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I have not been out much lately, what with motherhood taking much of my time. But when I do get the chance to go for a motorcycle ride, I’m afraid that it has not been much of a pleasant experience. I’ve ranted on how the pollution levels have gone up in the city in one of my previous columns, but it seems that it has gone up noticeably more since the last time I wrote about it. Smoke belching from all sorts of vehicles has become a very horrific reality in this city! Dilapidated and the not-so-dilapidated motorcycles, tricycles, cars and buses proudly give off thick, dark gaseous emissions that are a surefire way to breathing hell. It is fast becoming apparent that Dumaguete has an air pollution problem and something has to be done about it before it spirals out of control and we go the way of Manila, our very urban sister. Moreover, this problem has to be addressed because majority of our population either walk or ride motorcycles or tricycles which offer no protection against the onslaught of contaminated air.

To make things more concrete, let’s look at some pertinent data given by the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia: 1) Mobile sources principally the automobile is considered the “greatest source of emissions.” 2) There are more deaths worldwide due to air pollution than to automobile accidents. 3) Exposure to too much air pollution is a leading cause of deaths the world over. The website Greenfacts (www.greenfacts.org) also offers a lot relevant information that we ought to consider in our quest for cleaner air: Quoting from a World Health Organization study, the site tells us that exposure to nitrogen dioxide—the main source of which is vehicular traffic—brings with it accompanying health hazards which range from mere cough to asthma to a decrease in lung function and an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, especially in children.

In addition to nitrogen oxide, suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide—emitting pollutants found in combustion engines of transport vehicles also impact public health in more negative ways. Carbon monoxide lessens the amount of blood that enters our body, thus impairing brain and cardiovascular functions “slowing our reflexes” and “making us confused and sleepy.” Sulphur dioxide in the air leads to lung diseases and disorders which include among others “wheezing and shortness of breath.” “Suspended particulate matter consists of dust, fumes, mist and smoke… [which] when breathed in lodge in our lung tissues and cause lung damage and respiratory problems.” (Source: http://edugreen.teri.res.in)

Whether we like it or not, Dumaguetenos need to realize that our city is growing. More people translates to more vehicles which translates to more pollution which when allowed to go unchecked translates to all sorts of health problems for everyone. Is there a city ordinance on smoke belching? If there is, then it should be enforced. The necessary penalties ought to be imposed on those who violate it. If no such ordinance exists, then those in legislation ought to do their jobs and legislate one. As for the rest of us, let’s be responsible enough to check our vehicles and have them repaired when necessary and get them tuned up regularly. And when we can walk to where we need to go, then there’s no reason to crank up the motor, right? We not only save on gasoline, we get to exercise too.

It’s time we really step up the campaign for cleaner air and take concrete steps to address it. Let’s go gentle on our air and reap the benefits of better health—for us and our children.

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