Thousands of factories around the world every day pollute the air of the planet with harmful substances, which reduce the duration of life of the people. It is believed that this problem is particularly relevant in China — which is why in 2013 the authorities decided immediately to clean the air from harmful particles. In just four years they managed to achieve such results, which the United States sought for 30 years. The speed is impressive, however this approach was reported side effect: in the air there was no less harmful to organisms element is ozone.
The work on eliminating harmful particles smaller than 2.5 microns, was conducted from 2013 to 2017. In this short period, the concentration dangerous for human health items declined by almost 40%. Unfortunately, with the decline in the air dramatically increased the concentration of other harmful for living organisms of the gas — ozone. This was reported by researchers from Harvard and Chinese universities, examined data of thousands of stations for monitoring air quality. Most dangerous the air was discovered in Beijing and China.
Chemist Daniel Jacob explained that increasing levels of ozone directly related to reduce the most harmful PM emissions. It turned out that they well prevent the emergence of ozone, absorbing, participating in his education hydroperoxide radicals. It is noteworthy that previous researchers have not observed this effect, as no country has made as rapid steps to reduce the amount of harmful particles.
Scientists believe that China is going in the right direction, but now the country has a new task — to slow the formation of ozone. To do this, authorities need to develop new measures to control air pollution and to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. It is expected that this will be achieved died the amount of fuel burned in the air will stop forming ozone chemical reactions and the air will be cleaner.
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