Air Pollution

The contamination of air due to toxic chemicals and compounds released in the air due to human activities is called air pollution.

Causes:

•     One of the main causes of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels.

•     Smoke from cars, jeeps, trucks, and other transportations.

•     Smoke from factories and industries.

•     During mining dust and chemicals are released in the air.

•     In agriculture, the use of pesticides, and insecticides emit harmful chemicals and pollutants in the air.

•     Another cause of air pollution is volcanic eruption which releases Sulphur dioxide in the air which is a major air pollutant.

•     One of the major sources of metal pollution is lead, like in metal smelting. The usage of lead in the manufacture of certain aviation fuels also contribute to pollution.

Harmful effects:

•     It can cause several respiratory and heart problems in people. It can also cause cancer. Several deaths had occurred due to air pollution in previous years. Children who live in air-polluted areas suffer from pneumonia and asthma.

•     It can cause global warming.

•     It causes acid rain which can cause huge damage to humans, animals, and crops.

•     It causes Eutrophication (a condition in which higher content of nitrogen in the air gets developed on the surface of the sea and turns into algae and affects the species living in water adversely).

•     Toxic chemicals in the air can cause animals to change their habitat.

•     Ozone layer (it protects humans and animals from harmful ultraviolet radiation coming from outer space) is depleting due to the presence of air pollutants like Chlorofluorocarbons.

Precautionary measures:

•     People should be encouraged to use public transport in place of personal transport to reduce transport on the road. In this way, the number of vehicles would be less, and less smoke will be produced.

•     People should save electricity because too many fossils fuels are burnt to produce electricity which causes air pollution.

•     Adopt 3R’s policy (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle).

•     Solar, wind, and geothermal energy should be used because they are less likely to produce air pollution.

•     People should use energy-efficient devices. They consume less energy than ordinary devices.

•     Don’t burn plastic or tires.

•     Forests should be protected.

•     Automotive engines should be designed in such a way that the smoke emission from them causes minimum pollution.

•     Old automobile engines should be replaced with new ones.

•     Railway steam engines shouldn’t be used.

•     Industrial areas should be located away from residential areas.

•     The Government should divert their attention to control air pollution.

•     Awareness should be created among people against air pollution.

•     People should avoid smoking because it causes air pollution and it is also damaging to the health of the person smoking and the people around him.

•     Fires in forests should be checked. Necessary prevention measures should be taken to protect the forests.

•     Tall chimneys should be used in factories.

•     Plant as many trees as possible along roadsides and houses.