This article discusses the issue of air quality in Australia and its impact on human health and the environment. It explores the driving forces, pressures, state, exposure, effects, and actions related to air quality. The article also provides information on the current state of air quality in Australia and recommends actions to improve it.
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Running Head: AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA Air quality in Australia Students Name University Affiliation Date
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AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA2 Air quality in Australia Part one Introduction The environment plays a key role in the health and wellbeing of human beings and is also a significant determinant of health. The environment offers our basic needs including fresh water and clean air. Environmental health is used to describe the aspects of health which are linked to the environment via psychological, social, chemical, biological and physical factors. A basic feature of the environmental health indicators is that they offer information concerning a scientifically based linkage between health and the environment. The indicators allow data conversion to information by summarising the intricate association between health and environment, as well as presenting them in a way that can be easily interpreted by the consumers like the policy-makers (Gentry-Shields & Bartram, 2014). The designing of a good environmental health indicator is a daunting task because they must meet numerous criteria to be effective. More particular criteria state that environmental health indicators must offer a meaningful and relevant summary of the circumstances of interest in a manner which meets the end-user requirements. They must also be testable, transparent, sensitive to the actual or real changes in the circumstances they measure as well as being scientifically sound. The environmental health indicators must also use routinely gathered data and information as well as be cost-effective to produce and apply. This descriptive study shows a key selected environmental health issue in Australia. The study, indicators covers a host of factors of environmental health using the Driving Forces-Pressures-State-Exposure-Effects-Actions (DPSEEA) framework as established by the World Health Organization. The paper will critically examine the air quality indicator using the DPSEEA framework.
AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA3 Background information Air quality is a global issue which is also a critically significant aspect of environmental health in Australia. In many urban regions around the world, especially in developing nations, deteriorating air quality is a big environmental concern. It should be noted that poor air quality affects the life of human beings as well as contributes to the degradation of the environment (PR Newswire, 2019). Air pollution has been declared as one of the most causes of the international burden of injury and disease. It is approximated that emissions from automobiles kill twice as numerous individuals as care accidents. Moreover, there are increasing international awareness on the adverse levels of outdoor and indoor air pollution coming from the use of biomass and coal for heating as well as coking in the developing nations. in the urban areas of Australia, the major sources of air pollutants entail wood smoke, automobile emissions, and industry. It should be noted that bushfires are also other sources of pollution in certain parts of Australia. Exposure to air pollutants and other particulates in the air has been linked to significant impacts of public health and is presently tightly associated to a broad range of health outcomes entailing respiratory diseases, fibrosis, cardiovascular diseases and emphysema. For this paper, the following have been defined; Driving forces are described widely as the social and economic activities which put pressure on the quality of the environment. For instance, the Australian population has been exponentially growing while there has been an increasing number of migrants over the past two decades. Pressures entail significant factors of human habitation as well as the exploitation and use of the resources in the country. State of the environment entail factors like the quality and availability of the natural resources, the degree of the environmental pollution, in plants, water, soil and air, as well as the frequency of the environmental hazards. Exposure occurs when individuals are exposed to natural or
AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA4 environmental hazards that consequently affect their health (Gentry-Shields & Bartram, 2014). On the other hand, effects occur when an individual who was exposed to environmental hazards suffer health effects, and the effects differ in their types, scale and intensity (Navi, Pisaniello, Hansen & Nitschke, 2017). Lastly, actions entail programs, interventions and policies which are taken to prevent, manage and control health effects of an environmental issue. Driving force for air quality in Australia Population growth has been considered as the major driving force in water quality. Changes or population dynamics in Australia is driven by the mortality rate, birth rate as well as immigration. It should be noted that an increase in the human population may be positive environmental health results via economic growth and development and enhanced funding programs like those which are to sustainable development and environmental issues (Changet al.2018). Nevertheless, there can result in adverse negative effects on the development and growth of the human population. Rapid human population development and growth without accompanying provision of services and infrastructure like water supply may place heavy demands on our environment. Increased population growth will signify an increased consumption of energy-driven products. For instance, many Australians have purchased cars, and more cars are being manufactured to meet the current demand of the market (PR Newswire, 2018). Population density is a vital driving force for environmental health since it can impact on the ecosystems and the environment in both a negative and positive manner. For instance, high population density may enhance sustainable development if planned or organised effectively. Thus, population growth is the main driving force to the poor air quality not only in Australia but also in other nations of the world.
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AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA5 Pressures of air quality in Australia With the increase in the population growth and development, there will be pressures on the energy-driven technologies to meet both the primary, secondary and tertiary needs. For instance, with high population density, the people of Australia have bought or purchased a significant number of vehicles both for public and private transport. The increased number of automobiles has led to an increase in the vehicular emissions in the country which have led to air pollution. Vehicular emissions not only have pollutants also contain greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide which are responsible for global warming which consequently results in climate change (Mukkavilliet al.2019). With the increased number of vehicles and increased innovation in the technology sector, the average age of motor vehicles has reduced since people desire to have the latest models. The disposed vehicles are poorly managed which further exacerbate the effects of air quality. Moreover, with the increase in population density, there are demands for household coal or wood fuel which are also the primary causes of both indoor and outdoor air pollution. State of air quality in Australia The quality of that we breathe usually affects our wellbeing and health. Even tough air quality in Australia is better as compared to numerous comparable nations; it is vital to ensure that there are guidelines to monitor and control the quality of air (Emmerson, Hibberd, Cope & Holper, 2015). The current air quality in terms of the World Health Organizations is below the globally accepted level as stated by the national environment protection council. The main reason to this scenario is due to the increased air pollution caused by an increased number of vehicles in the country, increased use of coal and wood fuel as well as an increased number of manufacturing industries.
AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA6 Exposure and effects of air quality With poor air quality in the country, the number of people exposed to pollutants and particulates has increased. These people are at risk of developing health complications which can cause injury, illness o even death. It should be noted that long term exposure to ambient air pollutants can result in a reduction in life expectancy. The rise in lung cancer and cardiopulmonary deaths are the major reasons for the decrease in life expectancy in the country. Decreased functioning of the lung in adults and children lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as asthmatic bronchitis which are also adverse diseases. Life expectancy in the country has been significantly reduced. Cognitive function in children is highly reduced when children are exposed to various air pollutants and particulate. Exposure to lead has serious health effects on human beings (Bridgman, 2014). Mostly, exposure to lead pollutants is usually chronic without general signs and symptoms. Lead pollutants affect various parts of the body, cardiovascular, as well as respiratory systems yet the main target for lead is the nervous system. Issue not captured by the DPSEEA framework The other political, social and economic influences for air quality not captured by the framework is the reduced political will on the execution of the relevant policies and guidelines on purchasing of vehicles, population growth control and use of heavy metals for industrial purposes. Political actions are very important in the implementation of policies related to air quality and population density yet the government has taken a gradual process in executing these policies (Gamas, Dodder, Loughlin & Gage, 2015).
AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA7 Part two Actions and interventions on air quality By higher standards, the quality of air in the country is very clean, yet there is still work to be done. The government has come up with the national clean air agreement to aid the government to prioritise actions to solve air quality challenge (Envirosuite Limited, 2017). The territories and the state have the basic responsibility of managing and monitoring the air quality in the locations. The government of Australia takes a lead responsibility in national issues like vehicle emissions, fuel quality and executing the obligation of the state. There is other legislation which is put in place to protect the environment like product emissions standards act of 2017, ambient air quality measure, etc. The public is supposed to observe these legislations to protect the quality of air (Biton, 2017). Moreover, nongovernmental organizations concerned with the provision of healthcare services are supposed to provide financial support to the state and federal government to help in creating renewable and green energy that do not pollute the environment. Conclusion and recommendation After reviewing the current policies, I have recommended that serious actions should be taken especially by the government agencies to fully execute the policies and legislation on air quality (PR Newswire, 2019). The existing air quality legislation and policies have clear guidelines with poor execution strategy.
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AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA8 References Biton, A. (2017). A HAZY OUTLOOK: Regulators, industries and innovators are tackling Utah’s air quality from multiple angles. (cover story).Utah Business,31(8), 58. Retrieved fromhttp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=bwh&AN=124566573&site=ehost-live Bridgman, H. (2014). Air Quality in Australia’s Future.Air Quality & Climate Change,48(2), 4. Retrieved fromhttp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=8gh&AN=96527587&site=ehost-live Chang, J., Xiufeng, H., Yang, L., Yuxin, B., Binghui, L., Xuejian, L. & Deyu, W. (2018). Spatiotemporal Patterns and Driving Forces of Air Quality in Jiangsu Province, China, 2014.Fresenius Environmental Bulletin,27(6), 4076–4083. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=8gh&AN=130017750&site=ehost-live Envirosuite Limited. (9AD 2017). Bay Area Air Quality Management Will Partner with Envirosuite to Enhance Response to Air Quality Issues.Business Wire (English). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=bwh&AN=bizwire.c80913590&site=ehost-live Emmerson, K. M., Hibberd, M. F., Cope, M. E., & Holper, P. N. (2015). Air Quality Australia: Future Research Directions.Air Quality & Climate Change,49(2), 23–28. Retrieved fromhttp://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=8gh&AN=103636388&site=ehost-live
AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA9 Gamas, J., Dodder, R., Loughlin, D., & Gage, C. (2015). Role of future scenarios in understanding deep uncertainty in long-term air quality management.Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association(Taylor & Francis Ltd),65(11), 1327–1340. Retrieved fromhttps://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2015.1084783 Gentry-Shields, J., & Bartram, J. (2014). Human health and the water environment: Using the DPSEEA framework to identify the driving forces of disease.Science of the Total Environment,468–469, 306–314. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.08.052 Mukkavilli, S. K., Prasad, A. A., Taylor, R. A., Huang, J., Mitchell, R. M., Troccoli, A., & Kay, M. J. (2019). Assessment of atmospheric aerosols from two reanalysis products over Australia.Atmospheric Research,215, 149–164. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2018.08.026 Navi, M., Pisaniello, D., Hansen, A., & Nitschke, M. (2017). Potential Health Outcome and Vulnerability Indicators of Climate Change for Australia: Evidence for Policy Development.Australian Journal of Public Administration,76(2), 160–175. Retrieved fromhttps://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8500.12202 PR Newswire. (2018, August 21). Global Automotive Cabin Air Quality Sensor Market: Focus on Sensor Types, Vehicle Types, Regional Study (15 Countries), Market Share, and Industry Insights - Analysis and Forecast, 2017-2021.PR Newswire US.Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201808211046PR.NEWS.USPR.SP85418&site=ehost-live
AIR QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA10 PR Newswire. (2019, February 13). Air Quality Monitoring Systems Market to Witness Swift Growth Owing to Increasing Public Awareness Regarding Environmental & Healthcare Implications of Air Pollution: Radiant Insights, Inc.PR Newswire US. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201902130620PR.NEWS.USPR.IO52658&site=ehost-live PR Newswire. (2019, February 20). Trinity Consultants Acquires ASK Consulting Engineers of Brisbane, Australia.PR Newswire US.Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201902201700PR.NEWS.USPR.UN59100&site=ehost-live