Air pollution has existed since human civilization. Especially during the Industrial Revolution, factory fumes and vehicle fumes pollute the planet earth every second. It is time for us to understand how to tackle air pollution.

Unlike other pollutants, air pollution is invisible. In fact, we may already breathe every day. In fact, the health of living things depends on the quality of clean air.

Is there a simple and easy way to deal with air pollution? The answer is yes! Let's take a look at the following list!

1. Minimize Exhaust Smoke

Road transport is one of the largest producers of nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides are inhaled into the lungs will have a bad effect on the respiratory system.

The problem of carbon emissions from cars is especially felt by urban communities with heavy traffic. Diesel cars top the list of sources of air pollution.

As good citizens, we can do things to overcome air pollution from cars, follow these tips:

• Join a car sharing community. Bring your lunch, so you don't have to go out or drive during your lunch break.
• Don't rush as it will only result in more carbon emissions.
• If possible, avoid driving during rush hours to avoid congestion that contributes to the car's increased carbon emissions.
• Consider buying a car that has passed emissions testing. Choose an electric car that is more environmentally friendly and emits less carbon footprint.

By following the ways to overcome air pollution above, we can reduce pollution from vehicle fumes.

However, be aware that exhaust fumes release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and other particles into the air.

Therefore, the most effective strategy for dealing with air pollution is to avoid driving a car whenever possible.

2. Walking, Cycling, or Public Transportation

Whenever possible, use public transportation to get around. Many cities have good infrastructure and public transport networks. In fact, you can take transportation 1-2 times a week to reduce air pollution from private vehicle fumes.

Public transport reduces carbon emissions and is more cost effective. For example, the city of Vienna, Austria, offers an annual ticket for only 1 Euro per day. This means, if you register for an annual ticket, you can travel as much as you want by public transportation for only 1 Euro. Cool, right!

Another example, the city of Stuttgart, Germany, allows students to travel for free by public transport. Walking or cycling to work is also beneficial in reducing carbon emissions by up to 1,500 kg per year.

However, when cycling or walking, make sure the air is still clean and cool. Or, wear a mask to avoid directly inhaling the carbon emissions generated by heavy traffic.

3. Energy saving

In 2016, the International Energy Agency released a report that air pollution is an energy problem. Why so? Many air pollution problems stem from the burning of fossil fuels. This is supported by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Burning fossil fuels to produce energy will release a number of harmful pollutants into the air. Such as: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, carbon dioxide, and other particulate matter.

All of these substances have a negative impact on human health and the environment. That's why, the way to deal with air pollution is to save electrical energy, whether at home, in the office, or while traveling.

You can save electricity efficiently with these tips:

• Minimize the use of air conditioning and use air conditioning only when necessary. Alternatively, you can use a fan or open a window to cool the room.
• Switch to renewable energy. Renewable energy is electricity generation that is cleaner and environmentally friendly. Technologies such as solar panels can generate electricity without carbon emissions.
• Turn off the TV, lights or electronic equipment after use. That way, you can save on electricity bills and support ways to tackle air pollution.

4. Caring for a Wood Furnace

For those of you who still use a wood stove or fireplace, make sure to take good care of it.

When burning firewood in a furnace, this process releases microscopic particles (2.5 micrometers). These particles are very dangerous if inhaled. Because, it can go directly into the lungs, or even into the bloodstream.

In addition, wood stove fireplaces also release harmful chemical gases such as Benzene, Aldehydes, Carbon monoxide, and Nitrogen oxides.

Therefore, it is better to switch to a new technology stove to be more efficient and emit less air pollutants. It is recommended to use dry wood, solid wood waste, or sawdust as an alternative to wood that is less polluting.

5. Use Recycled Products

It takes a complicated and lengthy process just to make one new product from scratch.

For example, to make furniture such as tables or chairs. First, craftsmen have to cut down trees, then they need to be transported, cleaned of dirt, processed, and processed so that they can finally become the desired raw material for a table or chair.

Each stage of the manufacture of raw materials will be accompanied by the release of carbon emissions, heavy metals, chemicals, and other greenhouse gases. In essence, it takes more energy to make new goods from raw materials, than to recycle.

So, instead of making a new table, it's better to buy a recycled wood table. Manufacture of recycled products is much more energy efficient and less air pollution.

6. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter

Furthermore, the way to deal with air pollution is to use an air purifier or air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter. A HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate filter is an air filter that traps small particles such as mites, dust, tobacco smoke, pollen, to bacteria and germs.

For example, a 2018 study in Salt Lake City found that a HEPA-filtered air purifier can remove 55% of microscopic particles in the air.

With a HEPA filtered air purifier , indoor air will be cleaner and prevent allergic diseases. This can help minimize the risk of breathing polluted air.

And there you got it! Now you know how to deal air pollution using simple steps in our daily life. Even though it's simple, we can start with the ways to tackle air pollution above so we can inspire others to do the same. Hope the information is useful.