Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services Environmental Health Program Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller talked about the factors that cause air pollution and shared the measures to reduce pollution individually.
Stating that there are many reasons for air pollution caused by limited activities before the industrial revolution, Dr. Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller said, “Although many different reasons such as poor quality fuel use, vehicles used in industrial production activities, and energy production cause air pollution, the main reason behind them is that we are unconscious in many of the activities we perform.” said.
Dr. Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller; He drew attention to the fact that air pollution has increased much faster than ever as a result of many factors such as the end of mass wars in the world population, successful inventions in the field of health, and continued his words as follows:
“In addition to this, the amount of substance consumed by each individual increases with the changing consumption habits. Today, many items that did not exist 50 years ago are among our indispensable items, and the energy, raw materials and processes spent in the production of these items cause many types of pollution. One of them is naturally air pollution. There are, of course, measures that can be taken at this point. Some of these measures are also widely taken. Unfortunately, we have not achieved full success here. In order to make more profits on production, many companies in different parts of the world put environmental interests in the background. Since environmental measures are generally seen only as an expense item, companies do not fulfill their responsibilities as long as possible.”
Stating that almost all of the vital needs directly and indirectly cause environmental pollution, Dr. Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller said, “The fuels burned for heating are perhaps the most basic needs. Many people use different fuels to heat their homes due to the cooling air. Most of these fuels, especially coal, cause serious air pollution. Although the widespread use of natural gas, which causes less air pollution, especially in big cities, reduces this somewhat, we can say that the increasing population has closed this gap today. Consumption of poor quality fuel, especially due to financial concerns, puts both the health of the individual user and family members and the public health at risk. The sources of air pollution are not limited to the gases emanating from stoves, combi chimneys or the exhausts of vehicles. In fact, we wouldn't be wrong if we say that every kW of electricity we consume contributes to air pollution.” he said.
Emphasizing that air pollution can reach higher levels in winter, Dr. Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller said, “One of the reasons for this is the polluting gases emitted from the stove or combi chimneys with the emergence of the need for heating in the winter months. Another reason is that cold air has the capacity to carry more pollutants. Especially cold and dry air can contain more pollutants compared to hot and humid air. Reducing the amount of fuel used in this period, when the air may be sensitive to pollutants, can be considered as a precaution to prevent the increase in air pollution. Various insulation solutions produced at this point can be used. With these insulation solutions, it can be ensured that the temperature is maintained in the indoor environment, and in this way, less fuel can be spent and less contribution to air pollution can be made.” said.
Dr. Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller said that the quality of the fuel used for heating is as important as the quantity and continued his words as follows:
“At this point, people who use solid fuels such as coal need to be especially careful. Consumption of low-quality fuels can both pollute the air more due to their high sulfur and moisture content, and threaten lives by increasing the risk of stove poisoning if the chimneys are not cleaned regularly. In addition, insufficient ventilation of the indoor environment due to the cold weather in winter is another point that poses a significant risk to health. Indoor environments, which are ventilated more frequently in the summer months, are much less ventilated in the winter months for reasons that can be considered justifiable, and the amount of pollutants can reach higher levels, especially in environments where solid fuels are used. At this point, it is of great importance to use quality fuel in general, to maintain combi boilers and to clean stove chimneys in particular, in terms of reducing environmental air pollution in winter. Apart from this, the ventilation of the indoor environment can be considered as another important recommendation for the health of the people living in the household.”
Underlining that many individuals do not act fully consciously on environmental issues, Dr. Instructor Member Ahmet Adiller concluded his speech as follows:
“Apart from our necessities at certain points, 'saving' in general terms can be one of the most environmental approaches. In addition to conditions such as heating, which can be considered obligatory, the fact that people use their personal vehicles more in order to avoid conditions such as cold and rainy weather in winter months that may disrupt personal comfort is another factor that leads to an increase in the amount of pollutants emitted from the exhaust. Preferring public transportation instead of driving individually, turning off extra lights, buying energy-friendly electrical products, continuing to use items that function without getting caught up in today's "consumption frenzy", in short, avoiding waste in any matter are actually the most environmentally friendly approaches. Because all kinds of substances we consume or the goods we use, apart from our essential needs, have an impact on the air and all environmental factors due to the waste they release during the production processes. The impact of a single person may seem very small considering the close to 8 billion people living in the world. But changing the individual perspectives of the masses globally can help leave the world on better terms for future generations.”
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