In 2023, the World Air Quality Report ranked Indonesia as the country with the worst air quality in Southeast Asia.
Air pollution is no longer a minor issue that can be overlooked. Deteriorating air quality poses a serious threat to public health, particularly through a rise in respiratory illnesses.
But beyond those immediate health effects, air pollution has many other serious consequences. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of air pollution and explore the best energy solutions to combat it.
What Is Air Pollution and What Causes It?
Air pollution refers to the contamination of the air by harmful substances that pose risks to humans and other living organisms.
It can come from a wide range of sources, such as emissions from coal combustion, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhaust.
Even in everyday household activities, air pollution can arise from waste burning or cooking processes, especially when grilling meat or fish.
In short, air pollution is a key indicator of environmental degradation caused by excessive pollutant levels. This reflects a decline in air quality due to the introduction of toxic elements into Earth’s atmosphere.
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The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health
Continuous exposure to air pollution undeniably harms human health, particularly the respiratory system. Here are some of the most concerning health impacts caused by polluted air:
Serious Respiratory Problems
Air pollution from vehicles, cigarettes, and industrial emissions can trigger severe respiratory issues such as asthma, ARI, and even lung cancer.
These problems arise because air pollution reduces the oxygen levels in the body, which can have serious consequences for human health.
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Reduced Oxygen in the Blood
Beyond the lungs, air pollution can also disrupt the circulatory system. Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can bind with hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Polluted air also contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful substances that can trigger systemic inflammation. This may lead to increased blood viscosity and stimulate the release of inflammatory proteins, ultimately causing inflammation in blood vessels.
Increased Risk of Miscarriage
For pregnant women, air pollution presents serious risks to both mother and unborn child. Pollutants such as PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially disrupting fetal development. This increases the risk of premature birth and, in some cases, miscarriage.
Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Long-term exposure to air pollution can raise the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Toxic particles in polluted air can accelerate arterial hardening, trigger systemic inflammation, and impair heart function. Over time, this can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.
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The Environmental Impact of Air Pollution
Air pollution doesn’t just affect human health—it also causes significant environmental damage. Here are a few major impacts:
Acid Rain
Air pollution can lead to acid rain, which is corrosive and harmful to plants. Acid rain damages leaves, interferes with soil nutrient absorption, and acidifies soil and water. This heightened acidity can threaten the survival of many animal species, including terrestrial wildlife and fish.
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Ozone Layer Depletion
Air pollution contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. As ozone thins, harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates the Earth’s surface more easily, endangering human skin and disrupting ecosystems.
Global Warming Contributor
Air pollutants such as carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. As these gases accumulate, Earth’s average temperature rises, driving global warming.
This warming leads to climate change, melting polar ice, and rising sea levels—all of which have global, long-term impacts.
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How LNG Helps Reduce Air Pollution
To address the worsening air quality that threatens public health, serious efforts are needed from all parties—especially governments and industries.
One effective step is reducing coal usage and transitioning to cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sources such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
LNG is considered an ideal alternative fuel because it emits significantly less carbon, which helps lower air pollution levels.
By adopting LNG, we not only protect the environment but also enable industrial sectors to grow without jeopardizing human health and the planet’s sustainability.
