Causes of Air Pollution Which Makes Our Lungs Suffocate
As the world is moving forward with advancements and progress in technology, the air quality is deteriorating day by day. The factories, industries, and petrol-driven cars that we, humans invented for development and comfort, have now become the sources of air pollution and started to suffocate our lungs with impure air. Many reasons for air pollution deprive us of the right to breathe fresh air and live in a healthy environment. In this article, we will emphasize What causes air pollution and how it is affecting our lives.
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What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution refers to the deterioration of air quality by the suspension of solid, liquid, and gaseous harmful particles into the air. The solid and liquid particles released into the air are scientifically called aerosols. According to a study conducted by WHO, approximately seven million deaths around the globe are happening because of air pollution. The main causes of air pollution are the release of sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, etc.
Types of Air Pollutants
Air can get polluted in two ways:
Primary pollutants: These are the ones that directly make the air polluted. For example, when factories release sulfur dioxide, it becomes a primary pollutant.
Secondary pollutants: These are formed when primary pollutants mix and react with each other. A good example is smog, which happens when smoke and fog mingle, creating a secondary pollutant.
How does Air get Polluted?
Air pollution is one of the most serious and challenging environmental issues that the whole world is facing. Despite several attempts, agreements, and conferences, air pollution seems to be worsening in many countries. To understand why such a situation is being currently faced by the countries, we need to first learn what causes air pollution. It will give us a clear idea to map out what areas need to be controlled to bring down the air pollution. The list below shows the 7 causes of air pollution, which are as follows:
1. Burning fossils to Produce Energy
One of the major reasons for air pollution is the burning of fossils like coal, petroleum to generate electricity or use them for transportation. The burning of fossils leads to the release of carbon monoxide into the air. This reduces the heart’s pumping capacity to produce oxygen and leads to respiratory problems in humans.
2. Wildfires and Volcanic Eruption
The harmful gases released by the eruption of volcanoes or wildfires also lead to air pollution. These two are the natural causes of air pollution. The gases erupt by the wildfires raise the PM 2.5 level in the air which then collides with the toxic chemical components already present in the air. As a result, a heavy sheet of smog is created which leads to severe breathing problems.
3. Vehicle Movement: Automobiles
It’s a well-known fact that transportation is one of the major sources of air pollution, particularly in cities. The vehicle movement leads to emissions of several toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, PM 10, and so on. All these gases raise the temperature of the air which ultimately leads to the depletion of the ozone layer.
4. Harmful Decay of Microbes
This is one of the causes of air pollution that is rarely acknowledged by many. The decay of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in the environment by the emission of gases from chemical and textile industries leads to the release of methane gas.
5. Emission From Industries
Industrial emission is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons for air pollution. Industries that are running primarily on wood and coal emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, PM 2.5 and 10, and more. The release of such harmful gases in the air deteriorates our health and leads to either eye irritation, respiratory issues, or even chronic diseases.
6. Burning of Waste in an Open Area
Burning of waste and garbage at a large scale in the open is one of the main causes of air pollution in several cities around the world. This human activity leads to emissions of such hazardous gases that even exposure to it can lead to serious health threats like impairment of the reproductive system, liver problems, etc.
7. Indoor Activities
Whenever we search for answers for what causes air pollution, we often consider the external factors only. The fact that our indoor activities can also lead to air pollution inside our homes never crosses our minds. But it’s one reality. The use of wood stoves or smoking cigarettes inside or using heaters to increase humidity without proper ventilation leads to air pollution and can pose serious health issues.
Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution harms the environment in various ways:
1. Health Issues
Breathing polluted air can cause respiratory problems and heart diseases in humans. Lung cancer cases have risen, especially in the last few decades. Children living in polluted areas are more likely to suffer from pneumonia and asthma. Unfortunately, many people lose their lives each year due to the direct or indirect impacts of air pollution.
2. Global Warming
Greenhouse gas emissions upset the balance of gases in the air, leading to a rise in Earth's temperature known as global warming. This warming contributes to the melting of glaciers and a subsequent increase in sea levels, causing flooding in various regions.
3. Acid Rain
Burning fossil fuels releases harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. When these pollutants combine with water droplets, they form acidic rain that damages human, animal, and plant life.
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
The release of substances like chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere is a major contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer. This thinning of the ozone layer allows harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun to reach the Earth, leading to skin diseases and eye problems in individuals.
5. Impact on Animals
Air pollutants suspended in water bodies adversely affect aquatic life. Pollution also forces animals to leave their natural habitats, making them stray and contributing to the extinction of many animal species.
What are the Examples of Air Pollution?
Mostly, air pollutants cannot be seen by the naked eye or smell. But to imply that they won’t be available in high amounts because of this is outright wrong. Some major gases lead to the greenhouse effect and ultimately contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. The common greenhouse gases that are examples of air pollution as well are carbon dioxide and methane.
The examples of air pollution are as follows:
Natural Causes of Air Pollution
Increasing temperature
Wildfires
Volcanic eruption
Wind currents
Anthropogenic Sources of Pollution
Transportation
Garbage Burning
Mining and chemical activities
Construction activities
Controlling Air Pollution: Simple Steps
To tackle air pollution, here are some straightforward measures you can take:
1. Limit Vehicle Use:
Opt for public transport when traveling short distances.
This not only helps prevent pollution but also saves energy.
2. Conserve Energy:
Turn off electrical appliances when not in use to reduce the burning of fossil fuels.
Use energy-efficient devices like CFLs to further control pollution.
3. Embrace Clean Energy:
Utilise solar, wind, and geothermal energies to decrease air pollution.
Many countries, including India, are adopting these resources for a cleaner environment.
4. Other Measures to Control Air Pollution:
Minimise the use of fire and fire-related products.
Control or treat pollutants at the source to minimise industrial emissions.
Substitute raw materials with less polluting alternatives.
Replace petrol and diesel with CNG-fueled vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions.
Ensure that existing air quality practices are enforced properly.
Test and regulate vehicle emissions to keep the roads cleaner.
Modify and maintain industrial equipment to minimise pollutant emissions.
Use process control equipment when controlling pollutants at the source is challenging.
Dilute air pollutants to control their concentration.
Plant trees in areas with high pollution levels as they effectively reduce pollutants in the air.
Conclusion
From this article we have learnt about the various reasons why air pollution is caused. In order to curb air pollution, we need to take actions against the causes which are mentioned above. For example, we can limit the use of private vehicles and opt for public transport in order to curb air pollution.
FAQs on Causes of Air Pollution
1. What are the main causes of air pollution?
The main causes of air pollution can be classified into natural and human-made (anthropogenic) sources. The most significant causes include:
- Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity generation and transportation releases pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
- Industrial Emissions: Factories and manufacturing plants emit harmful gases and particulate matter, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals.
- Transportation: Exhaust from vehicles is a major source of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas.
- Agricultural Activities: The use of fertilisers and pesticides releases ammonia into the atmosphere. Additionally, burning agricultural waste (stubble burning) releases large amounts of smoke and particulate matter.
- Natural Sources: Events like volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms release ash, gases, and particulate matter into the air.
- Waste Incineration: Burning garbage in open landfills releases toxic gases and particulates.
2. What is the difference between primary and secondary air pollutants? Give examples.
The key difference lies in how they are formed:
- Primary Pollutants: These are harmful substances emitted directly into the atmosphere from a source. They are pollutants in their original form. Examples include sulfur dioxide (SO2) from industrial smokestacks and carbon monoxide (CO) from car exhausts.
- Secondary Pollutants: These are not emitted directly. Instead, they form in the atmosphere when primary pollutants react with each other or with other natural atmospheric components like sunlight and water vapour. A prime example is ground-level ozone, which is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. Smog is another common secondary pollutant.
3. How do agricultural activities contribute to air pollution?
Agricultural activities contribute significantly to air pollution in several ways:
- Use of Fertilisers: Nitrogen-based fertilisers release ammonia (NH3), a pungent gas, into the atmosphere. This ammonia can then contribute to the formation of harmful particulate matter.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Spraying these chemicals can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that drift and pollute the air.
- Livestock Farming: Farm animals, particularly cattle, release large amounts of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, through their digestive processes.
- Stubble Burning: The practice of burning crop residues after a harvest is a major source of particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and other toxic gases, leading to severe smog in many regions.
4. How can indoor activities cause air pollution, and why is it sometimes more dangerous than outdoor pollution?
Indoor air pollution is caused by sources within our homes and buildings. Common causes include:
- Combustion Sources: Using wood, coal, or kerosene for cooking and heating without proper ventilation releases carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
- Household Products: Cleaning agents, paints, and air fresheners can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Tobacco Smoke: Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic.
Indoor air pollution can be more dangerous than outdoor pollution because pollutants become trapped and concentrated in enclosed spaces with limited airflow. This leads to higher and more prolonged exposure for the inhabitants, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other chronic health problems.
5. What is smog and how is it formed?
Smog is a type of intense air pollution that reduces visibility. The word is a blend of "smoke" and "fog". It is primarily formed when primary pollutants from vehicle exhausts and industrial emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), react with sunlight in the atmosphere. This reaction creates a mixture of secondary pollutants, including particulate matter and ground-level ozone, resulting in a brownish, hazy layer over cities, which can cause severe respiratory issues.
6. What are the major types of air pollutants as per their chemical nature?
The major air pollutants, based on their chemical composition, include:
- Particulate Matter (PM): A mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air, such as dust, soot, and smoke. PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres) are especially dangerous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): A gas primarily released from burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, like coal. It is a major contributor to acid rain.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): A group of highly reactive gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formed during high-temperature combustion in vehicles and power plants.
- Ground-Level Ozone (O3): A secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of NOx and VOCs in sunlight.
- Lead (Pb): A toxic heavy metal that was historically a major pollutant from leaded petrol.
7. How does the burning of fossil fuels directly lead to global warming and acid rain?
The burning of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum causes these two distinct environmental problems through different mechanisms:
- Global Warming: This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), a primary greenhouse gas. CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere and traps heat from the sun, preventing it from radiating back into space. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, leads to a gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature, or global warming.
- Acid Rain: The same combustion process also releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then mix with rainwater, snow, or fog and fall to the ground as acid rain, which damages forests, buildings, and aquatic ecosystems.
8. What are the primary effects of air pollution on human health and the environment?
Air pollution has severe and wide-ranging effects:
- On Human Health: It causes respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer; cardiovascular diseases; and can lead to strokes and other chronic illnesses.
- On the Environment: It leads to acid rain, which damages forests and aquatic life. It contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UV radiation. It also causes eutrophication in water bodies.
- On Climate: The emission of greenhouse gases is the primary driver of global warming and climate change, leading to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
9. Why is air pollution considered a major global environmental issue?
Air pollution is a major global issue because its impact transcends national borders. Wind currents can carry pollutants across continents, meaning pollution generated in one country can cause acid rain or health problems in another. Furthermore, it affects globally shared resources like the atmosphere and contributes to climate change, a problem that affects every nation through rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, and agricultural disruption. Its universal impact on human health and ecosystems makes it a collective responsibility for all countries to address.
10. What are some effective measures to control air pollution at individual and community levels?
Controlling air pollution requires a combined effort. Effective measures include:
- At the Individual Level: Reducing the use of private vehicles by opting for public transport, carpooling, or cycling. Conserving electricity to reduce the load on power plants. Avoiding the burning of trash and using energy-efficient appliances.
- At the Community and Governmental Level: Promoting and investing in clean energy sources like solar and wind power. Enforcing stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles. Implementing large-scale afforestation programs, as trees act as natural air filters. Improving public transportation infrastructure to make it a more viable option for everyone.
