Giovanni Invernizzi in Tobacco Control Unit, “the air pollution emitted by cigarettes is 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust.” Therefore, it is a must to stop smoking. Because you are not only protecting yourself from impending diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer, but you are also protecting the environment.

5. Cooperation of the people

There is no use if the government is the only one doing the job, people need to cooperate and coordinate to the government as much as possible. In order to do this, there should be proper and strict discipline for everyone. If these things add to air pollution in the environment, then people must be responsible enough to do the right actions without being told by the government agencies.

In the final analysis, there are so many ways to reduce air pollution. But first, it would be necessary to identify the underlying causes of air pollution, before taking further actions. If the government and its people will not take the measures now, many people will certainly suffer from all types of respiratory illnesses, especially elderly and vulnerable children. But in general, we are all at risk. 

Another thing to consider is that you must save energy. By saving energy, it reduces air pollution. Use less gasoline, electricity and natural gas. Because whenever you use them, you pollute the air.