Environmental impact assessments of air and noise pollution are now necessary in this modern world because of the common occurrences of pollutants in numerous urbanized areas. Environmental monitoring mitigates some of the risks that these air and noise pollutants place on the citizens. Examples of these risks are detrimental health consequences that puts life at stake. Environmental monitoring plans are especially useful for mega projects and industrial activities. Here are eight environmental air and noise monitoring facts you should know:
Pollution Comes from Different Source
The source of air and noise pollution comes from many different types of sources. These sources are in place to help make human lives easier, so the situation is like a double-edged sword. Examples of these sources are factories, manufacturing plants, smelters, power plants supplying energy, and smaller sources like dry cleaners, restaurant exhaust fumes, and degreasing operations. Other sources are mobile such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, boats, and trains. These pollution sources emit pollutants that are harmful to the environment. You also have naturally occurring pollutants such as haze from forest fires, ash fall from volcanic eruptions, and windblown dust.
Two Protection Standards of Pollution
Primary environmental monitoring plans were set up for the protection of two standards, namely the primary and secondary. The primary standards of environmental monitoring were set up to protect against adverse health effects, which causes human beings to become ill. The secondary standards protect against welfare effects. These include monitoring pollutants to prevent damage to farm crops, vegetation, buildings, and other properties.
There are Six Principal Pollutants
There are six principal air pollutants that severely affect the welfare of all living creatures. These are lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone or smog, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter; all these six are also referred to as criteria pollutants. Monitoring systems must closely measure these six primary elements to ensure the safety of everyone. If these become higher than what is considered acceptable air quality, then humans are at risk for suffering from serious illnesses.
The Goals of Monitoring are for the Benefit of Mankind
Environmental monitoring and assessments were put in place for the protection of humankind and the overall environment people live in. The goal of the program is to assess areas where there may be a possible problem, as well as to monitor the critical areas which may already have problems. It is vital to control the problematic areas, so they can improve. On top of that, it is also essential to keep other areas from becoming polluted.
Monitoring is Based on Numbers
Monitoring is always based on numbers. Measurements of these air and noise pollutants are always taken. For air, it is based on the air quality index. For noise, they take note of the sound decibels that reach the eardrums.
All Environmental Monitoring Systems Have a Plan
Every single environmental monitoring system set up around the globe, like Threshold Environmental, follow a monitoring plan. No one set up to do a project of this scale without first outlining the goals and objectives because all the working strategies that are implemented will be based on these. The goals give direction and aid in terms of project implementation, and later on, it is also critical in evaluation to see if targets have been met.
Training is Essential for All Monitors
All monitors or the people who undertake the monitoring go under a special training to ensure that they get the job done. They are well-versed in the facts and figures of noise and air pollution, so they can keep a watchful eye on the elements that may potentially exacerbate any situation. They are educated on the tools and gadgets involved in gathering data.
There are Emergency Response Systems in Place
Should figures exceed the norm, there are emergency plan systems in place. Should there be an extreme environmental accident that poses a risk to human life and pose severe environmental degradation, such as oil spills and accidental release of toxic waste, then emergency response teams are immediately mobilized.
The Number are Useless if They Aren’t Used Well
The concept of monitoring for environmental air and noise pollution is only great if the numbers are put to good use. If there are systems in place set up to mitigate risks, then the monitoring work is successful. Moreover, the date gathered must help legislators craft laws and regulations that further protect humans, animals, plants, and the environment, which all these living creatures thrive in.
