Air as an Important Environmental Component 

Air is a mixture of gases that surrounds the earth. It’s responsible for providing you and I and all the other living organism found on the earth the breath that keeps our bodies in motion. This shows the extent to which we should pay attention to the effects our day-to-day activities may affect the air around us. As part of EMA’s vision to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment, the Atmosphere is a major component of making sure we meet our goal. The recent change in climate patterns around Zimbabwe is a result of poor management of our Atmosphere (air). According to Who, almost all the global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures.

What Is Air Pollution 

Air Pollution Is the Introduction of substances or surplus energy as waste products of human activities into the atmosphere which directly or indirectly adversely alter or destroy the quality of the environment or cause undesirable effects on man, animals, vegetation, or materials. The most common types of air pollution in Zimbabwe are ozone and particulate matter.

Effects of Air Pollution On The Environment 

• Haze ( decreased visibility )

• Acid rain

• Eutrophication

• Damage to wildlife (Studies show that air toxins are contributing to birth defects, reproductive failure, and disease in animals. Persistent toxic air pollutants (those that break down slowly in the environment) are of particular concern in aquatic ecosystems

• Ozon depletion 

• Crop & forest damage 

• Global climate change 

What are the side effects of Air Pollution On one’s Health?

Air pollution poses a major threat to our health. Outdoor pollution is not the only major contributor to health problems. Billions of people around the world particularly in Zimbabwe ( due to power shortages) are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution while using polluting open fires or simple stoves for cooking fueled by kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste) and coal.

Health Conditions resulting from air pollution.

Immediate effects 

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

• Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties

• Worsening of existing lung and heart problems, such as asthma

Long-term health risks

• Strokes 

• Heart diseases 

• Lung cancer 

• acute and chronic respiratory diseases.