The oil rich country of Kuwait is faced with health related problems that emanate from air pollution. The benchmark of this pollution can be attributed to the effects of the Gulf War in which large deposits of oil fields were set ablaze by warring military installations from either side of the Iraqi and Kuwait countries. The resultant smoke was a severe damage to the environment and is considered as one of the most dangerous environment damage. Tons of toxic substances were spewed into the air, the aftermath of which has left permanent scars among the Kuwait nationals. In fact, about 40% of the diseases that were treated in Kuwait hospitals during this era were respiratory problems.

Although Kuwait recovered from the effects of the Gulf War, its environment never did as the need for industrial growth took precedence. The industries and the large number of traffic vehicles are the major sources of toxins and fumes released into the environment.  Despite the numerous initiatives undertaken by the government to recover from the mass pollution, Kuwait still ranks among the top ten most polluted countries in the world. This assertion is strengthened by the fact that most of the lethal diseases in Kuwait are coronary heart ailments, influenza, pneumonia, congenital diseases and strokes.

The nature of air pollution in Kuwait consists of both gaseous and particulate-matter pollutants including nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.  Air pollutants are also attributed to the high levels of allergic diseases in the country. Studies have confirmed that the increase of allergic diseases occurs in direct proportion with increased utilization of fossil fuels. Particularly harmful is the particulate matter pollutants that are very small in size therefore they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs of the citizens.

The most effective solution to air pollution in Kuwait as in other countries would be the total elimination of the use of fossil fuels in the country. The government should encourage companies and corporations alike to incorporate energy efficient technologies such as the internal combustion engine. The benefit of this solution is in the fact that it has a long term bearing on the prevention of air pollution in the country. The government can for example provide tax incentives to companies that encourage the use of energy efficient technology in their production processes. Although this solution might seem far-fetched in its application, it remains the ultimate solution to the problem of air pollution in the oil rich nation.

Another solution to the problem of air pollution in Kuwait would be the recycle and reuse of necessary products especially those that are used on a daily to daily basis. The action of recycling and reusing can minimize the rate of dependence on new things and products. This will in turn lead to a reduction in the amount of energy required for production purposes both at the individual and company level. The government should run a campaign to sensitize the public on the advantage of recycling products and provide innovative ways of putting old products into new use through reusing. The benefit of this solution lies in the ability to cut the pollution from the industries that is at the source. If these solutions are implemented and the government provides that necessary goodwill, then the problem of air pollution can be given a big blow. This will in effect lead the country on a journey of green development where people and the environment will be cushioned against detrimental effects of air pollution such as the ones identified in this text.

Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?