Air Pollution in New Zealand

1450 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The effect of air pollution on our life

Introduction
In Auckland, private cars are hugely important to individuals as a means of transport around the city. However the use of personal vehicles has a negative impact on the environment in the form of air pollution (Auckland Regional Council, 2014). Air pollution can be measured by the level of particulate matter found in the air. Particulate matter is made up of very fine particles in the air which may be visible but are not always seen (Ministry of Transport, 2002). Air pollution due to transport causes an increase in the amount of fine particulate matter specifically PM₁₀. However there are also other molecules such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) that also prove toxic to humans in certain concentrations (Public Health Advisory Committee, 2002). An increase in these molecules can be related to an increase in adverse health effects and mortality rate (Health Research Council, 2012).
This rise in particulate matter count can be mainly attributed to an increase in the human activity surrounding the use of personal and public transport especially in cities such as Auckland that have a large population and high car usage (Health Research Council, 2012). This essay will outline the health effects from air pollutants which include respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore it will discuss the management of air pollution by the Auckland City Council through the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy (Auckland Regional Council, 2014). With successful implementation of these strategies put forth by the council, air pollution can be reduced so that in turn, the negative health effects are lessened.
Health effects
Air pollution can cause adverse health effects however this has been found to be a dose-respo...

... middle of paper ...

...w.hapinz.org.nz/HAPINZ%20Update_Vol%201%20Summary%20Report.pdf
Ministry of Transport. (2002). Health effects due to motor vehicle air pollution in New Zealand. Retrieved from www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Import/Documents/_versions/4069/health-effects-of-vehicle-emissions.1.pdf
Public Health Advisory Committee. (2002). New Zealand evidence for health impacts of transport. Retrieved from http://nhc.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/health-impact-transport-phac.pdf
Scoggins, A., Kjellstrom, T., Fisher, G., Connor, J. & Gimson, N. (2003) Spatial analysis of annual air pollution exposure and mortality, Science of the Total Environment, 321, 71−85. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2003.09.020

Shaw, S. (2013). Urban issues. In S. Shaw, W. L. White & B. Deed (Eds.), Health wellbeing & environment in Aotearoa New Zealand (pp. 53−66). USA: Oxford University Press.

Show More
Related

  • The Effects of Pollution in Utah

    726 Words  | 2 Pages

    Driving emits particle pollution, which increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma. Particle pollution is processed in two ways, either mechanical or chemical.

    Read More

  • America Needs More Public Transportation

    1068 Words  | 3 Pages

    Pollution is a major problem for all of us. People need to recognize this situation so we can start making a difference to this problem. In order to start making a difference, the federal government should increase gasoline tax by one dollar a gallon. Fifty percent of this dollar will go towards public transportation, since passenger cars and trucks are a major contribution towards air pollution, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, E.P.A (10/4, http://www.epa.gov/autoemissions/emsns.html). Due to the expected increase after this is put forth, the remaining fifty percent of the dollar will go towards safety on these transits. When public transportation increases, air pollution will decrease, which will lessen the harmful health risks towards the environment.

    Read More

  • Pollution in Canada is not Good

    989 Words  | 2 Pages

    “In 2008, 21,000 Canadians died from the effects of air pollution.”(Geduld) Although most of these deaths are from long term exposure to the pollutants there was still “2,682 deaths caused from short term exposure.”(Geduld).“5.5 percent of cardiopulmonary (heart and lung disease related) deaths can be attributed to ground-level ozone exposure, which has increased over the past decade.” (David Suzuki Foundation)

    Read More

  • Lung Cancer Essay

    720 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...per cubic meter of air, they found. While people who smoke may also live in more polluted areas, the large group of the studies showed that even so, pollution can raise even a non-smoker’s risk of cancer.

    Read More

  • Is Particulate Matter Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity/Mortality?

    2122 Words  | 5 Pages

    Although ambient air pollution has decreased over the past several decades due to stringent air pollution control policies, there has been little evidence directly supporting the extent these control measures have improved public health (Tonne, et al, 2010). Investigative research has observed evidence to support the association of air pollution and particulate matter with increased cardiovascular events.

    Read More

  • Group Community Assesment

    2298 Words  | 5 Pages

    Wright, C. Y., & Diab, R. (2011). Air pollution and vulnerability: Solving the puzzle of

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Electric Cars

    1187 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gasoline fueled cars produce a number of pollutants. The most damaging pollutants that come from gasoline fueled cars are particulate matter. Particulate matter is a sequence of organic materials and inorganic substances. It includes ingredients such as lint and minerals. Nitrogen dioxide, produced when fuel is burned at high temperatures, can cause damage to the lungs and cause chest pains. One might ask, “Why are Americans still driving gasoline cars?” knowing the damage that they are subject to cause. I personally maintain that the government should push people to p...

    Read More

  • Persuasive Speech: We Must Control Air Pollution

    668 Words  | 2 Pages

    PURPOSE: To persuade my audience that we must take action now to control air pollution

    Read More

  • Air Pollution: History and Recent Events

    1264 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the most dangerous environment issues Southern California is facing today is air pollution. This includes the burning of fossil fuels and natural disasters. Los Angeles is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and the most polluted city in the United States. I will research information about the causes, the effects, and the history of air pollution in the Los Angeles. For my research, I have relied mostly on, the school’s database and library, as well as current events.

    Read More

  • Electrostatic Precipitator

    1219 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many cities are currently affected by air pollution and Hong Kong is one example. Hong Kong’s air pollution level often exceeds the recommended air pollution level put out by the World Health Organization, and Hong Kong’s pollution index was at “very high” meaning that it exceeded 101, for 34% of the time (Hunt, 2011). Another example, when Hong Kong excee...

    Read More

  • Hybrid Vehicles and Their Effect on the Environment

    1905 Words  | 4 Pages

    Nutramed.com. 2009. Air Quality: Airborne Illness Car Exhaust - Health Effects. 20 Nov. 2014. http://www.mutramed.com/environment/carsepa.htm

    Read More

  • The Importance Of The Immune System

    930 Words  | 2 Pages

    In conclusion, air pollution affects the immune system, making it weak and vulnerable to certain bacteria, illnesses, viruses and foreign invaders. Common diseases that are affected the most include asthma and allergies. Air pollution in general has been seen to modify the immune system's handling of particular allergens. The exposure to toxins like dioxin can cause serious health problems for people. Having long-term exposure to this toxin is connected to weakening of the immune system, as well as the nervous system, endocrine system and certain reproductive functions. Hence, everyone has a particular level and exposure of dioxins in the body. Improving air quality is the key answer to avoiding any type of development of disease, but it is a long term goal that will require the help and commitment at the national and global level.

    Read More

  • The Consequences of Air Pollution

    1055 Words  | 3 Pages

    What do you think is the world’s largest cause of preventable deaths? Smoking? Poor diet? Blood pressure? It’s air pollution. (The Independent Co. 2014) Air pollution is such a huge environmental issue that kills many people and it’s often not even noticed. People can be effected by air pollution and not even be aware of it. Air Pollution is caused by biological materials, chemicals, particulates, or other harmful materials going into the earth’s atmosphere.

    Read More

  • Effects Of Pollution Essay

    1378 Words  | 3 Pages

    Every other day a new industries are being set up, new vehicles on roads and trees are being cut to make way for new homes. All of them, indirect way lead to increase in CO2 leads to melting of polar ice caps which increase the sea level and pose danger for the people living near coastal areas. Pollution can have an impact in our health not only affects people with impaired respiratory system such as asthmatics, but very healthy adults and children too. Exposure to pollution for 6 to 7 hours, even at relatively low concentrations, reduces lung function and induces respiratory inflammation and, healthy people during periods of moderate

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Environmental Pollution

    1259 Words  | 3 Pages

    Air pollution is a type of pollution that can severely damage our environment as well as the earth’s atmosphere. Air pollution occurs all the time when the air contains many substances ...

    Read More

More about Air Pollution in New Zealand

Open Document