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AIR POLLUTION AWARENESS IN THE PHILIPPINES: PRACTICAL

MEASURES FOR PREVENTION

Rationale of the Research

The threat of environmental pollution has become one of the chief
concerns of this decade and perhaps the rest of this century. Although many
individuals think the industrialists are the villains who pollute the environment,
the major villains are the consumers who desire and demand new, more,
faster, and bigger playthings without thinking about the cost to the
environment. Though many living things emit carbon dioxide when they
breathe, the gas is widely considered to be a pollutant when associated with
cars, planes, power plants, and other human activities that involve the burning
of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. That is because carbon
dioxide is the most common of the greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the
atmosphere and contribute to climate change (Delgado, A. 2019).
Alongside being an increasingly important problem, air pollution is a
major issue regarding various fields such as environment, health, economy
and politics. Pollution is now a common place term, which our ears are
attuned to. We hear about the various forms of pollution and read about it
through the mass media. Air pollution is one such form that refers to the
contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outside. A physical,
biological or chemical alteration to the air in the atmosphere can be termed as
pollution. It occurs when any harmful gases, dust, smoke enters into the
atmosphere and makes it difficult for plants, animals and humans to survive
as the air becomes dirty. It is a mix of particles and gases that can reach
harmful concentrations both outside and indoors. Its effects can range from
higher disease risks to rising temperatures. Soot, smoke, mold, pollen,
methane, and carbon dioxide are a just few examples of common pollutants.
Combining these definitions, air pollution in general can be described as the
increase in the rate of harmful gases and particles in the atmosphere (Özey,
2009).
The pervasive social and environmental impacts of air pollution make it
an important marker for sustainable development across all levels of
economic development. The drivers behind pollution differ by economic
structure, however, and developing countries have different problems than
developed countries. Air pollution is an important indicator for environmental
quality and public health in developing regions, as economic expansion
contributes to higher pollution levels (World Bank and Institute for Health
Metrics and Evaluation, 2016).
Philippines as a developing country, it deals with many socio-economic
and developmental issues. In the face of these issues, some are concerned
that over the past two years and in spite of the current administration’s
promises, environmental protection appears to have taken a backseat. The
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government, of course, is responsible for creating and enforcing policies and

laws so that its citizens may breathe clean air, as well as enjoy all natural
resources based on the principles of sustainable development. In the
southeast Asian region — where the Philippines is located — the average
PM2.5 concentration is 21 μg/m3 annually, over twice the recommended
value (Tomacruz, S., 2018).
Moreover, the Philippines’ annual PM2.5 concentration rests at 18.4
μg/m3 according to the 2016 WHO report. This value is approximately 80%
higher than the safe levels indicated by WHO. Aside from national data, WHO
also collected data from the major cities of participating countries. Meanwhile,
Cebu, Dagupan, and Manila also failed, registering values of 54, 51, and 55
μg/m3, respectively (Ambag, R. 2018),
Air quality has historically been poor in the Philippines.  After the
passing of the Clean Air Act in 1999, the Philippine area struggled to meet the
Environmental Protection Act. Improving the educational level and raising
environmental awareness are essential for reducing the air pollution (Selden
& Song 1994). From early years on the importance of Environmental
Education (EE) arose and teachers are the key point of EE.

Conceptual Background
This research is anchored on Republic Act No. 8749, also known as
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. It is a comprehensive air quality
management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy
air for all Filipinos. The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 was signed into law
by former President Joseph Estrada in July 27, 1999. It is an act providing for
a comprehensive air pollution control policy and for other purposes was
landmark legislation in Philippine environmental protection. The law has 56
Sections and divided into seven (7) chapters namely, General Provisions; Air
Quality Management System; Fuels, Additives, Substances and Pollutants;
Institutional Mechanism; Actions; Fines and Penalties; and Final Provisions.
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Republic Act No. 8749, also known

as Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

Pre- Service Teachers

Awareness

Causes of Air Pollution Effects of Air Pollution

Issues and concerns in the

Implementation of RA 8749

Actions to be taken in order

to prevent air pollution issues

Figure 1

Conceptual framework of the Research

The principle behind the creation of the law is where the state
recognizes its responsibility in protecting the rights of people in living in a
balanced ecology where the quality of air is adequate. The state also
acknowledges that social-justice is primary concern when this principal right is
violated by developing mechanisms for preventing, managing, restricting, and
penalizing air pollution. Importantly, the recognition of these rights were
stipulated in Section 4 which the state shall seek to guarantee the following
enjoyment of these rights. The right to breathe clean air is one of those rights.
The fact that breathing clean air has to be a fundamental right tells us that the
society we have built has undermined the importance of ecological balance in
living a sustainable life. It is frowning that reality has to be as grim as the laws
that are written to promote quality of life.
Technical definitions of scientific concepts in environmental science
were included in the legislation as operative terms used in the act. One of the
terms that are important to note for future environmental planners is on
Chapter 1, Article 2, Section 5, Item g). Eco-profile – means the geographical
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–based instrument for planners and decision-makers who present an

evaluation of the environmental quality and carrying capacity of an area. It is
the result of the integration of primary and secondary data and information on
natural resources and anthropogenic activities on the land which are
evaluated by various environmental risk assessment and forecasting
methodologies that enable the Department to anticipate the type of
development control necessary in the planning area. The definition
beforehand speaks true to the importance of the planning discipline in the
assurance of sustainable development with regards to the Philippine Clean Air
Act.
Gathering the data needed to plan for the effects of air pollution in
human settlements was recognized in a pivotal role for Air Quality Monitoring
and Information Network. Reporting the findings of these monitoring activities
and research guides the decision maker and planner in making decisions that
would affect the quality of life of the population. Implementing this under the
Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework would be challenging, since it
seeks to prescribe the emission reduction goals using permissible standards,
control strategies and control measures to be undertaken within a specified
time period, including cost-effective use of economic incentives, management
strategies, collective action, and environmental education and
information. The monitoring and information network seeks to understand and
implement the air quality standards based not only on the World Health
Organization Standards but also not less as stringent than other
internationally accepted standards.
The air quality standard followed by the Environmental Management
Bureau which was assigned by law to take on the responsibility of air quality
management was defined under Section 12 or the Ambient Air Quality
Guideline Values and Standards. The standards are well articulated in
following international safety standards of acceptable particulate matter
overtime from different pollutants.
Quality control follows into the realm of burning garbage or incineration.
Section 20 of the law clearly states a ban on incineration that defined the
municipal, bio0medical and hazardous wastes burning. Yet traditional
methods of burning or siga are still allowed, as is with kaingin as a traditional
agricultural practice. This part of the law does not seem to jive well with
internationally recognized practices that also ban small pit fire burning or bush
burning. This part of the law showcases the weakness of policy in pandering
to the harmful practices of past just to make way for public acceptance.
In article 4 of chapter 2 of this act gave the responsibility and
jurisdiction of implementing air quality controls to the Department of
Transportation and Communication on monitoring and processing of permits
for emission standards of pollution from motor vehicles. Any observer in
EDSA could easily conclude that there is a failure of implementation in this
regard. Public transport vehicles are number one in terms of violators of this
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law due to the alleged collusion of private testing centers in passing unworthy
vehicles for a fixer’s fee. The standards are there, but as with any
bureaucracy, implementation of rules and regulations is a different matter.
The law is a sound piece of legislation although it is weak in
institutional support. The EMB or Environmental Management Bureau is a
small office that monitors not only air quality but water and other resources as
well. With a bureau sized staff, operations for implementing the law is
inefficient. The resolution for this good law is to upgrade the Bureau to a
separate Department of Environmental Protection with its own Cabinet level
secretary to oversee its functions and mandate.
We depend on air for our respiratory needs. So, air pollution causes
injury to all living organisms. In case of plants, the growth and yield of crops
are reduced and cause premature death. In animals including man, serious
metabolic and respiratory diseases are manifested due to air pollution. Air
pollution is also called as atmospheric pollution. The atmosphere is an
invisible layer of gases that surround the earth. Sources of Air Pollution:
Air pollution is a concern which poses threat to human health and
likewise greatly impacts the ecosystem and the environment. An expert on air
quality and pollution, Environment and Management Bureau Consultant Engr.
Reynaldo Tejada shares his knowledge on the impact of air quality and
pollution in human health, the ecosystem and the environment in a
presentation held here recently on air modeling in the Baguio-La Trinidad-
Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay areas. Even with the passage of the Clean Air Act
which puts in place air pollution control and policy, Tejada said there are
reasons why one should be concerned in air pollution as it poses significant
threat to the human health and atmosphere (Susan C, Aro, 2018). Its effect in
the human body leads to various health-related diseases such as respiratory
disease, decreased lung functions, cancers, eye and throat irritation, he adds.
At high risk are children and elderly and those individuals with asthma and
cardiopulmonary diseases. As to the
According to The Atlantic, the guidelines, proposed in April, appear to
target regulations that limit particulate air pollution. They are backed by a
1993 study showing that Americans living in cities with higher particulate
levels suffered health consequences. That study was the “biggest science
fraud that has gone on in this country’s history,” Steven Milloy of the
conservative Heartland Institute tells The Atlantic. Other backers of the rule
include members of industry trade groups, the Associated Press reports, but
critics outnumbered supporters at yesterday’s hearing. The proposal has also
drawn opposition from the editors of scientific journals and dozens of public
health, medical, academic, and scientific groups (Williams H., 2018).
Around seven million people die annually from exposure to fine
particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular
system, thus causing stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive
pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Air
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pollution is said to be a critical risk factor for noncommunicable diseases

(NCDs), causing an estimated one-quarter (24 percent) of all adult deaths
from heart disease, 25 percent from stroke, 43 percent from chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease and 29 percent from lung cancer (Robles,
Nathalie, 2018). Major sources of air pollution include the inefficient use of
energy by households, industry, the agriculture and transport sectors, and
coal-fired power plants. In some regions, sand and desert dust, waste burning
and deforestation are additional sources of air pollution. Air quality can also
be influenced by natural elements such as geographic, meteorological and
seasonal factors.
The Philippines’ Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) is
almost two decades old, yet enforcement seems to be an issue as the quality
of air in the Philippines continues to deteriorate. The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) says it is working with the
Department of Health and WHO to decrease the environmental health risk of
air pollution by improving the linkage of air quality and health monitoring,
reviewing the air quality index, and strengthening the health impact
assessment for projects and activities that may cause air pollution. The
DENR’s Air Quality Management Bureau and the Land Transportation Office
(LTO) are working together to track and apprehend smoke belchers. Smoke
belchers are subject to fines, license suspensions or franchise cancellations
(Jimeno . Karen V., 2018).
Decades after the passage of the Clean Air Act, the fight to improve the
quality of air for Filipinos has little progressed. This was seen as a major
milestone in the implementation of the law. After this, however, things came to
a sort of slide. The argument is that the quality of air in Metro Manila, being
the key measurement of nationwide air pollution, is improving. But is definitely
not anywhere nearer what is ideally regarded as clean air. Today, Metro
Manila continues to experience concentrations of particulate matter that
routinely exceed acceptable levels. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide
levels have also been monitored to occasionally exceed standards.

Sadly, what was hailed as a landmark piece of legislation to protect the

environment seems to have lost its fighting fizz. Implementing the law,
apparently, is more than just calling for a ban on lead or on mass incineration.
Despite all the funds that have been funneled to assist our local executives in
enforcing the Clean Air Act, there seemed to be little motivation for the
respective government agencies to pursue their mandates. Roadside smoke
emission tests, for one, are now being conducted with even less frequency.
There is talk that the once-a-year mandatory smoke emission test, a
requirement for getting a permit to operate a motor vehicle, can now be
bought. In fact, you don’t need to bring your car to an accredited testing
center if you know who to talk to.
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The Philippines is currently pushing back against air pollution through

the implementation of various laws and ordinances. One of these is Republic
Act No. 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. RA 8749 currently
serves as the foundation for the country’s air quality management. It aims to
raise awareness about pollution prevention through programs such as
Linis/Ligtas Hangin, coupled with Bantay Tambutso, Bantay Tsimnea, and
Bantay Sunog. The RA also aims to enforce regulatory standards upon
stationary sources of pollution, such as factories and power plants. RA 8749
encompasses the cooperation of agencies such as the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of
Transportation and Communication (DOTC), the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the
Department of Energy (DOE), and many others (Ambag, R. 2018).
Meanwhile, WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Gundo Weller
stated:
“Air pollution continues to pose a dangerous threat to the
health of the Filipinos, especially those living in urbanized
communities…With the health and environment sectors, we
are working together to reduce the harmful impact of these
environmental risks to people’s health and well-being.”

Air Pollution in the Philippines

Air pollution occurs when gases, dust particles, fumes (or smoke) or
odor are introduced into the atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful to
humans, animals and plant. This is because the air becomes dirty
(contaminated or unclean). Anything additional gas, particles or odors that are
introduced into the air (either by nature or human activity) to destroy this
natural balance can be called air pollution. It has been present in many
civilizations from the very time that people started to make fires. It is the
presence of harmful materials in earth’s atmosphere. Our atmosphere is
gaseous system that supports life in our planet. It is a very important factor
that makes life available on earth. It is a threat to the many aspects of life.

MAJOR CAUSES: POLLUTANTS

Pollutants are the so called causes to air pollution which is comprised
of different chemicals and toxic wastes. Major causes pollutants are Sulfur
Oxide, Nitrogen Oxide , Carbon , Monoxide , Volatile Organic Compounds,
Particulates, Toxic Metals, Chlorofluorocarbons, Ammonia and odor
(Libiternos, Mapi, 2014).
Sulfur Oxide is a colorless gas that cannot be seen. Its most common
natural source is volcanoes and the most common man-made source is the
burning of fuels like coal, oil, gas, petrol and diesel.
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Nitrogen Oxide is ac reddish, brown gas that is poisonous and very

harmful to human beings. It would make breathing difficult, give chest pains
and might damage one's lungs once inhaled.
Carbon Monoxide is a gas that cannot be seen nor smelled. It is also
poisonous and breathing a lot of it in can cause death because our lungs
confuse it with oxygen and put it into our blood by mistake.
Volatile Organic Compounds is primary precursors to the formation
of ground level ozone and particulate matter in the atmosphere which are the
main ingredients of the air pollutant referred to as smog.
Particulates is an unseen things that are floating around in the air. It
comes in almost any shape or size, and can be solid particles or liquid
droplets. It is divided 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.
Toxic Metals refers to any metallic chemical element that has a
relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations.
Chlorofluorocarbons is widely used as coolants in refrigeration and
air conditioners, as solvents in cleaners, particularly for electronic circuit
boards, as a blowing agents in the production of foam (for example fire
extinguishers), and as propellants in aerosols.
Ammonia is a common naturally occurring substance. It is also
manufactured by man. At normal environmental conditions, pure ammonia is
a colorless, pungent-smelling, caustic (corrosive) gas. It is stored under high
pressure as a liquid. It is highly soluble in water and reacts with acids to form
ammonium salts. The main local problem of ammonia released into air is the
unpleasant odor, which is detectable even at low concentrations.
Odors is caused by one or more volatilized chemical compounds,
generally at a very low concentration, that humans or other animals perceive
by the sense of olfaction.
Human activities that create and emit these elements that stated
earlier are industrial processes,, electric discharge, combustion, aerosols,
agricultural processes, garbage, sewage and nuclear explosions.
Industrial processes are procedures involving chemical or
mechanical steps to aid in the manufacture of an item or items, usually carried
out on a very large scale. Industrial processes are the key components of
heavy industry.
Electric discharge describes any flow of electric charge through a
gas, liquid or solid.
Combustion (burning) is the sequence of exothermic chemical
reactions between a fuel and an oxidant accompanied by the production of
heat and conversion of chemical species. The release of heat can produce
light in the form of either glowing or a flame.
Aerosols - is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or
another gas.
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Agricultural processes are specific methods which, when applied to

agriculture, create food for consumers.
Garbage- wasted or spoiled food and other refuse, as from a kitchen
or household.
Sewage is a waste matter from domestic or industrial establishments
that is carried away in sewers or drains.
Nuclear Explosions is an explosion that occurs as a result of the rapid
release of energy from a high-speed nuclear reaction

NATURAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION

Some of the natural sources of air pollution are organic compounds
from plants, sea salt, suspended soils and dusts. Other natural sources are
released during catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires.
Large amounts of harmful gases and smoke are released which can increase
background pollution levels for years - even in areas far away from the
original source. Ozone is one of the most common n atural air pollutants.
Libiternos, Mapi (2014) enumerates the natural sources of air pollution in the
Philippines as dust, Methane, Radon, smoke vegetation and volcanic
activities.
Dust consists of particles in the atmosphere that comes from various
sources such as soil, dust lifted by weather (an aeolian process), volcanic
eruptions, and pollution.
Methane is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CH4 (one
atom of carbon and four atoms of hydrogen). It is the simplest alkane and the
main component of natural gas.
Radon is a known pollutant emitted from geothermal power stations
because it is present in the material pumped from deep underground.
However, it disperses rapidly, and no radiological hazard has been
demonstrated in various investigations.
Smoke is a collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and
gases.
Vegetation emits environmentally significant amounts of VOCs on
warmer days. These VOCs react with primary anthropogenic pollutants—
specifically, NOx, SO2, and anthropogenic organic carbon compounds—to
produce a seasonal haze of secondary pollutants.
Volcanic Activities produces sulfur, chlorine, and ash particulates.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION

It is impossible to describe the whole extent of potential and actual
damage caused by all forms of air pollution. The main consequences of air air
pollution are on the environment and human’s health.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
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Environmental degradation has increased over the last several

decades. Vehicular emissions, rapid industrialization and urbanization are the
main sources of air pollution Singh, A., Gupta, V. and Sasm S. (2009)
categorized the environmental effects of air pollution as global warming,
formation of photochemical smog, formation of acid rain, aerosol formation,
and depletion of ozone.
Global warming.  According to estimates, at the current rate of
increase, the average global temperature up by 3°C to 8°C in the next 100
years. This will affect the climate of different regions, distribution of plants and
animals, disturbance in agriculture and food production, melting of snow caps
and resultant increase in sea levels. This will submerge parts of coastal cities
of Calcutta, New York, London and other major cities.
Formation of Photochemical Smog. When pollutants like
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides combine in the presence of sunlight, smog
is formed. This is a mixture of gases and since it is formed by photochemical
reactions, it is called the photochemical smog. The word ‘smog’ is derived
from the two words-smoke and fog. It forms a yellowish brown haze especially
during winter and hampers visibility. It also causes many respiratory disorders
and allergies as it contains polluting gases.
Formation of Acid Rain. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react
with water in the atmosphere producing sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These
acids come down along with the rain. This phenomenon is called acid rain.
The pH of acid rain varies from 3-6. The composition of acid rain is sulphuric
acid, nitric acid and weak carbonic acid. Its adverse affects on the
environment include: causes respiratory and skin disorders, affects
productivity of plants by damaging the leaves, enters the soil and affects the
soil, pH and causes leaching, enters the ground and river waters which
causes harm to the aquatic life, causes damage to marble and thus damages
buildings and monuments (like Taj Mahal).
Aerosol Formation. Aerosol is formed by the dispersion of solid or
liquid matter in the atmosphere. If the aerosols form a thick layer in the
troposphere, they affect the weather conditions by blocking the solar radiation.
Aerosols are also deposited on the leaves and affect the photosynthesis.
Aerosols disperse the organic metallic pollutants far and wide.
Depletion of Ozone. The stratosphere of the atmosphere has ozone
(O3). Ozone is known to absorb the Ultraviolet (UV) rays present in the sun’s
radiation and protects us from the harmful effects of the UV rays. However,
hydrocarbons such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) destroy the ozone
molecules which deplete the ozone layer. Ozone holes have been detected in
the atmosphere which permits the UV rays to reach the earth’s surface. The
harmful effects of the UV rays are visible in the countries such as Australia
and New Zealand where the rate of skin cancer is higher than the other
regions of the world.
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EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION TO HUMAN’S HEALTH

In terms of health hazards, every unusual suspended material in the
air, which causes difficulties in normal function of the human organs, is
defined as air toxicants. According to available data, the main toxic effects of
exposure to air pollutants are mainly on the respiratory, cardiovascular,
ophthalmologic, dermatologic, neuropsychiatric, hematologic, immunologic,
and reproductive systems. However, the molecular and cell toxicity may also
induce a variety of cancers in the long term (Otsuki, Nakano, 2013). On the
other hand, even small amount of air toxicants is shown to be dangerous for
susceptible groups including children and elderly people as well as patients
suffering from respiratory And Cardiovascular Diseases.
Respiratory Disorders. Because most of the pollutants enter the body
through the airways, the respiratory system is in the first line of battle in the
onset and progression of diseases resulted from air pollutants. Depending on
the dose of inhaled pollutants, and deposition in target cells, they cause a
different level of damages in the respiratory system. In the upper respiratory
tract, the first effect is irritation, especially in trachea which induces voice
disturbances. Air pollution is also considered as the major environmental risk
factor for some respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer. Air
pollutants, especially PMs and other respirable chemicals such as dust, O3,
and benzene cause serious damage to the respiratory tract. Asthma is a
respiratory disease which may be developed as a result of exposure to air
toxicants (Valavanidis A, Vlachogianni T, Fiotakis K, Loridas S., 2013).
Cardiovascular Dysfunctions. Many experimental and epidemiologic
studies have shown the direct association of air pollutant exposure and
cardiac-related illnesses. Air pollution is also associated with changes in white
blood cell counts which also may affect the cardiovascular functions. On the
other hand, a study on animal models suggested the close relationship
between hypertension and air pollution exposure. The traffic-related air
pollution, especially exposure to high levels of NO2, is associated with right
and left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition to the antidote therapy that exists
only for a few cardiotoxic substances like CO, usual treatment of
cardiovascular diseases should be carried out (Nogueira JB., 2009).
Neuropsychiatric Complications. The relationship between exposure
to air suspended toxic materials and nerve system has always been argued.
However, it is now believed that these toxic substances have damaging
effects on the nervous system. The toxic effect of air pollutants on nerve
system includes neurological complications and psychiatric disorders.
Neurological impairment may cause devastating consequences, especially in
infants. In contrast, psychiatric disorders will induce aggression and antisocial
behaviors. Recent studies have reported the relationship between air pollution
and neurobehavioral hyperactivity, criminal activity, and age-inappropriate
behaviors (Newman NC, Ryan P, Lemasters G, Levin L, Bernstein D, Hershey
GK, et al., 2013)
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PRACTICAL MEASURES TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION

The industrialization of societies is necessary to develop, but a long-
term health problem and ecological impacts of such growth should always be
considered prior to imposing a large financial burden on the societies.
Therefore, it is suggested to adopt a balance between economic development
and air pollution by legislating policies to control all activities resulting in air
pollution (Dincer I., 2000). There are some temporary but not trustworthy
strategies to reduce air pollution in Iran. For example, increasing the price of
fuels, planting trees around and inside the city, replacing old cars with modern
ones, and increasing road taxes and car insurance may reduce the amount of
air pollutants, but in order to keep the constancy or even optimization, these
strategies should be continued. Therefore, urgent and concerted actions at
national and international levels are required.
Standardization of vehicle's fuel as much as possible and also
finding a new source of energy for motor engines has attracted great
attention. A great part of emission comes from vehicle exhaust, especially
those which use diesel and gasoline. Using other clean source of energy such
as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and alcohol is
of great interests. Hence, exhorting researchers and also companies in the
era of interest to find a way for replacing petrol and other fossil fuels with new
suitable power generation sources will be beneficial. Expanded of more CNG
and LNG stations in big cities of Iran and producing more vehicles using CNG
and LNG are recommended (Goldemberg J, Johansson TB, Reddy AK,
Williams RH, 2001).
Standardization of motor engines and manufacturing engines with
low fuel consumption. It is another strategy to reduce the level of air
pollutants. Surely, motor vehicles will not use fossil fuel and derivatives
anymore in the near future. Recently, some car makers in Japan and Western
countries have made electrical cars that use electricity from a battery storage
for low speeds which is usually enough for driving inside the cities with traffic
and/or controlled speeds. Hence, designing new motor engines, companies of
interests should look forward ( Faiz A, Weaver CS, Walsh MP., 1996).
Improving public transportation systems by using more subways
(metro), trams, and electrical bus routes. Reducing the costs for the people
who are using such systems is an optimal solution for lowering air pollution.
The people and governments will gain profits from reducing air
contaminations in the long term, both economically and in cases of health
issues. It is recommended to expand the metro lines in these cities (Wong EY,
Gohlke J, Griffith WC, Farrow S, Faustman EM., 2004).
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Increasing the cost of fuel in Iran can be considered as an

effective solution to reduce the proportion of air contaminants.
According to the report by Barnett and Knibbs, higher fuel price is associated
with lower air pollution level (Barnett AG, Knibbs LD. , 2014).
Imposing penalties for polluting industries and implementing low
tax policy for clean technologies. Applying more taxes on automobiles in
Iran, particularly on those older than 20 years to distinguish between dirty and
clean vehicles. The government should establish exhorting plans for car
makers and other producers who adhere to environmental standards.
Moreover, exhorting plans should be designed for all sources of emissions.
These plans may contain discount on taxes or other financial supports for
customers and producers (Becker R, Henderson V., 2000).
Communication and Collaboration. Since the phenomenon of air
pollution was a global issue over the centuries since the industrial revolution,
it is proposed to establish an interdisciplinary academic field on air pollution. It
is also suggested that more communication and collaboration between
specialists in different sciences including toxicology, environmental health,
analytical chemistry, mechanics, and applied physics will be performed
Monitoring. Continuous monitoring of air quality, designing and
developing tools to identify the pollutants, finding the origin of the particles,
and the use of particulate filter for diesel engines and other nonroad cars are
other suggested practical approaches to reduce air pollution (Dincer I., 2000).
Extensive media campaign to increase public awareness about air
quality, environmental, and public health issues (Holman C., 1999).

AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION

Solution efforts on pollution are always a big problem. This is why
prevention interventions are always a better way of controlling air pollution.
These prevention methods can either come from government (laws) or by
individual actions. In many big cities, monitoring equipment has been installed
at many points in the city. Authorities read them regularly to check the quality
of air. Let's see more below:

Government (or Community) Level Prevention.

Governments throughout the world have already taken action against
air pollution by introducing green energy. Some governments are investing in
wind energy and solar energy, as well as other renewable energy, to minimize
burning the of fossil fuels, which cause heavy air pollution.
Governments are also forcing companies to be more responsible in
their manufacturing activities, so that even though they still cause pollution,
they are a lot controlled.
Car manufacturing companies are also building more energy efficient
cars, which pollute less than before.
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Individual Level Prevention

Encourage your family to use the bus, train or bike when commuting. If
we all do this, there will be fewer cars on the road and less fumes produced.
Use energy (light, water, boiler, kettle and fire woods) wisely. This is
because lots of fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity, and so if we can
cut down the use, we will also cut down on the amount of pollution we create.
Recycle and re-use things. This will minimize the dependence of
producing new things. Remember manufacturing industries create a lot of
pollution, so if we can re-use things like shopping plastic bags, clothing, paper
and bottles, it can help.
In the study of Olufemi C. Adejoke,Andile Mji & Murembiwa S.
Mukhola, (2017) on Students’ and Teachers’ Awareness of and Attitude
towards Environmental Pollution determined the participants’ biographical
factors that had an effect on environmental Awareness and Attitude. For
teachers, on the other hand, no significant effects were established for all the
biographical variables tested. More pleasing was that teachers had higher
scores with respect to environmental Awareness and Attitude compared with
their students. The researchers argue that these findings are important
because it is the teachers who will hopefully pass the proverbial baton to their
students, for them to embrace environmental issues in the air polluted area
whence they reside.
When learning about the environment’s declining health it is easy to
feel discouraged, but what keeps us fighting for a healthy world is the future of
our children. They should not have to inherit our environmental problems and
in order to keep their future bright, spreading awareness is imperative. Aygun,
M., Ceylan, D. & Gungoren, S., (2017) in analysis of their study on A ir
Pollution Awareness in the Scope of the Community Service Practices Course
indicates that learning environments need to be designed that focus on
fundamental concepts, causes-effects, future situation and precautions in
order to increase air pollution awareness. To achieve an interdisciplinary
approach, a two stage learning environment has been designed by relating
these focus points with Turkish, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and
Public Administration disciplines respectively. These two stages are preparing
the discipline-based course plans and materials; and carrying out the
interdisciplinary plans with students by pre-service teachers.

Significance of the Study

Government sector. This will help to strictly monitor the policy that
protects and advances the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature and to encourage
the participation of an informed and active public in air quality planning and
monitoring.
 15

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This will serve

as the official blueprint with which all government agencies must comply with
to attain and maintain ambient air quality standards.
Local Government Unit. This will help develop a procedure for
carrying out the action plan for their jurisdiction and maintain its authority to
independently inspect the enforcement procedure to closely supervise all or
parts of the air quality action plan until such time the concerned can assume
the function to enforce the standards set.
Education sector. This will help formulate program or activity that
shall include the setting up of a funding or guarantee mechanism for clean-up
and environmental rehabilitation and compensation for personal damages.
Researchers. This research will help the researchers to explore the
possibility of setting up instructional and precautionary programs for their
learners and fellow teachers which guarantee their benefits from the
awareness of air pollution.
Future Researchers. Finally, the result of this research will help the
future researchers in their own research. It will be a guide to them as they
plan and choose their research topic and in working on it.
 16

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