AIR POLLUTION ITS EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS; Dust From Untarred/Unpaved Roads Major Causes Of Air Pollution.

 

AIR POLLUTION ITS EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS; Dust From Untarred/Unpaved Roads Major Causes Of  Air Pollution. 

Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Road dust is a major cause of air pollution, releasing various types of particulate matter and 

pollutants into the air, which can result in respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

 The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that outdoor air pollution is responsible for around 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year, and road dust is a significant contributor to 

this problem.

The composition of road dust varies depending on local factors, including 

climate, geography, and traffic patterns. However, common components of road dust include 

soil, mineral dust, brake and tire wear, and other debris. These particles can range in size 

from less than 2.5 micrometres(PM2.5) to less than 10 micrometres(PM10), which are small 

enough to penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause health problems.

In India, the percentage contribution of road dust to total PM pollution varies by 

location and season. Nevertheless, research has indicated that road dust is a significant source 

of PM pollution in numerous Indian cities.

 According to a report by the Central Pollution 

Control Board (CPCB), road dust accounts for the largest percentage of PM10 emissions in 

Indian cities, at 45% of total emissions. The report also indicates that road dust contributes 

to 10.9% of PM2.5emissions in Indian cities. These statistics demonstrate the 

considerable impact that road dust can have on air quality in Ghana, particularly in urban areas 

with concentrated traffic and construction activities. 

In order to comprehend the intricate behavior of air pollution caused by road dust, it is 

essential to examine the parameters of road dust operations and their associations with other 

parameters. These parameters are linked to one another through a feedback loop, and 

analyzing the response of these loops to modifications in one or more parameters is crucial 

to reduce road dust operations and control air pollution.

A research conducted by United Nation Government Department of National Library of Medicine (NLM) on Road dust and its effect on human health:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of road dust on human health. A PubMed search was used to extract references that included the words “road dust” and “health” or “fugitive dust” and “health” in the title or abstract. A total of 46 references were extracted and selected for review after the primary screening of 949 articles. The respiratory system was found to be the most affected system in the human body. Road dust was found to have harmful effects on the human body, especially on the respiratory system. To determine the complex mechanism of action of various components of road dust on the human body and the results thereof, the authors recommend a further meta-analysis and extensive risk-assessment research into the health impacts of dust exposure.

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Air quality assessment is critical to tackling air pollution in Ghana. Without data showing national or international air quality standards are being breached, there would be no urge for authorities to act on air pollution levels.

 Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should regularly issue air quality alerts to inform the public and sensitive populations (including older adults, children and those suffering from conditions such as asthma and heart disease) about pollution levels in Ghana.

 Efficient public transport system could help to reduce traffic congestion on our roads especially urban areas.

SOLUTIONS 

WINDBREAKS

Dust itself isn’t so much the problem as is what happens when the dust is blown away by wind or passing vehicles. Preventing wind from blowing dust on a roadway can be a great start to your dust control strategy. Installing windbreaks like hedges, plants, fences, or berms is a good start.

SPRAYING WATER

Dust mitigation can also be achieved through spraying water. Wetting the topsoil of a road or driveway prevents it from blowing away in the wind. This is a good dust palliative for humid areas, but in dry areas, it doesn’t last very long. Plain water can be used for this process as well as water mixed with another type of chemical adhesive or oil. Water mixed with an additional coagulant will typically perform a bit better than just plain water.

GRAVEL ROADS

Gravel itself can also be a solution to dust control on construction sites, in mines, on unpaved roads. Adding gravel to the top layer of soil on a road gives the road a hard surface which can act as a buffer between the wheels of vehicles and the road itself. This is not a long-term strategy for road dust suppression, however, because gravel needs to be constantly anchored to the road surface with soil adhesives or aggregate mixes. Gravel, depending on the hardness, can become pulverized and turn into dust over time, adding to the problem. Frequent maintenance is required with a gravel only solution.

REDUCED VEHICLE SPEED

This is probably the easiest method to implement. Reducing the speed limit will immediately lower the amount of dust kicked up by traffic. Even lowering the speed limit just a few miles per hour can make a big difference when it comes to dust control.

PERMEABLE PAVERS

A more permanent alternative to common road dust control products is a permeable paver. 

 These pavers work by locking gravel into place underneath them, effectively eliminating dust and preventing the gravel underneath from becoming pulverized.

All you need to do is fill in any low spots and level the road with gravel before having the paver installed over the top of the road. Once locked into place, the road will not kick up dust, and it will also be able to safely handle stormwater runoff as well, thanks to its permeability. This is one of the best long-term options for dust control on unpaved roads because it eliminates the need for reapplication of harmful chemicals, liquids, vapors, and more. The cells of the pavers prevent pulverization of the gravel fill and eliminate dust.

Permeable pavers also prevent ruts from developing, stop the movement of gravel, stop mud from forming, and offer better drainage.

Conclusion

 Whether you want to maintain a regular road, a driveway, or some other type of area that will see a lot of vehicle traffic, there’s no better choice than a permeable paver.

water and other chemicals for reducing dust on dirt roads can be effective in the short-term, but they require constant reapplication. Lower speed limits and windbreaks are also somewhat effective, especially when combined with other methods, but they too fall short in terms of long-lasting protection.

 When it comes to a permanent solution to controlling dust on our roads or driveways, we can’t do any better than a permeable paver.

If we want to not only treat, but eliminate dust on your road or driveway, you need something that can get the job done once and for all.

By installing a permeable paver over a leveled, gravel road, we will lock that gravel into place and prevent it from becoming pulverized, turning into harmful dust. Minimizing and treating dust can be done through a variety of strategies, but only permeable pavers can keep dirt roads safe and drivable for years to come.

Story filed by: Emmanuel Kwaku Ahiaku Fox Fm Takoradi Morning Show Host.

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