Air Pollution AIR Air is important for the planet because it contains the gases necessary to support plants, animals, human and other organisms Air Pollution alienum corrumpit ullamcorper. Vel ea fabulas instructior, agam falli sit an.Ad cum amet graeco consequat, sed ei veri novum appellantur. Qui in quod ubique euismod, consul seo noster disputationi eos no, nec te latine repudiare. Te pro dolor volutpat. The Common Air Pollutants Around Us Carbon monoxide Ground level ozone Lead Nitrogen dioxide Particulate matter Sulphur dioxide Sources Of Air Pollution Natural Sources of Pollution. Man Made Sources Of Pollution. Natural Sources Volcanic eruptions release gases and volcanic ash Forest fires produce smoke and trace gases Dust storms increase the windblown dust into the environment Bacteria, spores, cysts and pollens are all natural pollutants Decay of organic matter in marshy places releases marsh gas which is a light colorless inflammable hydrocarbon Man-made or Anthropogenic Sources of Pollution Industrialization Invention of automobiles Over population Deforestation: Destruction of natural habitat Nuclear explosions Over-exploitation of natural resources Construction of buildings, roads and dams Explosives used in wars Use of fertilizers and pesticides Quarrying and mining Causes of Air pollution Burning of Fossil Fuels Agricultural activities Exhaust from factories and industries Mining operations Vehicular pollution Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution. Agricultural activities Use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful chemicals into the air. Exhaust from factories and industries: Manufacturing industries release large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air. Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large equipments. During the process dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution. Vehicular Pollution The main pollutants emitted from the automobiles are hydrocarbons, lead/benzene, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The main cause of vehicular pollution is the rapidly growing number of vehicles. Impact on Human Life Indoor air pollution : Household cleaning products, painting supplies etc. emit toxic chemicals in the air and cause air pollution. The number of deaths caused due to indoor air pollution is estimated to be around 3 million. Outdoor air pollution : Air pollution from outdoor sources kills about 3.3 million people per year worldwide and the numbers are likely to double by 2050. Most of the air pollutants in Asia come from the burning of fuel for heating and cooking. The greatest impact in the United States is from traffic and power-generation pollution while in Europe it is mainly from agricultural emissions due to the use of fertilizers. Effect Of Air Pollution Respiratory and heart problems Global warming. Acid Rain. Effect on Wildlife. Depletion of Ozone layer. Agricultural Effect. Air pollution from certain metals, pesticides, and fungicides causes serious ailments. Effects on plants Solution For Air Pollution Use public mode of transportation. Conserve energy. Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Use energy efficient devices LIKE CFL. Tall chimneys should be installed in factories. More trees should be planted along roadsides and houses. Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot. Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. If you or your visitors must smoke, then smoke outside. Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags. Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in. Remove indoor asthma triggers from your home and avoid outdoor triggers in order to effectively control your asthma. Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks Keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained. You should also consider replacing old wood stoves with EPA-certified models. Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently. Check daily air quality forecasts, which tell how clean or polluted your air is, and the associated health concerns. Minimize your sun exposure. Wear sun block and UV protection sunglasses.