What do we mean by
air pollution?
It's simple. Air pollution refers to the
release of pollutants into the air like
Nitrogen Oxide, Volatile Organic
Compounds, Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur
Oxide, dioxins, and other harmful gases.
Once these gases are released, they
become a colossal threat to the
environment and human health.
Introduction
Fresh air is vital for life on Earth, yet air pollution persists,
threatening our health and environment. Numerous causes
contribute to this problem, including industrial emissions,
vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels, agricultural practices,
deforestation, and inadequate waste management. To combat
air pollution, we must adopt multifaceted strategies. These
include transitioning to clean energy sources, improving
transportation systems, regulating industrial emissions,
promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting ecosystems, and
raising awareness. By addressing these causes and
implementing effective solutions, we can mitigate air pollution
and safeguard the well-being of both current and future
generations.
Major Causes Of
Air Pollution
It is well known to everyone how air pollution happens.
It happens in many ways. Sometimes careless and
reckless human activities lead to the major reasons for air
pollution. Even though, here are some of the common
causes of air pollution.
The burning of plastic wastes.
Industrial Emission
Wildfires
Transportation
The Burning Of
Plastic Wastes.
How do we avoid plastics from our houses? Either we
throw them or light them up, right? These careless acts will
lead to the worst pollution ever. Burning them releases
toxic gases like dioxins, furans, mercury, and
polychlorinated. These gases are a threat to the atmosphere,
vegetation, humans, and animal health. If we throw them
out, they can remain in the soil for 20-500 years before
fully decomposing based on the material and structure.
Over these years, it pollutes the soil and harms the earth.
Are There Any
Alternatives For
Plastic?
Developing alternatives to plastic that replicate its
properties is a challenge. While scientists pursue eco-
friendly options, reducing plastic use remains crucial.
Small steps, like opting for reusable items and participating
in clean-up efforts, make a big impact. Every action
contributes to minimising plastic pollution and preserving
the environment. Whether it's choosing products with
recyclable packaging or joining community clean-up
events, collective efforts matter. By embracing these
actions, individuals can play a vital role in reducing plastic
pollution and ensuring a healthier planet for future
generations.
Industrial Emission
Industries are significant contributors to various forms of
pollution, comprising about one-third of overall pollution
levels. They rank as the second-largest source of air, water, and
sound pollution. Pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are released during industrial
operations, with emissions far surpassing expectations. Studies
highlight electricity-producing industries as the primary
atmospheric polluters due to extensive fossil fuel combustion.
These emissions pose significant threats to the ozone layer,
leading to its depletion. Addressing industrial pollution is
crucial for mitigating environmental damage and preserving
public health.
Wildfires
Wildfires, often ignited by lightning strikes in forested areas, are
unpredictable and uncontrolled events that lead to significant
environmental damage. These fires spread rapidly, consuming trees,
grasses, and wildlife, causing air pollution, deforestation, and
endangering animal populations. The United States and Canada
frequently experience wildfires, posing threats to ecosystems and human
communities. Animals suffer injuries, burns, and habitat loss,
exacerbating biodiversity loss. Additionally, human activities like
improper trash burning or campfires can contribute to wildfires,
emphasising the importance of caution and preventative measures in
wildfire-prone areas. Preserving forests and implementing fire safety
protocols are essential for mitigating wildfire risks and protecting both
ecosystems and communities.
Transportation
Transportation holds a neck-to-neck position with industries in the rate
of air pollution. As we all know, the number of vehicles on the road is
increasing day by day. Just look around, we could see houses with more
than three vehicles even if they don't need all of them. As the number of
vehicles increases, the rate of pollution also tends to be increased. Old
model vehicles are more likely to produce more pollution than new ones.
Because when the vehicles get older and older, the amount of carbon
emission increases.
The rate of pollution is still on the rise even after the government and
authorities made pollution laws strict. Every country has its own vehicle
emission standards or norms for the safety of the environment and
people living in the country. But still, transportation holds the position
for the majority of air pollutions happening around the world.
How Can We Reduce Pollution
Caused By Vehicles?
Advancements in technology have led to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs)
as viable alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel engines for
automobiles. EVs are pollution-free and more efficient, boasting five times
the efficiency and four times less pollution compared to conventional
vehicles. They can be conveniently charged at home or at charging stations,
contributing to reduced emissions and improved air quality. The increasing
adoption of EVs is expected, with projections indicating that by 2025, at
least 50% of new vehicles will be electric. Encouraging alternatives such
as walking, cycling, or using public transportation for short distances
further promotes environmental and personal health.
What Are The Health Issues
Due To Air Pollution?
The quality of the air we breathe significantly impacts our
health, particularly for urban residents who face increased
risks of heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and
respiratory infections due to pollution. Children exposed to
poor air quality may suffer from reduced lung capacity,
asthma, and emphysema, while seniors are more susceptible
to allergies and breathing difficulties. Precautionary
measures such as wearing masks outdoors and using air
purifiers at home can mitigate these health risks by
improving indoor air quality. Investing in these measures
helps create a healthier environment for all occupants,
promoting overall well-being.
How Does Air Pollution Affec
Environmental Health?
The toxic gases also affect the environment in the same
way. As the amount of harmful gases increases in the
earth, the uncertainty of the environment's health also
increases. Changes in climates like temperature hikes,
monsoon pattern shifts, and unexpected cyclones are a
few examples. In these, ozone layer depletion is being the
most complicated one.
We already know what is an ozone layer, and whats does it
do? Let's recall them for a while. The ozone layer is a part
of the earth's atmosphere, and it absorbs almost all of the
sun's harmful ultraviolet light. Guess what will happen
when the ozone layer gets holes. All the harmful rays will
fall into the animals, plants, and people on earth through
the ozone layer holes. Studies say that by 2064 the ozone
layer concentration levels may come to zero if the rate of
pollution continues invariably. If that happens, the earth
Conclusion
Day by day, the rate of pollution is
increasing. The hard truth is, nobody is
really caring about the future of our planet.
Even the government and authorities are
keeping their eyes closed on social issues
like global warming, air pollution, and soil
erosion. If it keeps going like this, the earth
will become uninhabitable.
Protecting the earth from pollutions is not
deputed on somebody else. Each one of us
should take responsibility and behave
sensibly to protect the earth from pollution.
THANK YOU
MADE BY : DIYA BHATIA ,MIRAYA
THAKAR , PRIYANA BATRA