Turning the Tide: How Immediate Action Against Pollution Can Transform Our Health

By: Katie Brenneman

Data collected by the National Pollutant Release Inventory shows that 2.87 million tonnes of pollutants are released directly into the air, waterways, or land every year. This resulted in over 1,000 premature deaths in Montreal and Toronto alone, as residents developed heart and lung disease as well as other forms of cancer due to exposure to pollutants. 

Addressing rampant pollution should be the government’s top priority in the coming years. However, in the meantime, you should take proactive steps as an individual to protect your health against emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. 

Turning the tide against pollution can also boost the economy. Millions of dollars of productivity are lost every year due to pollution-related illnesses, as workers who are exposed to pollution are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and other respiratory problems. 

Pollution and Health 

The link between poor health and pollution exposure is well documented. However, vehicle and industrial emissions continued to be overlooked in favour of further development. This is a serious oversight, as pollution can cause health issues like: 

• Weakened immune system;
• Congenital disorders and fertility issues;
• Malnutrition; 
• Skin disease;
• Respiratory illnesses like asthma. 

Pollution disproportionately affects the most vulnerable people who live in cities, too. Wealthy residents can leave when pollution becomes intolerable, and most middle-class people can switch to bottled water when the water supply becomes questionable. However, low-income households can’t necessarily pivot to avoid pollution and face an increased risk of dangerous exposure. 

Rethinking Urban Life

Metropolitan cities like London are leading the charge in stemming the harmful effects of pollution. Recent government reports show that the UK capital city has cut 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and that NO2 levels have nearly halved since the inception of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019. 

Canadian cities can follow suit by cutting emissions and tightly regulating the types of cars allowed into city centers. Decision makers in the nation’s major metropolis can also partner with emerging smart tech firms to track emissions and improve the efficiency of public transport.

This could revolutionize pollutants in major cities, as emissions will likely fall when residents utilize buses, trams, and trains more than cars or motorbikes. Other changes that may feature in the sustainable cities of the future include: 

• Electric vehicle charging stations;
• Walk and bike-friendly infrastructure;
• Solar farms on cityscape roofs;
• Increased green spaces to capture pollution; 
• Improved water conservation and treatment to limit water pollution.

These efforts will limit harmful emissions and make Canadian cities more sustainable and eco-friendly. This is crucial because, according to World Bank Open Data, over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas. Providing a safe, sustainable living environment for all should be a top priority for decision-makers across all provinces and territories. 

Proactive Health Measures

Ideally, the Canadian government will tackle pollution and turn the tide against carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions. However, until then, you can take proactive measures to protect your health and fend off the negative consequences of pollution in the area. You can also make proactive modifications to turn your house into a green home, including: 

• Utilizing passive solar to heat your home in the cooler winter months;
• Investing in cool roofs to naturally reduce the temperature in your home without turning on the HVAC;
• Re-landscaping your yard to provide shade and purify the air in your area;
• Properly insulating your space to reduce the risk of nitrogen and sulphur oxide leaking into the atmosphere.

These steps will reduce energy bills and help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle. You can further protect yourself against the negative health consequences of pollution by: 

• Switching to an electric vehicle if you need to drive to get to work;
• Exercising indoors when air pollution reaches a high level;
• Eating a nutritious, balanced diet free from processed foods; 
• Regularly replace air filters;
• Giving up smoking.

Research published by the US’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can also mitigate the risk of pollutant-related brain shrinkage. It would help if you also aimed to avoid highly processed or fast foods that may worsen the impact of pollutant-related illnesses like asthma or cardiovascular disease. You’ll want to opt for lean proteins, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cabbage) that reduce inflammation.  

Before exercising, use the Canadian government’s local air quality index to assess the risk of air pollution and adapt your routine to minimize your exposure to harmful particles. This is particularly important during wildfire season, when air quality will likely dip. 

Conclusion 

Turning the tide against pollution requires governmental policy changes. Taking proactive steps to reduce emissions and curb pollution will increase productivity and improve Canadians’ health in urban areas.

Along with other small initiatives, Introducing more bike paths and public transport can reduce emissions and help residents lead more sustainable lives. As an individual, you can also protect your health by switching to renewable transportation, replacing your air filters, and eating a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean proteins. 

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Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in business management, tech innovations, education, and sustainability-related content.