Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances including
gases, particles, and biological molecules are introduced into Earth's atmosphere. It
may cause diseases, allergies and even death to humans; it may also cause harm to
other living organisms such as animals and food crops, and may damage
the natural or built environment. Both human activity and natural processes can
generate air pollution. Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere
that disturbs the natural composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of
particulate matter such as dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors
that cannot be effectively removed through natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle or
the nitrogen cycle. Common sources are from vehicles, factories, agricultural products,
landfills, etc.
Local-this concerns the quality of ambient air within a radius of a few kilometers
Regional-pollution like acid rain, photochemical reactions and degradation of
water quality at distances of a few kilometers to a thousand kilometers
Global-depletion of the ozone layer and global warming caused by the emissio n
of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2)
Air pollutants are gases and particles in the atmosphere that harm organisms and
affect climate.
Point source pollution is when the air pollutants come from a single source of origin,
such as smokestacks at a single factory. Non-point source pollution is when the air
pollutants come from many sources, such as all of the cars in the U.S.
mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains
stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and
factories
area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces
natural sources – such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes
Types Of Air Pollution
PARTICULATE MATTER
What is it?
Particulate matter is a complex mixture of solids and liquids, including carbon, complex
organic chemicals, sulphates, nitrates, mineral dust, and water suspended in the air.
It varies in size. Some particles, such as dust, soot, dirt or smoke are large or dark
enough to be seen with the naked eye. But the most damaging particles are the smaller
particles, known as PM10and PM2.5. PM10refers to particles with a diameter that’s
smaller than 10 microns (10µm) – that’s 10 millionths of a metre. PM2.5 refers to
particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 microns, and these are known as fine
particles. The smallest fine particles, less than 0.1 micron in diameter, are called
ultrafine particles. Secondary sources "let off gases that can form particles" and
originate from power plants and coal fires.
Where does it come from?
Man-made particulate matter mainly comes from industrial processes, construction
work, emissions from diesel and petrol engines, friction from brakes and tyres, and dust
from road surfaces. Diesel engines tend to produce much more than equivalent petrol
engines.
Natural sources of particulate matter include volcanoes, sea spray, pollen and soil. It is
also formed in the atmosphere when gases such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur
dioxide are changed in the air by chemical reactions.
How does it affect your lungs?
The size of particulate matter will determine where it will end up once you breathe it in.
Larger particles may be trapped in your nose, while PM10 can reach your airways. Fine
particles (PM2.5) may reach the breathing sacs deep in your lungs, and ultrafine
particles may even cross into your blood stream. These particles can carry toxic
chemicals which are linked to cancer. Particulates can contribute to
asthma, heart disease, and some types of cancers.
Particulate matter irritates your nose and throat and may be associated with more
severe symptoms in people with asthma. It results in more people with lung conditions
(COPD, asthma, bronchitis) and heart conditions (heart attacks, strokes) being admitted
to hospital. It also causes early deaths from lung and heart disease.
There’s also evidence that long-term exposure to particulate matter can contribute to
the development of lung cancer and possibly asthma.
NITROGEN DIOXIDE
What is it?
Nitrogen dioxide is a gas and is a major component of urban air pollution episodes.
Where does it come from?
Man-made sources of nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide, are vehicles, power
stations and heating. Diesel vehicles are major contributors in urban areas. Roadside
levels are highest where traffic is busiest.
How does it affect your lungs?
High levels of NO2 can irritate and inflame the lining of your airways, causing a flare-up
of asthma or COPD and symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Children and older people are also more affected and more likely to develop a
respiratory infection, or react to an allergen (any substance that triggers an allergic
reaction, such as pollen).
OZONE
What is it?
Ozone is a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. In the upper level of the Earth’s
atmosphere, it absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Where does it come from?
Near the ground, ozone is made by a chemical reaction between the sun’s rays and
organic gases and oxides of nitrogen emitted by cars, power plants, chemical plants
and other sources.
Levels of ozone tend to be highest in the spring and summer and lowest in the winter.
Ozone reaches its peak concentration during the afternoon. Levels are often higher in
the country than in towns. Ozone is a major component of summer air pollution
episodes.
How does it affect your lungs?
Ozone can irritate the airways of healthy people and people with lung conditions. High
levels can cause you discomfort when you breathe, reduce your lung capacity (the
amount of air your lungs can hold) and trigger asthma symptoms.
If you have a lung condition, high levels of ozone can cause you to have difficulty
breathing, to wheeze and to cough. People with asthma may need to use their reliever
inhaler more.
When there are high levels of ozone, more people are admitted to hospital with asthma-
related health problems and COPD symptoms, and there is a greater risk of illnesses
like pneumonia and bronchitis.
SULFUR DIOXIDE
What is it?
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas, with a pungent, suffocating smell.
Where does it come from?
It’s produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels such as coal and oil. This includes,
vehicles, power generation and heating. Most Sulfur dioxide comes from electric
industries that burn fossil fuels, and also from petrol refineries and cement
manufacturing. It can be transported over long distances and contributes to the
formation of ozone.
How does it affect your lungs?
Sulfur dioxide can irritate the lining of your nose, throat and lungs. It can cause
coughing and tightness of your chest, as well as a narrowing of your airway that will
reduce the flow of air to your lungs. It inflames the airways, causing coughing and more
mucus. It makes conditions like asthma and COPD worse. It makes people more prone
to chest infections.
People with asthma are much more sensitive to sulfur dioxide than those who do not
have asthma. They may find breathing more difficult and have flare-ups when
concentrations of sulfur dioxide are high.
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels in vehicles,
home heating equipment, and industrial plants, among many other sources, and is a
colorless and odorless gas, poisonous to humans and animals when inhaled,
states CDC. It can cause poisoning, whose symptoms "are headache, dizziness,
weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion", and lead to death when
inhaled by sleeping or drunk people
Lead is emitted into the air by vehicles and industrial sites and by waste burning
facilities. Manufacture and recycling of lead-acid batteries, processing of metals, iron
and steel, copper, glass, cement, and industrial and institutional boilers are other
sources of lead. People can inhale lead directly or be affected by it when it settles on
soil. It is a neurotoxin when present in the body in high concentrations, and causes
immune issues, reproductive problems, brain damage, kidney disease, and
cardiovascular problems.
Dioxin is present in plastics, and is released during its manufacture and if plastic waste
is incinerated. It causes skin lesions, and affects the liver as well as immune, nervous,
endocrine and reproductive systems.
Benzene pollution occurs during some industrial processes and use of products
containing petroleum, like plastics. Tobacco smoke exposure is another source. It can
cause cancer and anemia
Pollen from trees, weeds and grass can cause allergies and hay fever, and is a health
problem even if it is not lethal. Pollen pollution is expected to increase with global
warming as growing seasons lengthen,
Mold is a problem affecting indoor air quality. Some molds produce toxins that bring on
allergies and asthma. Molds occur in damp buildings or those with high humidity.
Many More
PREVENTION
Scrubbers
Devices called wet scrubbers trap suspended particles by direct contact with a spray of
water or other liquid. In effect, a scrubber washes the particulates out of the dirty
airstream as they collide with and are entrained by the countless tiny droplets in the
spray.
Electrostatic precipitators
Electrostatic precipitation is a commonly used method for removing fine particulates
from airstreams. In an electrostatic precipitator, particles suspended in the airstream are
given an electric charge as they enter the unit and are then removed by the influence of
an electric field
Conserve energy – remember to turn off lights, computers, and electric
appliances when not in use - at home, at work, everywhere.
Use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances
Participate in your local utility’s energy conservation programs
Limit driving by carpooling, using public transportation, biking and walking
Combine errands for fewer trips. Walk to errands when possible.
Keep your automobile well tuned and maintained. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions on routine maintenance, such as changing the oil and filters, and
checking tire pressure and wheel alignment.
Avoid excessive idling of your automobile
Drive electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Use electric or hand-powered lawn care equipment
Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car or gasoline powered lawn
and garden equipment
Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full
Choose environmentally friendly cleaners
Enforce clean air act laws
Seal containers of household cleaners, workshop chemicals and solvents, and
garden chemicals to prevent volatile organic compounds from evaporating into
the air
Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where
available.
Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials
Passing
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