Running head: Air Pollution: Causes, Effects and Solutions 1

Air Pollution: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Rose Mary Gen Judilla

Cabancalan National High School, Mandaue City

Abstract
The study presented in this paper was influenced by the previous work, aiming to deepen
our own understanding about the given topic (air pollution). This study was researched on a
different websites and other books that are related to air pollution, gaining information from
different sources. The data presented here are valuable for writing students who might have
interest in this field, having more knowledge about the topic.

Introduction

Air pollution occurs when gases, dust particles, fumes (or smoke) or odour are
introduced \into the atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful to humans, animals and
plant. This is because the air becomes dirty (contaminated or unclean). 

The Earth is surrounded by a blanket of air (made up of various gases) called the
atmosphere. The atmosphere helps protect the Earth and allow life to exist. Without it, we would
be burned by the intense heat of the sun during the day or frozen by the very low temperatures at
night.

Any additional gas, particles or odours that are introduced into the air (either by nature or
human activity) to distort this natural balance and cause harm to living things can be called air
pollution.

Things that pollute the air are called pollutants. Examples of pollutants include nitrogen
oxides, carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons, sulphur oxides (usually from factories), sand or dust
particles, and organic compounds that can evaporate and enter the atmosphere. When pollution
occurs in the air, it can easily travel and spread, and because we breathe in air, we cannot easily
avoid it. (eSchooltoday, 2008-2015)

What causes Air Pollution? “Most air pollution comes from energy use and production,”
says John Walke, director of the Clean Air Project, part of the Climate and Clean Air program at
NRDC. “Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air.” And in an especially
destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to climate change but is also
exacerbated by it. “Air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide and methane raises the earth’s
temperature,” Walke says. “Another type of air pollution is then worsened by that increased heat:
Smog forms when the weather is warmer and there’s more ultraviolet radiation.” Climate change
also increases the production of allergenic air pollutants including mold (thanks to damp
conditions caused by extreme weather and increased flooding) and pollen (due to a longer pollen
season and more pollen production).

Effects of Air Pollution 3

“While we’ve made progress over the last 40-plus years improving air quality in the U.S. thanks
to the Clean Air Act, climate change will make it harder in the future to meet pollution standards,
which are designed to protect health,” says Kim Knowlton, senior scientist and deputy director of
the NRDC Science Center.

Smog and soot

These two are the most prevalent types of air pollution. Smog, or “ground-level ozone,” as it is
more wonkily called, occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight.
Soot, or “particulate matter,” is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or
allergens, in the form of gas or solids, that are carried in the air. The EPA’s “Plain English Guide
to the Clean Air Act” states, “In many parts of the United States, pollution has reduced the
distance and clarity of what we see by 70 percent.” The sources of smog and soot are similar.
“Both come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, engines—anything that
combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gas, or natural gas,” Walke says. The tiniest airborne particles
in soot—whether they’re in the form of gas or solids—are especially dangerous because they can
penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and worsen bronchitis, lead to heart attacks, and even hasten
death.

Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs—especially of people who work
or exercise outside, children, and senior citizens. It’s even worse for people who have asthma or
allergies—these extra pollutants only intensify their symptoms and can trigger asthma attacks.
 4

“The less gasoline we burn, the better we’re doing to reduce air pollution and harmful effects of
climate change,” Walke says. “Make good choices about transportation. When you can, walk,
ride a bike, or take public transportation. For driving, choose cars that get better miles per gallon
of gas or choose an electric car.” You can also investigate your power provider options—you
may be able to request that your electricity be supplied by wind or solar. Buying your food
locally cuts down on the fossil fuels burned in trucking or flying food in from across the country.
And perhaps most important, “Support leaders who push for clean air and water and responsible
steps on climate change,” Walke says. (NRDC, 2017)

References
ESchoolToday (2008) Your Cool Facts and Tips on Air Pollution. Retrieved from
http://eschooltoday.com/pollution/air-pollution/what-is-air-pollution.html

NRDC (2017) Air Pollution: Everything You Need To Know. Retrieved from
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know