AIR
POLLUTION
BY:
DHRUV SHARMA
MANROOP SINGH
RISHABH SINGH
ABHAY CHAUHAN
HARSH GARG
ABHISHEK BATRA
Introduction
To live, we need to breathe. To breathe, we need fresh air. Fresh air is one
of the basic and essential things we need to live on earth. Fresh air is
equally important to every one us as food and water. Even plants need
oxygen to convert food into energy. From these things, we can understand
the importance of oxygen and fresh air. A place without oxygen will be a
dead zone with no humans, animals, and plants. Without oxygen, nobody
can survive on earth.
All these facts point the fingers at the importance of keeping air pollution-
free. But the truth is, the air is getting polluted at a massive rate every
day. There are hundreds of causes. In these, there are some which are very
harmful to us. But how can we reduce the rate of air pollution? Well, there
are different ways that we could try to stop air pollution. Before that, let
us find out what are the utmost causes of air pollution. Here are they.
What do we mean
by air pollution?
It's simple. Air pollution refers to the release of
pollutants into the air like Nitrogen Oxide, Volatile
Organic Compounds, Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur
Oxide, dioxins, and other harmful gases. Once these
gases are released, they become a colossal threat to
the environment and human health.
Air pollutants are compounds that collect in
high enough concentrations in the air to be
detrimental to all organisms or materials
exposed to the air.
Major Causes Of
Air Pollution
It is well known to everyone how air
pollution happens. It happens in many ways.
Sometimes careless and reckless human
activities lead to the major reasons for air
pollution. Even though, here are some of the
common causes of air pollution.
Emissions From Factories and
Industries- Industries and factories
pollute the air by releasing large amounts of
carbon monoxide, chemicals, hydrocarbons,
and other organic substances.
Fossil Fuel Combustion- Sulphur
dioxide and nitrogen are produced when
fossil fuels such as oil and coal are used for
electricity and road traffic.
Mining Activities-The minerals beneath
the earth’s surface are retrieved utilising
enormous pieces of equipment during the
mining operation. The dust and chemicals
emitted during the operation not only
contaminate the air, but also harm the
employees’ and local residents’ health.
Waste Production- Methane production
in landfills is usually to blame. Also growing
population leads to more waste production
across the world which causes Pollution.
Agricultural Activities- One of the most dangerous chemicals
released during agricultural activity is ammonia. Insecticides, pesticides, and
fertilizers pollute the atmosphere by releasing toxic chemicals.
Domestic Sources- Toxic chemicals are emitted into the air by
household cleaning products and paints. The odour emanating from freshly
painted walls is due to the chemicals inherent in the paints. It not only pollutes
the air, but it also makes it difficult to breathe.
Harmful Effects of Air
Pollution
Air pollution can cause harmful health effects such as eye,
nose, throat irritation, headache, and allergic reaction in the
short term.
Following are the critical effects of air pollution:
Diseases: Air pollution gives rise to several respiratory
disorders and heart diseases. Lung cancer, pneumonia, and
asthma have increased due to pollution in the last few years.
Global Warming: It is caused due to the emission of
gases from automobiles. This creates an imbalance in the
atmosphere, which leads to an increase in the temperature of
the Earth.
Ozone Layer Depletion: The hole in the
ozone layer is caused by air pollutants. Chemicals used
as refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons, halons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons are the major cause of
depletion of the ozone layer. This depletion allows harmful
ultraviolet rays from the sun to enter the atmosphere and
causes skin diseases and eye problems among ordinary
people.
Acid Rain: Monument like the Taj Mahal is
affected due to acid rain. This acid rain is caused due to
the burning of fossil fuels which releases harmful gases
such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide into the air.
The water droplets combine with this pollutant to become
acidic and fall as acid rain, which affects the ecosystem.
PREVENTION
1. Air pollution can be prevented by less usage of automobiles.
2. A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity.
Therefore, we need to switch off the electrical appliances when
not in use.
3. We should use solar cells, solar cookers, solar heaters, solar
dryers, etc., to prevent air pollution.
4. The use of alternative energy sources like wind energy, solar
energy, etc., should be promoted.
5. We need to plant more and more trees and reduce deforestation
to prevent air pollution.
Conclusion
Day by day, the rate of pollution is increasing. The
hard truth is, nobody is really caring about the future
of our planet. Even the government and authorities
are keeping their eyes closed on social issues like
global warming, air pollution, and soil erosion. If it
keeps going like this, the earth will become
uninhabitable.
Protecting the earth from pollutions is not deputed
on somebody else. Each one of us should take
responsibility and behave sensibly to protect the
earth from pollution.
THANK YOU
References:
https://eagrovision.com/air-pollution/
https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/air-quality/effects-air-pollution
https://collegedunia.com/exams/effects-of-air-pollution-on-human-health-types-causes-and-prevention-science-articleid-2982
