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The problem is not easy to solve, but it is possible to try to adapt to avoid the main negative effects

"Can't Breathe" by Fabio Ikezaki is licensed under CC BY 2.0

São Paulo is among the most polluted cities in the world, according to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2013. The capital's pollution rates are above acceptable levels.

The means of transport are responsible for 90% of the emission of pollutants in the city, but the elimination of waste by certain types of industries and the burning of coal and oil in power plants are also among the main causes of air pollution, whose level is determined by quantification of pollutant substances present in the air (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide). These gases are responsible for decreasing the quality of the air we breathe, causing inflammation, such as conjunctivitis and rhinitis, and more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia and even cancer.

A survey showed that, in São Paulo, there is an average reduction of a year and a half in the population's life expectancy thanks to poor air quality. Other studies have also shown that we can find serious effects on health even when pollutants are within the safety standards determined by legislation. In winter, the situation gets even worse, as the lack of rain and wind makes it more difficult to disperse particulate matter.

The damage to health

In addition to the instant discomfort caused by exposure to pollution – eye irritation, dry mouth, stuffy nose and burning throat – poor air quality can cause conjunctivitis, coughing and difficulty breathing, in addition to aggravating rhinitis and sinusitis. In the lungs, substances present in gases can cause diseases such as asthma, bronchiolitis and even pneumonia. Skin irritations and allergies can also be caused by pollution.

For the elderly, children and people with respiratory problems, the consequences can be dramatic, characterized by hospitalizations and even death.

How to soften the effects

It is possible to adopt measures to mitigate the effects of dry weather and pollution, such as:

• drink more water (when dehydrated, the mucosa that lines the nose, mouth and throat loses its ability to expel external agents such as pollution);
• moisturize eyes with eye drops to avoid irritation and infections;
• use air humidifiers;
• clean the floor with a damp cloth instead of brooms or vacuums, as these end up spreading dust into the room.

Alternatives to reduce pollution

According to researchers, investments in public transport systems could contribute (a lot) to reducing the number of deaths in the state as a result of air pollution. Another more effective and short-term measure would be to reduce the use of fossil fuels as the predominant energy alternative for moving the vehicle fleet, and gradually replace them with renewable sources such as bioenergy generated from biomass such as alcohol and biodiesel. Electric vehicles are good alternatives for a longer term.

Encouraging the use of less polluting technologies and equipment that reduce the levels of emitted gases, such as automotive catalysts and depolluting filters, are also possible alternatives, in addition to preserving natural forests and expanding energy generation through clean and renewable sources.

As citizens, it is important that we collaborate with the selective garbage collection and recycling system, and whenever possible we use public transport or bicycles. By leaving the car in the garage and taking a bus, for example, the environmental impact caused by displacement is reduced to one-tenth.