GOOD air quality is important for good health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that approximately seven million people are affected by poor air quality where they live. Air pollution can cause both short-term and long-term effects on health and many people are concerned about pollution in the air they breathe.

Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concerns include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases.

WHO data shows that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low and middle income countries suffering from the highest exposures.

At the national level, Guyana has exceedingly good air quality. Instances of air quality issues arise at the local level from most unauthorised facilities. EPA’s complaints records show that furniture workshops, spray painting operations, and small agricultural farms are the major sources of air pollution in communities.

As the lead environmental regulator, the EPA is mandated to take several actions to ensure that Guyanese enjoy good air quality – from educating the public and business community and drafting standards to monitoring facilities and investigating complaints.

The Air Quality Regulations 2000 provide rules for the reduction and prevention of air pollution in Guyana.

Any person who emits air contaminants shall register with the Environmental Protection Agency and a person who emits any air contaminant in the construction, installation, operation, modification, or extension of any facility relating to (a) industry; (b) commerce; (c) agriculture; or (d) any institution, shall apply to the agency for an environmental authorisation.

As part of its programme to monitor air quality in Guyana, the EPA has partnered with IQ Air – an international entity that maintains an online platform that tracks global air quality. During 2022, five air quality sensors were donated to Guyana and installed at locations across Guyana’s coast, including a unit in Linden. Through these sensors, the EPA can remotely monitor air quality within a 20-mile radius of the unit and receive alerts of changes in air quality. Visit https://www.iqair.com/guyana for more information.

How can you help to maintain good air quality?
Keep the greenery outdoors – In¬door plants are pretty, but they can also collect and foster the growth of mold which has an impact on respiratory health.

Car pool with friends, co-workers, or family members to reduce the number of vehicles on our roadways.

Don’t burn your trash – Burning your household trash can affect air quality by releasing harmful chemicals

Plant and care for trees – Trees filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide. Trees also release oxygen into the atmosphere and help cool our homes.

You can be a citizen scientist – most smartphones are equipped with weather apps that track air quality in your area.

Sources
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.