Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is the air which is not fit for breathing. Its a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air released into the atmosphere by both man-made and natural processes.
1. Exhaust from Combustion Engines :- Emissions from vehicular combustion engines contain gaseous oxide, nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide, all of which contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. With a thinner ozone layer, the earth will gradually succumb to sweltering heat.
2. Use of Coal and Fossil Fuels :- Factories, power-generating establishments, offices, even homes, utilize fossil fuels and coals for power or heat. Even though beneficial, coal and fossil fuels contribute to air pollution and smog. They also damage structures and hasten the oxidation of iron. Add to that, they can cause harm on plants, which significantly reduces oxygen supply on earth.
3. Mining Operations :- These activities release carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide into the air, all of which contribute to development of smog and various health problems.
4. On the process of generating their products, paper mills, steel mills, iron mills, cement plants and asphalt plants release aerosols, particulates, gases and vapours into the air. These mills and plants, yield ammonia, sulphur oxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulphide.
5. Fertilizer Dust :- Fertilizers are useful for farmers as they accelerate the growth of crops and plants. Nonetheless, the accumulation of fertilizer dust (even those made from organic ingredients) can give way to the production of ammonia and nitrogen oxide, both of which contribute to global warming and harmful acid rain.
6. Chemical Pesticides :- Air pollution caused by pesticides can be fatal for animal, birds, even marine life, especially if the emissions already infiltrate their food sources. Apart from its contributory effects on air pollution, pesticides actually damage plant health in the long run. Incessant use of chemical pesticides leads to decreased plant production and pollination, which then results in lower crop yields.
7. Power Lines :- high voltage lines, especially those located near polluted cities, attract air that contains harmful particulates. The electricity running through the lines results in the charging or the ionization of the air. When inhaled by humans, ionized air significantly increases the level free radicals in the body. These free radicals in the body bring about tissue damage, aging, even the development of certain cancers.
8. Radioactive Fallout :- In highly-industrialized cities, air pollution from radioactive fallout have been proven to create numerous environmental concerns, such as defoliation, deformation and undergrowth damage in trees, to name a few. Apart from its impact on the environment, radioactive air pollution also endangers human health. Perhaps the most infamous case of radioactive fallout is that of Chernobyl in Ukraine, wherein the survivors of the nuclear meltdown developed cancers and a variety of respiratory ailments after inhaling emissions coming from the nuclear plant.
9. Indoor Air Pollution :- Urban infrastructures are usually afflicted with a condition called “Sick Building Syndrome.” In this case, fumes from household chemicals, paint, and other substances get trapped in the building because of the lack of ventilation. These fumes can cause a variety of health problems for its homeowners, tenants, or visitors.
10. Diesel Engines :- The air pollution problems caused by diesel are due to incomplete combustion, and while advances in some engines is reducing emissions, there are far too many ordinary diesel engines on the road, spewing health damaging particles.
11. Forest Fire :- Forest fires are the second-largest source of PM2.5 (Of major concern are particles that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter (PM2.5) because they can lodge deep in the lungs, and cause respiratory and cardiac problems.) from wood smoke in the province (second to open-burning sources). They can have significant impacts on local air quality, visibility and human health. Emissions from forest fires can travel large distances, affecting air quality and human health far from the originating fires. These emissions include:
• particulate matter;
• carbon monoxide;
• atmospheric mercury;
• ozone-forming chemicals; and
• volatile organic compounds.

There are many more reasons. I would not say, we live without all these, there is a controlled measure to use your gadgets and resources. Just do that and try to conserve as much as possible. So that too can help us spend less and emit less.

So guys, take care and be happy.

See you tomorrow. Until then, take care. Bye

Meena