Pollution is now a humdrum term, that our ears are accustomed to. Air pollution is one of such form that refers to the contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outside. A physical, biological or chemical alteration to the air in the atmosphere can be termed as pollution. It occurs when any harmful gases, dust, smoke enter into the atmosphere and makes it difficult for plants, animals and humans to survive as the air becomes dirty. Air pollution can further be classified into two sections i.e visible air pollution and invisible air pollution. In order to understand the causes of Air pollution, several divisions can be made:
Primarily Air Pollutants can be caused by primary source or secondary resources. The pollutants that are a direct result of the process can be called primary pollutants. A classic example of a primary pollutant would be the sulfur dioxide emitted from factories. Secondary Pollutants are the ones that are caused by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants. Smog created by interactions of several primary pollutants is known to be as, a secondary pollutant.
Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles are one of the major causes of air pollution. Pollution emitting from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes causes an immense amount of pollution. We rely on them to fulfill our daily basic needs of transportation. But their overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases pollute the environment. Carbon monoxide caused by improper or incomplete combustion and generally emitted from vehicle is another major pollutant along with Nitrogen Oxides, that is produced from both natural and manmade process.
Ammonia is a very common bi-product from agricultural related activities and one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere. Use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful chemicals into the air and can also cause water pollution.
Manufacturing companies release a large amount of Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds and chemicals into the air, thereby depleting the quality of air. Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of the earth and there is no area that has not been affected by it. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution.
Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large equipment. During process, dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution. This is one of the reasons which is responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers and nearby residents.
The effects of air pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart conditions, along with cancer. Among other threats to the body, several millions are known to have died due to direct or indirect effects of air pollution. Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly suffer from pneumonia and asthma.
Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due to global warming. With increased temperature worldwide, increase in sea levels and melting of ice from colder regions and icebergs, displacements and loss of habitat have already signaled an impending disaster if actions for preservation and normalization are not undertaken soon.
Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combined with these air pollutants become acidic & fall on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can cause great damage to humans, animals & crops.
Eutrophication is a condition where a high amount of nitrogen present in some pollutants gets developed on surface of sea and turns itself into algae & adversely affects fish, plants & animal species. The green colored algae that are present on lakes & ponds are due to the presence of this chemical only.
Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effect of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to move to a new place & change their habitat. The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect sea animals.
Ozone exists in the Earth’s stratosphere & is responsible for protecting humans from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of Chlorofluorocarbons, Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As the ozone layer will go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth & can cause skin & eye related problems. UV rays are also affecting crops badly.
Air pollution can be reduced by encouraging people to use more & more public modes of transportation to reduce pollution. Also, try to make use of carpooling to save energy and money. Switch off fans and lights while going out. A large number of fossils fuels are burnt to produce electricity you can save the environment can be saved from degradation by reducing the number of fossil fuels to be burned. Understand the concept of Reduce Reuse & Recycle. Do not throw away items that are of no use. In-fact reuse them for some other purpose, e.g. old jars can be used to store cereals or pulses. Clean energy technologies like solar, wind & geothermal are on high these days. Governments of various countries have been providing grants to consumer who is interested in installing solar panels for their homes. This will go a long way to curb air pollution. Compact Florescent Lights consume less electricity as against their counterparts. They live longer, consume less electricity, lower electricity bills and also helps in to reducing pollution by consuming less energy. Planting more trees in the area can be helpful in providing a clean and pure air to breathe in.
Several attempts are being made worldwide on personal, industrial and governmental levels to curb the intensity at which air pollution is rising and regain a balance as far as the proportions of the foundation gases are concerned. Pakistan Navy, in line with the Government of Pakistan’s vision of ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ launched Tree Plantation campaign which includes planting of Mangroves along the Coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan and Pine Trees on Margalla Hills. It will serve as an impetus to not only reduce global warming but also air pollution.
This is a direct attempt at slacking Global warming. Moreover, a series of innovations and experiments aimed at alternate & unconventional options to reduce pollutants. Air pollution is one of the larger mirrors of man’s follies, and a challenge, we need to overcome to see a bright tomorrow.
