AIR POLLUTION
• What is Air Pollution?
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Types of Air Pollutants
• Primary Pollutants
• Secondary Pollutants
• Causes of Air Pollution
WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION
• Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the contamination of
air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically.
•
• There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An increase or decrease in the
composition of these gases is harmful to survival. This imbalance in the gaseous composition
has resulted in an increase in earth’s temperature, which is known as global warming.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Air pollution helps plants grow. • It increases the risk of respiratory infections,
• Air pollution slows climate change. heart disease and lung cancer. Both short and
long term exposure to air pollutants have been
• Air pollution keeps polluted cities cooler in associated with health impacts. More severe
the summer. impacts affect people who are already ill.
Children, the elderly and poor people are more
susceptible.
HOW TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION ?
• Reducing pollution involves various efforts, such as
1. **Use renewable energy:** Transition to renewable sources like solar or wind power.
2. **Conserve energy:** Be mindful of energy consumption at home and work.
3. **Promote sustainable transportation:** Use public transport, carpool, or opt for electric vehicles.
4. **Reduce, reuse, recycle:** Minimize waste by following the three $.
5. **Plant trees:** Trees absorb pollutants and release oxygen.
6. **Use eco-friendly products:** Choose items with minimal environmental impact.
7. **Support environmental policies:** Advocate for and participate in policies that address pollution.
8. **Educate others:** Spread awareness about the impact of pollution and how to prevent it small
changes collectively make a significant difference.
TYPES OF AIR POLLUTANTS
• Primary Pollutants
• The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants. Sulphur-dioxide
emitted from factories is a primary pollutant.
•
• Secondary Pollutants
• The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as
secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary pollutant.
CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION
• Burning of Fossil Fuels
• The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of dioxide. Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.
•
• Automobiles
• The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among individuals.
•
• Agricul tural Activities
• Ammonia i s one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides, pesticides and emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate i t.
•
• Factories and Industries
• Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are rel eased into the air, degrading i ts quality.
•
• Mining Activities
• In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of equipment. The dust and chemicals rel eased during the process not only pollute the air, but also deteriorate the health
of the workers and people l iving in the nearby areas..
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
• Diseases
• Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. The cases of lung cancer
have increased in the last few Warming.
• Global warming
• Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air. This has led to an
increase in the temperature of the earth.
• Acid Rain
• The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air. The water
droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic.
• Ozone Layer Depletion
• The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion
of the ozone layer.
• Effect on Animals
• The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution also compels the animals to leave their
habitat and shift to a new place.
