What is Air Pollution, Its Causes and Solutions

Air Pollution

Air pollution is harmful substances that pollute the air and make the air unhealthy for humans and other living beings. Air pollution is directly related to climate change due to the emission of dangerous chemicals.

Fine particle pollution contributes to deaths by type 2 diabetes, neonatal disorders, and stroke. In children, there are many diseases like reduced lung growth and function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. In adults, ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of premature death

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor and outdoor air pollution causes nearly seven million deaths worldwide each year. Air pollution also threatens the global economy by imposing enormous health costs, representing 6.1% of the global gross domestic product.

There are many air pollutants, such as particulates ( both organic and inorganic), gases ( ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and methane), and biological molecules.

Causes of Air Pollution

Industrial activities

Factories and power plants emit chemicals such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. In underdeveloped countries, this has become a big issue.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Industries that burn fossil fuels release nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and acid rain.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Many industries, including chemical manufacturing, paint production, and petroleum refining, release VOCs, which contribute to smog formation.

Agriculture activities

Using fertilizers and pesticides releases ammonia and other chemicals into the air. Livestock farming also generates methane and ammonia.

Ammonia (NH₃): Released from fertilizers and animal waste, ammonia can contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and acid rain.

Methane (CH₄): Livestock, especially cattle, produce methane during digestion (enteric fermentation). Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone.

Dust: Large-scale farming and soil disturbance, particularly in dry areas, can generate dust storms that contribute to particulate pollution.

Transportation

It is another source of air pollution in which emissions from cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, and other vehicles burning fossil fuels contribute significantly to air pollution in urban areas.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): Produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel in vehicles, carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Emitted from vehicles' engines, these pollutants contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and acid rain.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Although not directly harmful in terms of human health, CO₂ is a major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Waste management

In many countries, there is no wastage system properly developed. Harmful materials are included that are dangerous to the health of humans and animals.

Methane (CH₄): Landfills are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which is released as organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen).

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Many solvents, paints, and chemicals used in household and industrial waste release VOCs, which can contribute to smog.

Open Burning of Waste: In some areas, waste is burned openly, releasing a range of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and toxic chemicals into the air.

Natural Causes

Natural causes mean smoke from wildfires, ash from volcanoes, and desert dust are also harmful. These reduce the air quality and are responsible for respiratory diseases.

Wildfires: Forest fires release large amounts of particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.

Volcanic Eruptions: Volcanoes emit sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ash, and other pollutants that can contribute to short-term air quality issues and even cause climate effects (e.g., cooling due to ash particles).

Dust Storms: In dry, arid regions, strong winds can lift dust into the air, which can be carried over large distances, reducing air quality and visibility.

Pollen: While not typically toxic, pollen can contribute to allergenic air pollution, especially in spring and summer.

Burning of fossil fuels

Coal, oil, and natural gas combustion for electricity, heating, and cooking produce pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, etc.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Fossil fuel combustion is the primary source of CO₂ emissions, which contribute to climate change.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide, which can lead to acid rain and respiratory problems.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These gases are released during the combustion of fossil fuels, leading to smog, acid rain, and respiratory issues.

Effects of Air Pollution

The impacts of air pollution are wide-ranging and affect human health, ecosystems, and the climate:

Human Health:

Respiratory Issues: Exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is particularly harmful to the lungs.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Long-term exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Premature Mortality: Studies show that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to premature death due to respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Cancer: Certain pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and other chemicals, have been linked to increased cancer risks, particularly lung cancer.

Mental Health: There is growing evidence that air pollution may also have an impact on mental health, contributing to conditions like depression and cognitive decline.

Environmental Impact:

Ecosystem Damage: Air pollution can harm plants, animals, and ecosystems. Acid rain, for example, damages forests, lakes, and rivers and can harm aquatic life.

Biodiversity Loss: Pollution can disrupt food chains and habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity.

Soil Degradation: Some pollutants, like nitrogen compounds, can contribute to soil acidification and nutrient imbalances, which can reduce agricultural productivity and harm plant life.

Climate Change:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Certain pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming and climate change.

Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs): Black carbon (soot), methane, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are SLCPs that contribute to warming the atmosphere more intensively in the short term compared to carbon dioxide.

Solutions To Avoid Air Pollution

We can take many steps to reduce air pollution, such as improving energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, and industrial processes, reducing energy consumption, and lowering emissions.

The government should be investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease emissions from power plants.

Encouraging sustainable farming methods, reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, and managing livestock waste can decrease agricultural emissions.

The government should encourage the use of electric vehicles, public transportation, cycling, and walking can reduce emissions from cars and trucks.

Management of waste material is also important, as is implementing recycling programs, composting organic waste, and reducing waste sent to landfills.

Air pollution is a major environmental issue that affects human health, the ecosystem, and the global climate. Human activities have become the major contributors to air pollution through the misuse of natural and human-made resources. By adopting cleaner technologies, enforcing stricter regulations, and encouraging sustainable practices, we can reduce air pollution and mitigate its harmful effects.

World Health Organization  

The World Health Organization has taken many steps to improve the worsening condition of air pollution, such as establishing the Air Pollution and Health Training Toolkit (APHT), which is designed for health workers. Its main purpose is to develop a health argument to advocate for clean air intervention and collaboration between civil society and government institutions.

It has introduced online courses for the training of health workers. If they understand the risks of air pollution, then they can communicate with individuals and communities.

In the United States, the Clean Air Act was established in 1970. It authorizes the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to take care of people's health by regulating the emission of these harmful air pollutants.

Related Topic: Water Pollution