India is facing the worst face of our lives where the air is not as pure and eligible to even breathe by humans. The AQI (Air Quality Index), is the standard used to measure the purity of air where only three of the top 10 most iconic cities in the world are considered safe. The air that you inhale may seem fine for you to breathe but the exhausts from the vehicles are mixed with the air and make it dangerous for human beings.
What is the impact?
Several harmful chemicals are released by vehicle exhausts, to name the few:
- Benzene
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Hydrocarbons
- Nitrogen oxide
- Particulate matter
- Sulphur dioxide
The impact of these chemicals is really huge which is unnoticed and discussed than those of the impacts of tobacco and alcohol. Research and statistics show the death rates are the same.
A study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says that nearly 5,000 people die every year as a result of heart attack and lung cancer which is caused by vehicle exhaust fumes. Not only this but also the exhausts from powerplants, and other industries causes 13,000 deaths per year.
The majority of air pollution deaths in India are linked to diesel vehicle emissions. A study has found that nearly, 385,000 deaths in 2015 are responsible for these emissions and also contribute to other health issues.
According to the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) study in 2017, Ambient air pollution is the leading environmental health risk factor worldwide that contributes to 3.4 million premature deaths annually from heart, lung diseases, and diabetes.
Let us discuss some ways to overcome this situation in India where pure oxygen is inhaled only by paying money for it. Though it has started Delhi, there is no longer time left to have such a situation throughout the country. Rather pointing out the fingers to other means, it’s always best to start small within ourselves.
Drive less
- Walk for small distances.
- Use fewer vehicles for a family
- Practice carpooling with friends
- Rideshare for long distances
Choose fuel-efficient cars
- Do proper research before buying a car. Opt for the ones that have less emission and also with less greenhouse gas emissions. Meets the new regulatory standards by the government. It has dual benefits whereas environmental friendly and also saves money for you on fuel costs at the pump.
- Learn about vehicles that are fuel-efficient and less polluting like:
- Electric vehicles
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Drive wisely
- The way we drive can also be one of the ways to emit fewer gases by :
- Going easy on the gas pedal and brakes.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule with regular follow-ups.
- Use recommended motor oil.
Optimize home deliveries
- When you place a product for home delivery optimize it by sending your product in one shipment instead of having multiple shipments and delivery.
- Also, schedule the delivery for a longer time if it’s not urgent which can reduce the usage of extra vehicles and trips.
Hence, vehicular emissions cannot be reduced in one go, as it took years to build and devastate ourselves. It can be minimized only by the understanding of the issue by the public and contributing small steps to overcome it.
United we stand, divided we fall. Suggest some innovative ways to reduce vehicular emissions that you follow in your life in the comments section.
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