CHAPTER 3 AIR POLLUTION

The Major Air Pollution Episodes

London Episodes, 1873-1963

The industrial revolution in the 19th century saw the set in of air pollution in Europe on a large

scale. The industries and the households relied heavily on coal for heating and cooking.

Due to burning of coal for heat during the winter months, emissions of smoke and sulphur

dioxide were much greater in winters than they were during the summer months. Smoke

particles trapped in the fog gave it a yellow/black colour and this smog often settled over cities

for many days.

The effects of smog on human health were evident, particularly when smog persisted for several

days. Many people suffered respiratory problems and increased deaths were recorded, notably

those relating to bronchial causes.

The smog-related deaths were first recorded in London in 1873, when it killed 500 people. In

1880, the toll was more than 1000. London had one of its worst experiences of smog in

December 1892. It lasted for three days and resulted in about 1000 deaths. Despite gradual

improvements in air quality during the 20th century, eight air pollution episodes occurred in

London between 1948 and 1962. The December 1952 episode is the major episode in the

history of air pollution.

The Killer Smog began on Thursday, Dec. 4, 1952 as a high-pressure air mass created a

subsidence temperature inversion over southern England. With the particulate and SO2 levels

going up due to extensive use of coal as fuel for space heating and electric production, the fog

turned black.

At the same time the high-pressure area stalled and became stationary. The build up of

pollutants combined with the fog resulted in essentially zero visibility. Within a matter of three

days, the pollutants were concentrated enough to cause deaths. The old and respiratory

affected died first, but younger people exposed to the outside atmosphere were also affected.

The maximum daily SO2 concentration recorded at that time was 1.34 ppm (about 4000 g/m3,

standard SO2 conc. in clean dry atmosphere is 0.0002 ppm) and smoke levels were 4.46 mg/m3.

The Great London Smog lasted for five days and lifted on 9th Dec, resulting in about 4000 deaths.

Bhopal Disaster, 1984

In the mid night of 2nd - 3rd December 1984, in a densely populated area of Bhopal, Central India,

a poisonous vapor burst from the tall stacks of the Union Carbide pesticide plant.

About forty tons of toxic gases had leaked from the Carbides Bhopal plant and spread

throughout the city. The cause was the contamination of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) storage tank

with water carrying catalytic material.

Residents of the city awoke to clouds of suffocating gas, unaware of the magnitude of the

devastation, which had engulfed them. The city of Bhopal was immediately turned into a city of

dead bodies, and the whole place smelled of burning chilli peppers.

Of the million people living in Bhopal at that time, more than 2,000 died immediately (one

fourth of actual figures) and as many as 300,000 were injured. In addition, about 7,000 animals

were affected, of which about 1000 were killed. The precise number of deaths still remains a

mystery till date.

The degree of injury was so high that about 30% of the injured were unable to return to their

jobs. Among the survivors, most of them still suffer agonizing pain from the disastrous effects of

the massive poisoning while there are still apprehensions of the future generations being

affected. The Bhopal Disaster was the worst episode in the history of industrial air pollution.

Donora Fog, 1948

Horror visited the US Steel company town of Donora on the Halloween night of 1948, when a

temperature inversion descended on the town.

Fluoride emissions from the Donora Zinc Works smelting operation and other sources containing

sulphur, carbon monoxide and heavy metal dusts were trapped by weather conditions, causing

20 deaths within 14 hours.

Cold ground and high-pressure conditions intensified the elevated inversion of the anticyclone

that arrived in the region. The situation was aggravated by local conditions of meteorology,

industrial pollutant emissions and peculiar terrain of the area.

The meteorological conditions and the geographical characteristics of the area produced a

strong temperature inversion with a temperature gradient as high as 33oC/km. The fog was held

close to the ground by the stability of the elevated inversion layer.

During the third and fourth days of the episode, as ambient levels of pollutants escalated,

almost half of the population of 14,000 people became ill. Almost 43 % of the population in

Donora and Webster, PA experienced the effects of the smog.

Most of the affected were above the age group of 60 years and above (29% of this group were

seriously affected). The health effects were mainly symptoms affecting the lung, and in

particular, upper respiratory symptoms such as nasal discharge, constriction of the throat, or

sore throat were experienced.

Smoke Haze Episodes in Malaysia 1997

Between July and November 1997, an estimated 45,000 km2 of forest and land burnt

on the islands Sumatra and Kalimantan.

In the first half of 1998, another fire episode affected roughly a similar area in

Kalimantan alone. The emissions of these fires caused considerable air pollution

throughout the Southeast Asian region, notably in Indonesia, Singapore and

Malaysia.

The air pollutant that predominantly caused violations of ambient air quality

standards was particulate matter. Particulate matter may cause acute and chronic

respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma and upper respiratory tract

infections. Increased ambient particle concentrations are suspected to be linked with

increased daily mortality. By scattering and absorbing light, particulates also result in

reduced visibility, impairing transportation by air, land and water. Fire-related air

pollution episodes are a recurrent phenomenon in Southeast Asia.

Nine such incidents have been reported over the last 20 years, of which the 1997/98

smoke haze episode attracted the broadest attention.

In contrast to Singapore and Malaysia, Indonesia does not yet have an integrated air

quality monitoring network which could provide real-time, region-covering air quality

information.

Due to the absence of such information, an assessment of the severity of the fire-

related air pollution episodes is limited. As a surrogate, horizontal visibility was

frequently used to report the status of ambient air pollution. However, even though

sufficient information on the status of air quality was available in Singapore and

Malaysia, much uncertainty existed on the impacts of such air pollution episodes and

on how to response adequately to them.

The governments of the affected countries recommended the public to remain

indoors as much as possible, to avoid physical exertion and to wear respiratory

masks outdoors. In Kuching, Borneo-Malaysia, the state of emergency was

proclaimed for 10 days in 1997, leading to the closure of schools, public offices and

factories.

Dubious statements in the media on the impacts of the smoke haze were

disseminated - such as the daily exposure would equal to 20 to 40 cigarettes; panic

easily evolved.

During the peak episode, satellite imagery (NASA/TOMS aerosol index maps) showed

a smoke haze layer which expanded over an area of more than 3 million km2,

covering large parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Its northward extension partially

reached Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand.

During this period, particulate matter concentrations frequently exceeded national

ambient air quality standards.

Scanty particle measurement data at hand for areas close to fires in Kalimantan and

Sumatra indicate that ambient particle concentration was roughly 20 to 40 times the

normal (non-haze) background concentration and exceeded levels categorised as

'hazardous' (or 'significant harm level'). Monthly mean horizontal visibility at most

locations in Sumatra and Kalimantan in September was below 1 km and daily

maximum visibility was frequently below 100 metres.

The neighbouring region most affected by pyrogenic transmissions in 1997 was

Sarawak, Borneo-Malaysia. In the city of Kuching, ambient particle concentration

rose roughly 5 to 20 times above background levels, with in total 32 days in the

'unhealthy to hazardous' range. Visibility decreased from generally above 15 km to

below 0.5 km during this period.

In Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, a 2 to 5-fold rise in ambient particle

concentration was recorded. 12 and more than 40 days, respectively, were in the

unhealthy' range in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Visibility below 2 km

predominantly prevailed at both locations during the smoke haze episode.

In contrast to the situation in 1997, the fire-related air pollution episode in the first

half of 1998 was essentially restricted to Borneo. This was mainly due to the

weakened southerly monsoonal flow by that time. However, again, the population in

Kalimantan and Borneo-Malaysia was exposed to distinctively elevated air pollution

for a period of months.

The Environmental Quality Act 1974 sets standards for emission sources.

The EQA controls pollution through :

1. Licensing

2. Regulations, order, guidelines

1. To Control of Industrial Emissions:

1. Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 1978

2. Environmental Quality (Compounding of Offences) Rules 1978;

2. To Control of Motor Vehicle Emissions

1. Motor Vehicles (Control of Smoke & Gas Emission) Rules 1977

2. Environmental Quality (Control of Lead Concentration in Motor Gasoline)

Regulations 1985

3. Environmental Quality (Control of Emission From Diesel Engines) Regulation

1996

4. Environmental Quality (Control of Emission From Petrol Engines) Regulation

1996

For open burning, law applicable is :

1. Section 29A EQA (Amendment 1998)

2. Section 29AA EQA (Amendment 2001)

3. Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities)(Open Burning) Order, 2000

4. Environmental Quality (Delegation of Powers)(Investigation of Open Burning)

Order, 2000 5. Environmental Quality (Compounding of Offences)(Open Burning) Rules, 2000

EQASECTION 29A

1. No person shall allow or cause open burning on any premises

2. Maximum fine RM 500,000

3. Maximum jail term 5 years Or Both

Types of air pollution

1. Sulfur dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It is a dangerous

air pollutant because it is corrosive to organic materials and it irritates the eyes,

nose and lungs.

Sulfur is contained within all fossil fuels, and is released in the form of sulfur dioxide

(SO2) during fossil fuel combustion. Fossil fuel combustion accounts for almost all

anthropogenic (human-caused) sulfur emissions.

Sulfur contents in fossil fuels range between 0.1% and 4% in oil, oil by-products

and coal, and up to 40% in natural gas (when immediately extracted from the well;

however, the sulfur is efficiently removed during the processing of gas before

distribution; therefore, combustion of natural gas is not a major source of sulfur

emissions

Historically, the use of coal in domestic heating was a major source of sulfur dioxide

emissions (at least in the UK), but it has declined substantially over time.

Over the last several decades the industrial use of coal in the UK has also declined,

whereas the use of oil and natural gas has gradually increased.

In the UK, the sulfur dioxide emissions declined significantly since 1970, thanks to

the introduction of low sulfur fuels, the switch from coal to gas and increased energy

efficiency.

This trend is possibly true for other industrialized countries as well, though the US

as the most important economy in the world is still a large consumer of energy

derived from coal.

Below is a breakdown of all the significant sources of sulfur dioxide emissions (based

on sources of the UK emissions) :

1. Energy Production

a. Electric power generation

b. Petroleum refining

c. Other combustion

d. Commercial and residential use

e. Combustion for industry use

f. Production processes

g. Extraction and distribution of fossil fuels

h. Transport

2. Road transport

a. Other Transport (such as aviation, ships, trains).

Currently, the most important sources of sulfur dioxide emissions (as a result of

fossil fuel combustion) are electric power generating plants.

For example, as of 1998, 66% of all sulfur dioxide emissions in the UK came from

power plants. In contrast, transport contributions of sulfur dioxide emissions are

among the smallest ones

The biggest sulfur dioxide emitters: US, China and Russia.

In fact, you may be surprised to learn that just one Siberian city in Russia Norilsk

produces 1% of the total global emissions of sulfur dioxide. In 2007, Norilsk was

considered to be one of the most polluted places on Earth.

There are also significant sulfur emissions generated by natural sources.

The main natural sulfur emissions come in the reduced forms of sulfur compounds

such as

a. hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

b. carbon disulfide (CS2)

c. carbonyl sulfide (COS) and in the organic forms of:

d. methyl mercaptan (CH3SH)

e. dimethyl sulfide (DMS) (CH3SCH3)

f. dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) (CH3SSCH3)

Most of these compounds get oxidized to sulfur dioxide or to sulfate aerosols in the

atmosphere.

Marine phytoplankton produce dimethyl sulfide (DMS) which is then oxidized to SO2

in the atmosphere; decay processes in soil and vegetation produce H2S (as one of

sulfur compounds); and SO2 is emitted into the atmosphere by volcanoes.

Around 90% of all natural sulfur emissions come in the form of DMS.

Most recently the natural sources have been by far surpassed by anthropogenic

sources. Natural sources have been estimated to produce around 24% of all sulfur

dioxide emissions, whereas human-caused emissions made up around 76%.

Effects of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions

Sulfur dioxide found in the air produces following effects:

1. Irritates eyes, nose, throat

2. Damages lungs when inhaled

As part of acid rain:

a. acidifies lakes and streams

b. destroys plant and fish life in lakes and streams

c. may deplete mineral nutrients in the soil

d. may cause reduction of forest and agricultural yields

e. corrodes metals

f. damages surfaces of buildings.

2. Nitrogen Oxides

Oxides of nitrogen are produced by combustion of all fossil fuels including coal- and

gas-fired power stations and motor vehicles

Whereas fuel itself can produce some nitrogen (for example, oil and coal contain

around 0.5 1.5% of nitrogen, and natural gas contains less than that most of

nitrogen oxides' production comes from the reaction of atmospheric nitrogen and

oxygen within the combustion chamber.

The two main nitrogen oxides are nitric oxide (NO), or nitrogen monoxide, and

nitrogen dioxide (NO2) the sum of which is equal to NOx.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless gas.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas of reddish-brown color with a distinct sharp, biting

odor. (26)

Combustion of fuels always produces both NO2 and NO.

But almost 90% of the NOX combustion product is in the form of NO which is then

oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air

Therefore, only a small percentage of NO2 found in the atmosphere is directly

emitted there in this form. The rest has been formed as a result of chemical

reactions in the atmosphere itself.

Road transport (motor vehicles) is by far the largest contributor of nitrogen

emissions (in contrast, it contributes a very small proportion to sulfur dioxide

emissions, as discussed above).

For example, based on 1998 UK figures, road transport contributed nearly half of

all nitrogen emissions, followed by contributions from electric power generating

plants which only contributed around 20% of total nitrogen emissions

Below is a breakdown of the significant sources of emissions of nitrogen oxides

(based on sources of the UK emissions):

1. Road transport

2. Other Transport

3. Energy Production

4. Electric power generation

5. Petroleum refining

6. Other combustion

7. Combustion for industry use

8. Production processes

9. Extraction and distribution of fossil fuels.

Nitric oxide (NO) is also emitted by soils but there is very little data available for the proper

assessment of this area.

Some estimates suggest that the soil production of NO in the UK may be around 2 5% of its

production from fossil fuel combustion.

Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Emissions

When inhaled, nitrogen dioxide becomes a serious air pollutant which may :

Cause pulmonary edema (accumulation of excessive fluid in the lungs)

Be part of acid rain (destroying fish and plant life in lakes, damaging surfaces of buildings etc)

Contribute to photochemical smog.

3. Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which is highly toxic to humans.

The combustion of carbon-based fuels produces carbon dioxide (CO2).

But not all such combustion is complete, and this leads to the production of carbon monoxide

(CO).

Motor vehicles and industry are among the largest anthropogenic sources of carbon monoxide

emissions.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide Emissions

Carbon monoxide is the most common type of fatal poisoning in many countries around the

world.

Exposures to carbon monoxide may lead to

Toxicity of the central nervous system and heart

Severe effects on the baby of a pregnant woman

Headaches and dizziness

Problems with getting oxygen supplied to some body parts which may be life-

threatening.

4. Particular Matter

Particles can come in almost any shape or size, and can be solid particles or liquid

droplets. We divide particles into two major groups. These groups differ in many

ways. One of the differences is size, we call the bigger particles PM10 and we call the

smaller particles PM2.5.

The big particles are between 2.5 and 10 micrometers (from about 25 to 100 times

thinner than a human hair). These particles are called PM10 (we say "P M ten", which

stands for Particulate Matter up to 10 micrometers in size). These particles cause

less severe health effects.

The small particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers (100 times thinner than a

human hair). These particles are called PM2.5 (we say "P M two point five", as in

Particulate Matter up to 2.5 micrometers in size).

Size isn't the only difference. Each type of particle is made of different material and

comes from different places.

Coarse Particles (PM10)

Fine Particles (PM2.5)

What they

are

smoke, dirt and dust

from factories, farming,

and roads

mold, spores, and

pollen

toxic organic

compounds

heavy metals

How theyre

made

crushing and grinding rocks and

soil then blown by wind

driving automobiles

burning plants (brush

fires and forest fires or

yard waste)

smelting (purifying)

and processing metals

The smaller particles are lighter and they stay in the air longer and travel farther.

PM10 (big) particles can stay in the air for minutes or hours while PM2.5 (small)

particles can stay in the air for days or weeks. And travel? PM10 particles can travel

as little as a hundred yards or as much as 30 miles. PM2.5 particles go even farther;

many hundreds of miles.

When you inhale, you breathe in air along with any particles that are in the air. The

air and the particles travel into your respiratory system (your lungs and airway).

Along the way the particles can stick to the sides of the airway or travel deeper into

the lungs.

Smaller particles can pass through the smaller airways. Bigger particles are more

likely to stick to the sides or get wedged into one of the narrow passages deep in the

lung.

Other factors that affect how deep into the lungs particles can go:

1. Mouth or nose breathing. Breathing through your mouth allows particles to travel

deeper into your lungs.

2. Exercise. While exercising, particles can travel deeper.

3. Age. Older people breath less deeply so particles may not get as deep.

4. Lung disease. If lung diseases block the airway, particles will not travel as far.

5. Weather (temperature).

6. Other pollutants in the air.

Lungs produce mucous to trap the particles, and tiny hairs wiggle to move the

mucous and particles out of the lung. If the particle is small and it gets very far into

the lungs, special cells in the lung trap the particles and then they can't get out and

this can result in lung disease, emphysema, lung cancer.

Health Effects

Both PM10 (big) and PM2.5 (small) particles can cause health problems; specifically

respiratory health (that's the lungs and airway).

Because the PM2.5 travels deeper into the lungs AND because the PM2.5 is made

up things that are more toxic (like heavy metals and cancer causing organic

compounds), PM2.5 can have worse health effects than the bigger PM10.

Exposure to particulate matter leads to increased use of medication and more visits

to the doctor or emergency room. Health effects include the following:

1. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

2. Aggravated asthma

3. Lung damage (including decreased lung function and lifelong respiratory

disease)

4. Premature death in individuals with existing heart or lung diseases

5. Lead Dust

Lead occurs naturally in the environment and has many industrial uses. However,

ongoing exposure to even small amounts of lead can be harmful to your health.

Everyone is exposed to trace amounts of lead through air, soil, household dust, food,

drinking water and some consumer products. The amount of lead in the environment

increased during the industrial revolution, and again significantly in the 1920s with

the introduction of leaded gasoline.

However, since the early 1970s lead exposure in Canada has gone down

substantially, mainly because leaded gasoline and lead-based paint were phased out

and the use of lead solder in food cans was virtually eliminated.

Source Of lead:

o Food - Traces of lead are found in almost all food. Airborne lead falls onto

crops or soil and is absorbed by plants. Lead solder used in making cans may

also contaminate food. However, in Canada food manufacturers have

eliminated the use of lead-soldered cans. Infants can also absorb lead from

their mothers' bodies through breast milk

o Air - Lead in soil can come from the air or from erosion of lead-bearing rocks,

and may be carried indoors as dust. Lead dust can also come from within the

home, especially older homes that used lead-based paints or lead solder.

Lead dust is especially dangerous for babies and young children, because they

tend to put things in their mouths and their breathing zone is closer to floor

level where lead dust tends to collect.

o Drinking Water - lead can enter the water supply from lead solder in

plumbing, lead service connections or lead pipes in your home. Lead is more

likely to be found in soft or very acidic water and in very old or very new

homes

o Paint - In 1976, the amount of lead that could be intentionally added to

interior paints was limited by federal law, but exterior paints could still

contain higher amounts of lead, provided they carried a warning label. Most

indoor and outdoor paints made before 1950 contained substantial amounts

of lead. If you strip or sand old paint that contains lead, you could breathe in

lead particles.

Short-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause vomiting, diarrhea,

convulsions, coma or even death. Severe cases of lead poisoning are rare in Canada.

Lead builds up in the body, so ongoing exposure to even very small amounts of lead

can be harmful, especially to infants and young children. Lead taken in by pregnant

women can also present a danger to the health of unborn children.

Anaemia is common and lead can also damage the brain and nervous system. Other

symptoms are:

appetite loss

abdominal pain

constipation

fatigue

sleeplessness

irritability

headache

Repeated, prolonged exposure to lead can affect your kidneys.

Lead exposure is most serious for young children because their growing bodies

absorb lead more easily than adults and they are more vulnerable to its harmful

effects.

Young children and infants are more likely to be exposed to lead because of their

natural habit of putting objects into their mouths.

even low level lead exposure may harm the intellectual development, behaviour, size

and hearing of infants. During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, lead can

cross the placenta and affect an unborn child.

Female workers exposed to high levels of lead have more miscarriages and

stillbirths.

5. Ozone (O3)

Ozone (O3) is a colorless, poisonous gas with a sharp, cold, irritating odor.

Ozone can be found in

1. the stratosphere, one of the upper layers of the atmosphere, where it occurs

naturally, and

2. the troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where it occurs both naturally

and as a result of human-generated emissions.

The natural stratospheric ozone is considered to be of beneficial nature it keeps

harmful excessive ultraviolet sunlight from reaching the surface of the Earth.

Ozone which is formed in the troposphere as a result of anthropogenic emissions of

primary pollutants, has negative effects on humans and the natural environment.

And from this point of view it is an air pollutant.

This human-caused ozone in the troposphere is a secondary pollutant because it is

produced by the reaction of primary pollutants, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons

[including VOCs], in the presence of sunlight.

The troposphere ozone is the main component of the photochemical smog.

A photochemical smog (of brown-yellow color) is a product of the chemical reaction

between sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs, which results in the formation of ozone

and airborne particles.

The process of ozone formation may take several days to complete, and ozone itself

may turn out to be far from the sources of original primary pollutant emissions.

Effects of Ozone as an Air Pollutant

Ozone in the troposphere can have the following negative effects on animals (including

humans) and the natural environment :

Irritation of the respiratory system causing coughing, throat irritation and an

uncomfortable sensation in the chest

Susceptibility to respiratory infections

Compromised lung function harming the breathing process which may become more

rapid and more shallow than normal

Inflammation and damage to the lining of the lungs

Aggravation of asthma

Reduction in agricultural yields

Interference with photosynthesis and suppression of growth of some plant species

Greenhouse Effect

3. Happen when Earths temperature rise by certain atmospheric gases that trap

the Suns energy

4. Suns energy passes through atmosphere

1. 26% is reflected or scattered

2. 19% absorbed by clouds, gases, and particles

3. 4% reflected to space by surface

4. 51% reaches the surface

Examples of Heat Trapping Gases (greenhouse gasses):

1. Water vapor (H 2 O)

2. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 )

3. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O)

4. Methane (CH 4 )

5. Causes of greenhouse effect are from:

1. Deforestation and agriculture

2. Burning of fossil fuels, gasoline, oil

3. Burning of wood and coal

4. CFCs

5. Population Growth

6. Greenhouse gasses can effect:

1. Deforestation and agriculture

2. Burning of fossil fuels, gasoline, oil

3. Burning of wood and coal

4. Population Growth

Global Warming

1. Heat trapped inside earth that cause general warming affected. When global

warming happen its can increase air and water temperature

2. Cause of global warming

1. Greenhouse gases increase through human activity

2. Deforestation

3. Use of fertilizers

4. Burning of organic matter

5. Burning of fossil fuels

Effect of global warming:

1. Climate changes

2. Changes in wildlife adaptations and cycles

3. Melting of polar ice caps

4. Increase in sea level

5. Flooding in coastal areas

6. Ocean Acidification

Indoor Pollution

Pollutant Source Health Effect What to do

By-products of

combustion (such

as CO, CO 2 , NO x )

Unvented kerosene

and gas heaters,

gas appliances,

wood- and gas-

burning fireplaces,

leaking chimneys

and furnaces,

tobacco smoke,

automobile

exhaust in

attached garages

Eye, nose, and

throat irritation,

impaired lung

function and

respiratory

function in

children,

bronchitis, lung

cancer, flu-like

symptoms.

1. Avoid use of

unvented gas or

kerosene space

heaters

2. Keep gas

appliances and

furnaces properly

adjusted

3. Install and use

exhaust fans

4. Change filters on

heating/cooling

systems and air

cleaners

5. Increase of

supply of outside

air 6. Proper

location of air

intakes to avoid

exhaust from

vehicles

Radon Local geology,

soil, water

Lung cancer,

possibly

stomach cancer

1.Seal crack and

opening in the

basement

2.ventilate crawl

space

3.Increase

ventilation

Asbestos Deteriorating or

damaged

insulation,

fireproofing, or

acoustical

materials

Cancer and Lung

diseases

(smoker at

higher risk)

1.Test the

suspected

material

2.Remove

asbestos by

trained

contractor

3.Develop

maintenance plan

4.Encapsulation

of material

containing

asbestos

Organic Material Paint, solvent,

wood

preservative,

aerosol spray,

cleaner and

disinfectant, air

freshener, hobby

supplier and dry

cleaned clothes

Eye, nose and

throat irritation,

head ache, loss

of coordination,

nausea, damage

to kidney and

nervous system,

Some cause

cancer in animal

and human

1.Buy only what

you need

2.Read label and

follow instruction

3.Used in well

ventilate area or

outdoor

4. Hang dry clean

clothes in open

area about 6

hour

Formaldehyde Pressed wood

product

(hardwood,

Eye, nose and

throat irritation,

coughing,

1.Used product

with low emission

rates of

plywood,

particleboard,

fiberboard) used

in building and

furniture,

permanent press

textile, glue,

vehicle exhaust,

stoves, fireplace

fatigue, rashes

and allergic

reaction, cause

cancer to

animal, death at

very high

concentration

formaldehyde

2.Keep humidity

low in house

3.Increase

ventilation

Lead/heavy

metal

Paint,

automobile,

tobacco smoke,

soil and dust

Headache,

irritation in

mouth, rash,

kidney damage

1.Vaccum

regularly

2. Removal of

lead in paint

Biological

Pollutant

Mold, dust

mites, pet

dander (skin

flakes),

droppings and

body parts from

cockroaches,

rodents and

other pests or

insects, viruses,

and bacteria

Allergic reactions,

including

hypersensitivity

pneumonitis,

allergic rhinitis,

and some types of

asthma. Infectious

illnesses, such as

influenza, measles,

and chicken pox

are transmitted

through the air.

Molds and mildews

release disease-

causing toxins.

Symptoms of

health problems

caused by

biological

pollutants include

sneezing, watery

eyes, coughing,

1. Install and use

exhaust fans that

are vented to the

outdoors in

kitchens and

bathrooms and

vent clothes

dryers outdoors.

2. Thoroughly

clean and dry

water-damaged

carpets and

building materials

(within 24 hours

if possible) or

consider removal

and replacement.

3. Keep the

house clean.

House dust

mites, pollens,

animal dander,

shortness of

breath, dizziness,

lethargy, fever,

and digestive

problems.

and other

allergy-causing

agents can be

reduced,

although not

eliminated,

through regular

cleaning.

4. Clean and

disinfect the

basement floor

drain regularly

Air pollution control equipment

Type of

equipme

nt

How its work Advantages/Disadvantage

1.

Gravitatio

nal

Sedimenta

tion

Chambers

(oldest)

1. Settling chambers are also

referred to as gravity settling

chambers or expansion

chambers.

2.In the expansion chamber, the

velocity of the gas stream is

reduced significantly, as the gas

expands in a large chamber.

3. The sudden reduction in

velocity forces larger particles to

settle out of the gas stream.

4. To improve settlement

efficiency in this settling

chamber, baffle plates are

provided.

Ad

van

tag

es:

1.

to r

em

ove p

art

icle

s f

rom

the g

as s

tream

2.

used o

nly

for

very

larg

e p

art

icle

s in t

he u

pper

end o

f th

e s

uper

coars

e s

ize r

ange

(appro

xim

ate

ly 7

5 m

icro

mete

rs a

nd larg

er)

3.L

ow

capital cost;

Very

low

energ

y c

ost;

4.

No m

ovin

g p

art

s,

there

fore

, fe

w m

ain

tenance r

equir

em

ents

and low

opera

ting c

osts

;

5.

Excellent

reliability;

6.

Low

pre

ssure

dro

p t

hro

ugh d

evic

e;

7.

Devic

e n

ot

subje

ct

to a

bra

sio

n d

ue t

o low

gas v

elo

city;

8.

Pro

vid

e incid

enta

l cooling o

f gas s

tream

;

9.

Tem

pera

ture

and p

ressure

lim

itations a

re o

nly

dependent

on t

he m

ate

rials

of

constr

uction;

and

10.

Dry

collection a

nd d

isposal

Dis

ad

van

tag

es:

1.R

ela

tively

low

PM

collection e

ffic

iencie

s,

part

icula

rly f

or

PM

less t

han 5

0

m in s

ize;

2.

Unable

to h

andle

sticky o

r ta

cky m

ate

rials

;

3.

Larg

e p

hysic

al siz

e;

and

4.

Tra

ys in m

ultip

le-t

ray s

ett

ling c

ham

ber

may w

arp

during h

igh-t

em

pera

ture

opera

tions.

2. Cyclone

Collector

1.Cyclone is an enclosed,

conical tube

2. Particle-filled air is pumped

in at the top, above the wide

end of the cone.

3. As the air comes in at an

angle, it moves down the

cone in a spiral, increasing in

speed as the cones

Advantages:

1. remove particles from the

airstream eliminating the need

2.to replace expensive filters and expose

maintenance workers

3. Can be designed to remove liquids from

gas.

4. Low capital costs,

Low maintenance costs.

circumference grows smaller.

4. This creates a vortex much

like a tornado or cyclone.

Large particles are thrown

against the sides of the cone

and drop to a bin at the

bottom.

5. A fan at the top of the

cyclone cone draws lighter

particles and the air up the

center of the cyclone to an

exhaust tube or outlet, usually

to a filter for catching fine

particles.

Disadvantage :

1.Lower collection efficiency

2. Higher collection only when used higher

pressured drop

3. Collection efficiency sensitive to changes of

gas flow, dust load and particle size

distribution

3.Wet

Scrubber

1. In the flue gas scrubber,

the gas gets in close contact

with fine water drops in a co-

current or counter current

flow.

2. As the liquid drains through

the vanes, it creates curtains

of scrubbing liquid

Advantages:

1. remove various types of pollutants from the

gas streams in a furnace, flue, or other device.

2. The devices can handle a wide range of

temperatures and moisture content, making

them ideal for operation in just about any

environment.

3. Any type of contaminant can be removed

3. Dust laden gas enters the

scrubber tangentially and

collides with the curtains

initiating particle

agglomeration.

4. The coarser particles

produced are washed down to

the slurry outlet.

5. A restriction disc located in

the scrubbing vane assembly

accelerates the spin velocity

of the gas. This action

combined with the flood of

atomized liquid from the spray

causes the formation of fine

liquid droplets which

encapsulate the fine

particulates, again enhancing

agglomeration.

4.No secondary dust sources

Once particles are collected, they cannot

escape from hoppers or during transport.

5.Ability to collect both gases and particles

Disadvantages:

1. the devices do require maintenance in order

to continue operating efficiently

2. Corrosion problems

Water and dissolved pollutants can form highly

corrosive acid solutions. Proper construction

materials are very important. Also, wet-dry

interface areas can result in corrosion.

3. High collection efficiencies for particles are

attainable only at high pressure drops, resulting in

high operating costs.

4. Fabric

Collector

1 In a bag house, dirty air

flows into and through a

number of cloth filter bags

that are placed in parallel.

2. The filters remove the

particulate from the gas

stream while the cleaned gas

passes through the cloth and

is exhausted to the

atmosphere.

3.The fabric filters do some

filtering of the dust particles;

however, their more

important role is to act as a

support for the layer of dust

(filter cake) that quickly

accumulates on it.

3. This layer then acts in a

highly efficient manner to

filter both the large and small

particles from the gas stream

and becomes the main

filtration mechanism

throughout the process.

Advantages:

1.Bag houses have a very high collection

efficiency for both large and small particle

2. They are modular in design, and they can

operate on a wide variety of dust types and

wide range of flow rates with reasonably low

pressure drops.

Disadvantages:

1. Bag houses require large floor areas to

operate, need frequent cleaning, have the

potential for fire/explosion hazards, and need

bag replacement.

2.The fabric filters have the potential to

degrade from high temperatures or corrosive

environments. The filters may also become

clogged in highly humid or moist

environments.

5.Electric

Precipitato

r

1. These dust-laden gases

pass through an electrostatic

precipitator that collects most

of the dust. These dust-laden

gases pass through an

electrostatic precipitator that

collects most of the dust.

2. Precipitators function by

electro statically charging the

dust particles in the gas

stream.

3. The charged particles are

then attracted to and

deposited on plates or other

collection devices.

4. When enough dust has

accumulated, the collectors

are shaken to dislodge the

dust, causing it to fall with the

force of gravity to hoppers

below

5. The dust is then removed

by a conveyor system for

disposal or recycling.

Advantages:

1. Precipitators typically collect 99.9% or more

of the dust from the gas stream.

2.Very high efficiency

3. Ability to handle very large gas flow rates

with low pressure losses

4. Ability to remove dry as well as wet particle

Disadvantages:

1.High capital cost

2.Taking a lot of space

3. Failure to operate on particles with high

electrical resistivity

Air Pollution Index

The air quality in Malaysia is reported as the API or Air Pollution Index. API reported

daily air quality.API is calculated based on major air pollution in Malaysia.

The main purpose of API is to help people to understand mean to your health.

Five of the index's pollutant components used in Malaysia is:

1. Carbon monoxide is reported in ppm

2. Ozone is reported in ppm

3. Nitrogen dioxide is reported in ppm

4. Sulfur dioxide is reported in ppm

5. PM10 particulate matter is reported in g/m3.

Final API valued is calculated based on the highest reading for all 5 parameter. Each

parameter value is calculated per day.

This scale below shows the Health classifications used by the Malaysian government.

0-50 Good

51-100 Moderate

101-200 Unhealthy

201-300 Very unhealthy

301- Hazardous

If the API exceeds 500, a state of emergency is declared in the reporting area.