AIR POLLUTION

An alteration of air quality that can be characterized by measurements of chemical, biological or

physical pollutants in the air. Therefore, air pollution means the undesirable presence of impurities

or the abnormal rise in the proportion of some constituents of the atmosphere. Air pollution is one
such form that refers to the contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outside.

A physical, biological or chemical alteration to the air in the atmosphere can be termed as pollution.
It occurs when any harmful gases, dust, smoke enters into the atmosphere and makes it difficult
for plants, animals, and humans to survive as the air becomes dirty.

It can be classified in 2 sections: visible and invisible air pollution.

Visible air pollution, as the name suggests, can be visible. The smog you see over a city is an
example of visible pollution.

Invisible air pollutants are less noticeable, but they can be more deadly. Good examples of invisible
air pollutants are sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

SOURCE OF AIR POLLUTION

1. Natural source

- dust carried by the wind

- gases released from the body processes of living beings (Carbon dioxide from humans during
respiration, Methane from cattle during digestion, Oxygen from plants during Photosynthesis).
- Smoke from the combustion of various inflammable objects, exp: volcanic eruptions, dust storms,
wildfires
- there unavoidable which mean we can do nothing to stop them from happening.

2. Man-made source

- avoidable which mean control or stop them

a) Outdoor pollution sources

- from power generation, vehicles, agriculture/waste incineration, industry and building
heating systems

b) Indoor pollution sources

- burning fuels such as dung, coal and wood in inefficient stoves or open hearths produces
variety of health-damaging pollutant,
CAUSES
1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels

Most of the air pollution takes place due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline to
produce energy for electricity or transportation. The release of carbon monoxide in high level
indicates how much fossil fuel is burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants in the air. Inhaling air
induced with pollutants due to the burning of natural gas and fossil fuel reduces heart’s ability to
pump enough oxygen causing one to suffer respiratory illness.

2. Industrial Emission 

Industrial activities emit several pollutants in the air that affects the air quality more than we can even
imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide
are key pollutants that are emitted from industries that use coal and wood as their primary energy
source for production of their goods. Industrial pollution effects associated with your health can range
from irritation in your eyes and throat to breathing issues, at times can even lead to chronic illness.

3. Indoor Air Pollution

Use of toxic products also called as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), inadequate ventilation,
uneven temperature, and humidity level can cause indoor air pollution, whether you are in office,
school or at your comfortable home. House air pollution can take place due to ignorant factors, for
instance, smoking tobacco inside a room or leaving mold infected wall untreated. Use of wood stove
or space heaters is capable to increase the humidity level which can directly affect the health a person
in no time.

4. Wildfires 

Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but also spiking air pollution. Burning stubble and farm
residue is also a major contribution to wildfire. It causes increased PM2.5 in the air which collides
with other harmful substances like chemical gas and pollen creating smog. Smog makes the air hazy
and people find it difficult to breathe.

5. Microbial Decaying Process

Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of carbon monoxides,
hydrocarbons, chemicals and organic compounds which contaminate our environment. Bacteria and
fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of
abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying of these microorganisms present in the surrounding
releases methane gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may lead to death.

6. Transportation

There is no denying that vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban
cities. When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is as harmful as smoking 10
cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and particulate
matter. When the vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone layer
contributing to smog and causing various health issues.
7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste

Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the environment than one may
think. As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health. Delhi generates a whopping
9500 tons of waste every day, which makes it India’s second waste dumping city. Exposure to open
burning of garbage waste can pose serious health risk including cancer, liver issues, impairment of
immune system, reproductive functions; can also affect the developing nervous system.

8. Construction and Demolition

During clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered the highest
number of air pollution complaints in the Delhi NCR due to construction pollution and demolition
activities. With the rise of population in the city, construction and demolition is a part of the ever
going development phase of the national capital. Several construction sites and raw materials such as
bricks and concrete cause haze and foul air which is hazardous for the people especially, children and
elderly citizens.

9. Agricultural Activities

Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality. To begin with
pesticides and fertilizers are the main source to contaminate the surrounding air. Nowadays, pesticides
and fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick growth of
the crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of the pesticides are left
in the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground which not only destroys the crops but
also causes numerous health-related issues.

10. Use of chemical and synthetic products

Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous for our lives but
never talk about indoor air pollution. Household products cause indoor air pollution which is 10 times
more harmful than outdoor air pollution. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints,
cleaners and personal care products such as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common heath
issues. Risks like asthma or other respiratory issues and lung disease are other issues cause by
inhaling poor house air quality.
IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION.

 1. Respiratory and Heart Problems

The effects of air pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart
conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart attacks and strokes along with cancer,
among other threats to the body. Several million are known to have died due to the direct or indirect
effects of Air pollution. 

2. Effect on Wildlife

Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present
in the air can force wildlife species to move to a new place and change their habitat. The toxic
pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect sea animals

3. Global Warming

Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due to global warming.

With increased temperatures worldwide, an increase in sea levels and melting of ice from colder
regions and icebergs, displacement, and loss of habitat have already signaled an impending disaster if
actions for preservation and normalization aren’t undertaken soon.

4. Acid Rain

Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere during the
burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air pollutants, becomes
acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can cause great damage to
humans, animals, and crops.

5.. Depletion of the Ozone Layer

Ozone exists in the Earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons,
hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As the ozone layer becomes thin, it will emit harmful
rays back on earth and can cause skin and eye-related problems. UV rays also have the capability to
affect crops.
SOLUTION

1. Use the Public Mode of Transportation

Encourage people to use more and more public modes of transportation to reduce pollution. Also, try
to make use of carpooling. If you and your colleagues come from the same locality and have the same
timings, you can explore this option to save energy and money.

2. Better Household Practices

Discard fireplaces and/or wooden stoves used for heating homes. Use gas logs in place of wood. Also,
eliminate the use of gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment. Avoid setting fire to garbage, dry
leaves, or other materials in your yard, and lighting bonfires in the open. Try to mulch or compost
your yard waste. Use cleaning products and paints that are environmentally friendly.

3. Conserve Energy

Switch off fans and lights when you are going out. A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to produce
electricity. You can save the environment from degradation by reducing the number of fossil fuels to
be burned.

4. Understand the Concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Do not throw away items that are of no use to you. Instead, reuse them for some other purpose. For
example, you can use old jars to store cereals or pulses.

5. Emphasis on Clean Energy Resources

Use of Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal is on the rise these days.

Governments of various countries have been providing grants to consumers who are interested in
installing solar panels for their homes. Undoubtedly, this can go a long way to curb air pollution.

6. Use Energy-Efficient Devices

CFL lights consume less electricity than their counterparts. They live longer, consume less electricity,
lead to lower electricity bills, and also help you to reduce pollution by consuming less energy.

Several attempts are being made worldwide on personal, industrial, and governmental levels to curb
the intensity at which air pollution is rising and regain a balance as far as the proportions of the
foundation gases are concerned.

This is a direct attempt at slacking Global warming. We are seeing a series of innovations and
experiments aimed at creating alternate and unconventional options to reduce pollutants. Air pollution
is one of the larger mirrors of man’s follies, and a challenge we need to overcome to see a better
tomorrow.
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php

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