Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air, thereby depleting the quality of air. But, when ozone is closer to the ground, it can be really bad for our health. Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum for energy in power plants, and other factory combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution. Use of wood stove or space heaters is capable to increase the humidity level which can directly affect the health a person in no time. The sustainment of all things living is due to a combination of gases that collectively form the atmosphere; the imbalance caused by the increase or decrease in the percentage of these gases can be harmful to survival. While looking at the man-made contributions towards air pollution, it can be further divided into: The major outdoor pollution sources include power generation, vehicles, agriculture/waste incineration, industry and building heating systems. Air pollution is detrimental to your health even before you take your first breath. When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air pollutants, becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Inhalation of toxic agents directly affects the lungs and other organs that make up the respiratory system. In the same way, light-colored particles that reflect the Sun’s light and heat away from Earth can make the global temperature cooler. It is important that we get aware of the current situation and do whatever we can to Encourage people to use more and more public modes of transportation to reduce pollution. It all depends where it is in Earth’s atmosphere. Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due to global warming. In fact, air quality forecasters use information about aerosols from NASA’s Aqua, Terra and Suomi-NPP satellites. Air pollution is majorly caused due to the release of various chemicals into the atmosphere. When it falls, acid rain can erode buildings and poison the earth and sea. But, their overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases are polluting the atmosphere. Ozone is also a greenhouse gas that can be both good and bad for our environment. These particles and gases may come from exhaust from cars and trucks, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires. Smoke from the combustion of various inflammable objects, volcanic eruptions, etc. Natural sources of air pollution include dust storms, forest fires, ash from smoking volcanoes, the decay of organic matters and pollen grains floating in the air. A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity. ), Can You Recycle Banana Peels? Use cleaning products and paints that are environmentally friendly. The reactions of certain gases and chemicals also form harmful fumes that can be dangerous to the well-being of living creatures. The Ozone layer considered crucial for the existence of the ecosystems on the planet is depleting due to increased pollution. Use gas logs in place of wood. Some air pollution comes from nature, but most causes of air pollution are things that people do, like driving cars that make exhaust. Aerosols can impact how the Sun’s light hits Earth. Air pollution has a major impact on theprocess of plant evolution by preventing photosynthesis in many cases, with serious consequences on the purification of the air we breathe. All Rights Reserved . Aerosols can come from other places, too, such as ash from an erupting volcano. Methane is a major greenhouse gas that is highly flammable and very hazardous. NASA also is developing a new instrument called the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols, or MAIA, to fly aboard a future spacecraft mission. Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels. Low investment in public infrastructure is another cause of air pollution in Delhi. A. factory emissions B E-waste is another grave concern involving a lot of unscientific dismantlings such as chemical leaching, burning wires and others. Even burning kerosene in simple wick lamps also produces significant emissions of fine particles and other pollutants. ), Are Crayons Recyclable? If you and your colleagues come from the same locality and have the same timings, you can explore this option to save energy and money. Air pollution is dangerous gas or smoke in the air. Smog created by the interactions of several primary pollutants is known as a secondary pollutant. Air pollution can be both man-made and naturally occurring. Use of Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal is on the rise these days. NASA uses satellites orbiting Earth to keep an eye on air pollution. Top-ten kinds of air pollution Photo: Flying molecules—if you could see air pollution close up, this Which of the following activities is not one of the most important causes of air pollution in cities? Landfills are land areas in which waste is deposited or buried. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to outdoor air pollution contributes to as much as 0.6 to 1.4 percent of the burden of disease and 4.2 million deaths every year. Ozone exists in the Earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These include carbon monoxide, methane, particulate matter (PM), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Ground level ozone is created when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals that come from sources of burning fossil fuels, such as factories or car exhaust. The pollution of the environment occurs when polluters enter the natural environment, disrupt their balance and negatively affect the life of living organisms. During the process, dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution. As the ozone layer becomes thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin and eye-related problems. Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like smoky fog and makes it difficult to see. Good examples of invisible air pollutants are sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. You can save the environment from degradation by reducing the number of fossil fuels to be burned. Low investment in public infrastructure is another cause of air pollution in Delhi. Air pollution can be classified into two sections – invisible and visible air pollution. Water, high in the atmosphere, combines with these chemicals and becomes acidic in nature. Due to the implementation of the stricter norms, the level of the soot and carbon has decreased the nevertheless number of people buying a car has increased and it has enhanced the cumulative quantity of the pollutants in the atmosphere. Acid rain contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids that are created by oxides and sulfur oxides released into the air by the burning of fossil fuels. Have you ever noticed that once you paint the walls of your house, it creates some sort of smell that makes it literally impossible for you to breathe? It helps block harmful energy from the Sun, called radiation. Air pollution threatens the health of humans and other living beings in our planet. Industrialization − Industries big or small require steam to run. along with the emission of polluted gases also makes it to the list of natural sources of pollution. are the most common causes of air pollution in India. Understand the Concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Waste To Energy: How Energy is Produced From Waste and its Benefits, Modes and Benefits of Green Transportation, Are Yoga Mats Recyclable? Following are the important causes of air pollution: Burning of Fossil Fuels The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Climate Kids is produced by the Earth Science Communications Team at, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory / California Institute of Technology, Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. (And Ways To Reuse Old Jeans), Are Crocs Recyclable? ). Pollutants can cause respiratory illnesses and allergies ranging from coughs to asthma, cancer or emphysema. Suspended particulate matter popular by its acronym SPM, is another cause of pollution. Children are at a greater risk of short term respiratory infections and pulmonary diseases in areas exposed to air pollutants. It depends on the color of the particle. Dark-colored particles that absorb the Sun’s light can make the global temperature warmer. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution. Breathing in polluted air can be very bad for our health. When we try to study the sources of Air pollution, we usually enlist a series of activities and interactions that create these pollutants. Several million are known to have died due to the direct or indirect effects of Air pollution. ), A Complete Step-by-Step Guide on How to Trim a Palm Tree, Can You Recycle Candles? Industrial pollution and waste disposal air pollution is increasing and … Smog is a type of air pollution in cities that makes it difficult to see outside. This air pollution is mainly due to poor ventilation, airtight space, and raising pollutant levels. 7. … The accumulationof gases in the atmosphere also generates environmental problems with sadly known consequences : acid rain, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, the greenhouse effect, etc. Also, eliminate the use of gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment. solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These modes of transportation form part of our daily basic needs, so we rely on them heavily. Secondary pollutants are the ones that are caused by the intermingling and reactions of primary pollutants. Having discussed the causes of air pollution, let us now shed light on the diseases that are caused by air pollution. This is one of the reasons which is responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers and nearby residents. Air pollution causes a number of environmental effects in addition to the effects on humans and animals. Visible air pollution, as the name suggests, can be visible. Features, Importance and Location of Rainforests, How to Keep Clutter From Harming Your Health and the Environment, Environmental Impact of the Aviation Industry (Is it Bad For the Environment? Respiratory health problems It is probably one of the most obvious and worrying effects for human beings.