AGR

• Environmental concerns

  • Air pollution
  • Water pollution
• Air pollution topics

  • The atmosphere as a resource
  • Types and sources of air pollution
  • Effects of air pollution
  • Ozone depletion in the stratosphere
  • Acid deposition
  • Controlling air pollution in the Philippines
  • Air pollution around the world

  
• The atmosphere as a resource

  Air pollution significantly affects the atmosphere as a vital resource for life on Earth
• Effects of air pollution on the atmosphere

  • Composition alteration
  • Greenhouse gas effect
  • Ozone depletion
  • Air quality degradation
  • Acid deposition
  • Atmospheric stability
  • Feedback loops

  
• Types of air pollution

  • Primary pollutants
  • Secondary pollutants
  • Toxic air pollutants
  • Natural sources
• Primary pollutants

  • Particulate matter (PM)
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • Volatile compounds (VOCs)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Secondary pollutants

  • Ozone (O3)
  • Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (NHO3)
  • Secondary particulate matter
• Toxic air pollutants

  • Heavy metals
  • Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
• Natural sources of air pollution

  • Volcanic eruptions
  • Wildfires
  • Biogenic emissions

  
• Effects of air pollution

  • Human health effects
  • Environmental effects
  • Social and economic effects

  
• Human health effects of air pollution

  • Respiratory diseases
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Cancer
  • Neurological effects
  • Reproductive and developmental effects
• Environmental effects of air pollution

  • Ecosystem damage
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Water pollution
  • Climate change

  
• Social and economic effects of air pollution

  • Healthcare costs
  • Lost productivity
  • Environmental cleanup costs
  • Social inequities
• Ozone depletion

  Thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere, reducing its ability to absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation
• Causes of ozone depletion

  Release of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere, which break down and release chlorine and bromine atoms that destroy ozone molecules
• Montreal Protocol

  An international agreement adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, leading to a gradual recovery of the ozone layer
• Consequences of ozone depletion

  • Increased UV radiation
  • Stratospheric cooling
  • Ozone hole formation
• Increased UV radiation

  Thinning of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems in humans. UV radiation also has detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, agriculture, and wildlife.
• Stratospheric cooling

  Ozone depletion contributes to the cooling of the stratosphere, altering atmospheric circulation patterns and potentially impacting weather and climate systems.
• Ozone hole formation

  Particularly over Antarctica, ozone depletion has led to the formation of an "ozone hole," where ozone concentrations become severely depleted during certain times of the year. Similar, though less severe, ozone depletion occurs in the Arctic region.
• Consequences of acid deposition

  • Acidification of soil and water
  • Damage to vegetation
  • Corrosion of infrastructure and buildings
  • Harm to human health
• Acidification of soil and water

  Acid rain and dry deposition can lower the pH of soil, freshwater bodies (lakes, rivers, and streams), and aquatic ecosystems. This acidification can disrupt nutrient cycles, decrease soil fertility, and harm plants, aquatic organisms (such as fish, amphibians, and invertebrates), and their habitats.
• Damage to vegetation

  Acid deposition can damage the leaves, needles, and roots of plants and trees, making them more susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. It can also inhibit the growth and reproduction of certain plant species, leading to changes in vegetation composition and biodiversity loss.
• Corrosion of infrastructure and buildings

  Acidic pollutants in the atmosphere can corrode metals, stones, concrete, and other materials used in buildings, bridges, monuments, and infrastructure, causing structural deterioration and aesthetic damage.
• Harm to human health

  While direct exposure to acid rain is not considered a significant health risk to humans, the pollutants that contribute to acid deposition, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can exacerbate respiratory problems (such as asthma and chronic bronchitis) and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Controlling air pollution in the Philippines

  • Government regulations
  • Enforcement
  • Public awareness
  • Collaboration among stakeholders
• Clean Air Act

  The Philippines' Clean Air Act, enacted in 1999 and amended in 2019, serves as the primary legal framework for air quality management. It sets emission standards for various sources of air pollution, regulates vehicle emissions, establishes air quality standards, and mandates the formulation of air quality management plans at national and local levels.
• Industrial emission standards

  The government imposes emission standards and regulations on industries to control pollution from manufacturing plants, power plants, refineries, and other industrial facilities. Compliance with these standards is monitored through regular inspections and enforcement actions.
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance program

  The government implements vehicle emission testing programs to ensure that vehicles meet prescribed emission standards. Enforcement agencies conduct regular inspections and emissions testing on vehicles to ensure compliance.