INTRODUCTION

- In today's advancing world of progress and development, where innovation weaves intricate
patterns, an undisclosed danger is present – air pollution. Air Pollution has been a big problem
in our country, especially in areas where development of buildings, number of people and
vehicles rises. According to reference, "Air pollution" means any alteration of the physical,
chemical and biological properties of the atmospheric air, or any discharge thereto of any liquid,
gaseous or solid substances. This pollution is not only a threat but seriously inflicts danger to
the air resources of the country which can cause harmful, detrimental, or injurious to public
health, safety or welfare or which will adversely affect their utilization for domestic, commercial,
industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate purposes. We, the citizens, have the
biggest impact in both the contribution and avoidance of air pollution. Some of us have done
activities that not only trigger this pollution but add more to it. In urban areas where you can see
vehicles left and right, air pollution arises. However, we also have the power to avoid these
happenings. Let us have enough and right knowledge about the ways we can prevent or at least
mitigate air pollution, and that’s where this report will be going.

Clean Air Act of 1999

The Clean Air Act of 1999, also known as Republic Act 8749, is a comprehensive air pollution
control policy in the Philippines. It allows for the filing of administrative actions against violators
of air quality standards or limitations set by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), as well as the imposition of fines and penalties for non-compliance.

This act contains provisions for:

basic air quality policies,
air quality management,
air pollution clearances,
and permits for stationary sources,
and pollution standards for the three sources of air pollutants (stationary sources, motor
vehicles, and other sources).
It also includes a section prohibiting smoking in public places (Section 4).

The DENR is primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing the act, but it must also
collaborate with other government agencies, NGOs, POs, and private enterprises. In addition,
Local Government Units are also involved in managing and maintaining air quality within their
jurisdictions.

Air Pollutants
Air pollutants are any substances in air that could harm humans, animals, vegetation, or
materials when they occur in sufficient concentration. The pollutants (which may be solid
particles, liquid droplets, and/or gases) are generally grouped into two major types:
1. primary pollutants, which are emitted directly from sources, and

2. secondary pollutants, which are produced in the air by an interaction between two or more
primary pollutants, with or without sunlight.

Based on the World Bank report, there are more than 100 identified air pollutants, and they are
categorized into particulates of various sizes, oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), and ozone (O). Noise and odor are also considered pollutants.

Air pollutants like the visible smoky automobile exhaust or the plume from an industrial chimney
invoke public concern because of the health hazards and odor nuisance they present. Some
pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO ), sulfur dioxide (SO ), and very
fine particles, are not visible, but they are equally or even more damaging for human health and
the environment.

In the Philippines, the sources of air pollution are of three kinds: (1) mobile sources consisting
of transports, such as buses, cars, and motorcycles; (2) stationary sources comprising
industries and power plants, and (3) area sources like road dust, construction, and
burning.

Reducing Air Pollution (as suggested by DENR)

For vehicle owners/motorists

1. Maintain your vehicle engine regularly.
2. Clean the air filter regularly.
3. Make sure the engine capacity is suited to the size of the vehicle.
4. Observe proper driving habits.
5. Travel only at speeds set by traffic regulations and suitable to road conditions.
6. Avoid leaving your engine idling.
7. Plan your trips well and save on fuel.
8. Don’t overload.
9. Keep tires properly inflated.
10. Make sure the exhaust pipes are well-maintained.

For commuters and office workers

1. Take the bus or patronize the mass railway transit whenever you can.
2. Use company vehicles wisely and make sure they are well-maintained.
3. Use natural lighting during the daytime. Make sure that lights use energy efficient.
4. Try talking to the jeepney, bus or tricycle driver about the benefits of proper vehicle
maintenance as well as the high health risks of air pollution and improper driving practices.

For homeowners and homemakers

1. Use low-watt bulbs or energy-saving lights.
2. Limit the use of air-conditioning units and keep the temperature a few degrees higher.
3. Don’t burn your garbage.
4. Work with residential associations to stop the burning of garbage in your neighborhood.
5. Avoid using aerosols.
6. Dispose of refrigerants, refrigeration equipment, and used coolants properly.

For everyone
1. As much as possible, walk or ride your bicycle instead of taking motorized transport.
2. Report smoke belchers to the MMDA, LTO, and other appropriate local government units and
organizations.
3. Spread the word about the ban or smoking in public places.
4. Talk to people on what they can do about stopping of air pollution.