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Data Analysis: Pollution in Asia

Instructions
In this lesson, you will learn about air pollution in Asia. As you read and
review the data, take notes and then use the information you've gained to
answer the short response question at the end of the activity.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor

atmosphere by substances in the air that can hurt living things. Air
pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including emissions from cars
and factories, large fires, and coal burning energy plants. According to
the World Health Organization (WHO), the air quality in many of the cities
in Asia is dangerous and puts people at risk for respiratory disease, heart
disease, stroke, lung cancer, and even death.

Measuring Pollution

To measure air pollution, scientists have devised several metrics

that measure different types of pollution. For example, scientists typically
divide air particles into two general types: large and small. Large particles
are called PM10. These are particles like smoke, dirt, mold, and pollen.
Small particles are called PM2.5. These are things like heavy metals, fumes
from automobiles, and fumes from fires. The amount of the pollution is
measured in micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3). When pollution
statistics are given out, both the particle size and the micrograms per
cubic meter are provided. For example, in Canada the PM10 pollutants are
13 g/m3, and the PM2.5 pollutants are 7.6 g/m3.

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The Effects of Pollution

The effects of dangerously high levels of air pollution can be

disastrous. For example, in the very large country of China 2.1 million
people died from air pollution in 2010. This accounts for 40% of the
worlds premature deaths in that year. Overall, nearly half of the people
on the planet breathe air that has pollution levels twice as high as the
WHO recommends, which is 20 micrograms per cubic meter. These
figures are not getting better over time. In addition to the impact on
people, scientists are starting to research how pollution contributes to
global warming and climate change.

Clean Air

Of course, pollution levels can be lowered. The WHO estimates that

reducing air pollution levels from 70 to 20 g/m3 will reduce deaths by 15%.
People can use public transportation or bicycles instead of cars. Cities like
Beijing and Tianjin have put driving restrictions in place to lessen car exhaust
levels. Corporations can make sure that their factories use alternative fuels and
use filters that limit dangerous emissions from smokestacks. In the first quarter
of 2015, China reduced coal use by 7% and saw a 5% reduction of carbon
dioxide emissions. This is a good direction for the country. Just two years
before, China contributed to 30% of the world carbon dioxidethe most of any
country and double the United States contribution.

Data

Review the following data on pollution levels in Asia compared to North

American and Europe.

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Table 1. Pollution Levels of Asian Countries

Country Pollution level in Percent of urban population

PM10 g/m3 coverage
Mongolia 279 70

Pakistan 198 27

Bangladesh 120 41

India 109 91

Nepal 106 19

China 98 24

Table 2. Pollution Levels of European and North American Countries

Country Pollution level in Percent of urban population

PM10 g/m3 coverage
Mexico 55 46

Greece 44 66

Italy 37 28

Spain 29 27

France 27 38

United 23 29
Kingdom
United States 18 21

Canada 13 78

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Table 3. Most Polluted Cities in Central Asia

City Pollution level

(PM10 g/m3)
Lahore, Pakistan 200
Kanpur, India 209
Peshawar, Pakistan 219
Quetta, Pakistan 251
Ludhiana, India 251
Ulan Bator, Mongolia 279

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Analysis

As you read about pollution in Asia, take notes to help you respond to
the short answer question. Make an inference about potential causes of air
pollution in the Asian city or country you reference in the chart.

City or Country Pollution Rate Causes

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Apply and Elaborate

Now, apply what you've learned about air pollution in Asia to answer the
question in the space below. What can the most polluted cities or countries do
to stop or reduce air pollution? Why do you think European and North American
countries have lower levels?
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PBS LearningMedia, 2015 All rights reserved.