BU ENV U-III

Greenhouse gas-

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere,
warming the planet and supporting life

Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and some artificial
chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Many of the impacts of climate change pose risks to human and natural systems, through
more frequent and severe heat waves, coastal inundation due to sea level rise, disruptions
to rainfall patterns and other effects. Analyses of a range of climate scenarios indicate that
some of the most severe risks of climate change can be mitigated if greenhouse gas
emissions are reduced to the point they are no longer accumulating in the atmosphere.

Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s
energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and some is
absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases.

The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. This process
maintains the Earth’s temperature at around 33°C warmer than it would otherwise be,
allowing life on Earth to exist.

The problem we now face is that human activities – particularly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil
and natural gas), agriculture and land clearing – are increasing the concentrations of
greenhouse gases. This is increasing the greenhouse effect, which is contributing to warming
of the Earth.

Particulate matter (PM)

Particulate matter consists of a mixture of solids and liquid droplets. Particulate matter can
either be emitted directly or form when pollutants from various sources react in the
atmosphere.

Particulate matter comes in different sizes and those smaller than 10 micro-meters are able
to enter our lungs and cause serious health problems.

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PM10 is particulate matter smaller than 10 micro-meters in diameter.

PM2.5 (or fine particles) is particulate matter smaller than 2,5 micro-meters in diameter.

Both the EU and World Health Organization consider the total mass of PM10 and PM2.5 as
the indicator for the definition of their standards.

Particulate matter has been linked with illnesses and deaths from heart or lung disease. The
World Health Organization has collected enough scientific evidence to state that the most
harmful exposure to particulate matter is long-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5).
Check out our latest air quality report, our section on air pollution and the European
environment and health atlas further information.

Sources of Air pollution -

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Air pollution is contamination of the indoor
or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the
natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

The main sources of Air pollution are-

1. Household combustion devices,

2. motor vehicles,
3. industrial facilities and
4. forest fires.

And Pollutants of major public health concern include-

1. particulate matter,
2. carbon monoxide,
3. ozone,
4. nitrogen dioxide and
5. sulfur dioxide.

Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important
sources of morbidity and mortality.

WHO data show that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO
guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income
countries suffering from the highest exposures.

Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the
drivers of air pollution (i.e. combustion of fossil fuels) are also sources of greenhouse gas

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emissions. Policies to reduce air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for both
climate and health, lowering the burden of disease attributable to air pollution, as well as
contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.

The World Health Organization recommendation on Air Quality Standards -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines on ambient (outdoor) air
pollution levels, which are widely used as reference tools by policymakers across the world
to set standards and goals for air quality management. The guidelines provide evidenced,
health-based standards for specific air pollutants that cities should adopt as air quality
targets. Initially set in 2005, they were updated in 2021 to reflect far-reaching evidence that
shows how air pollution affects many aspects of health, even at low levels. The current
recommended limits for concentrations and exposures are lower than the previous
guidelines across nearly all pollutants.

Air pollution has severe health impacts in cities around the world. Together with the
connected issue of climate change, the WHO recognises air pollution as the biggest global
health threat in the current century.1 Every year, exposure to ambient air pollution is
estimated to cause around 4.5 million premature deaths globally, and indoor air pollution
causes a further 2.3 million.2 By comparison, the COVID-19 pandemic caused around 5
million deaths globally in 2020, and around 12 million deaths in 2021, according to the WHO.

PM2.5, fine particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, is the most dangerous
pollutant because it can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system, causing
cardiovascular and respiratory disease and cancers. It affects more people than other
pollutants and has health impacts even at very low concentrations. By reducing air pollution
levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease, and long and short-term illnesses.

The WHO guidelines state that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed
5 µg/m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not exceed 15 µg/m3 more than 3 – 4 days
per year.

Interim targets have been set to support the planning of incremental milestones toward
cleaner air, particularly for cities, regions and countries that are struggling with high air
pollution levels.

For PM2.5 these are:-

35 µg/m3 annual mean, 75 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

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25 µg/m3 annual mean, 50 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

15 µg/m3 annual mean, 37.5 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

10 µg/m3 annual mean, 25 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

The recommended guideline levels for the other key pollutants are:-

PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less) concentrations of 15 µg/m3

annual mean, 45 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

Ozone (O3) concentrations of 100 µg/m3 8-hour mean.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations of 10 µg/m3 annual average and 25 µg/m3 24-hour
mean.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations of 40 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

Carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations of 7 µg/m3 24-hour mean.

(For details visit WHO website)

Effect of Air pollution on human health, Environment and other species -

Effect on human health –

Air pollution is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust,
fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapor, in quantities and duration that can be injurious to
human health. The main pathway of exposure from air pollution is through the respiratory
tract. Breathing in these pollutants leads to inflammation, oxidative stress,
immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout our body, impacting the lungs,
heart, brain among other organs and ultimately leading to disease.

Almost every organ in the body can be impacted by air pollution. Due to their small size,
some air pollutants are able to penetrate into the bloodstream via the lungs and circulate
throughout the entire body leading to systemic inflammation and carcinogenicity.

Diseases associated with exposure to air pollution

Air pollution is a risk for all-cause mortality as well as specific diseases. The specific disease
outcomes most strongly linked with exposure to air pollution include stroke, ischaemic heart
disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and cataract
(household air pollution only).

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There is suggestive evidence also linking air pollution exposure with increased risk for
adverse pregnancy outcomes (i.e. low-birth weight, small for gestational age), other cancers,
diabetes, cognitive impairment and neurological diseases.

Although there are many toxins that have adverse impacts on health, pollutants with the
strongest evidence for public health concern include particulate matter (PM), carbon
monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Fine
particulate matter are an especially important source of health risks, as these very small
particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to organs
causing systemic damages to tissues and cells.

Effects on Environment-

Air pollution impacts human beings and affects the entire surrounding and animals and
plants. Let us know about the effects of Air Pollution on the Environment.

1. Harms Human Health-Air pollution introduces chemicals, particulate matter, or

biological material that cause harm or discomfort to organisms. The atmosphere is a
complex natural gaseous system essential to support life on Earth. It is a mixture of
nitrogen ( 78% ), oxygen ( 21% ), water vapour, and other gases. Air pollution, also
called air contamination, introduces chemicals, particulate matter, or biological
materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms in the
atmosphere.
2. Harms plants and animals-Pollution can have many adverse effects on plants. Air
pollution can damage plants directly by affecting their ability to breathe through tiny
pores in plant leaves called stomata. Ozone pollution damages stomata by attacking
their membranes and interferes with their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. The result
is that most types of plants lose the ability to create food from light energy. The
combination of acid rain and nitrogen oxides in the soil also decreases plant growth
by changing soil pH so it cannot absorb nutrients for plant use.
3. Cause Acid Rain-Acid rain forms when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide mix with
water droplets in the atmosphere to make sulfuric acid and nitric acid. It happens
when there is a lot of pollution from fossil fuels. Acidic rain is harmful to trees, lakes,
and buildings. It can kill fish and birds, damage statues and other stone buildings,
cause cars to rust faster, corrode metal bridges, hurt rice crops and marble statues,
etc. Acid rain causes damage to the environment by changing the pH of the soil,
water, and air. It is a costly problem that harms plants, animals, and buildings. Acid

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 rain also damages marble, limestone, and other natural materials made of calcium
carbonate.
4. Reduces Sunlight-Particulate pollution from all types of burning directly impacts the
amount of sunlight reaching the surface and, in many cases, changes the appearance
of the sky. A reduction in sunlight affects rates of photosynthesis and slows forest
recovery and leaf growth in forests. The particles reflect light that plants would
typically absorb. This indirect effect can significantly impact agriculture, reducing
crop yields.

Effect on other species -

Animals are affected by air pollution in multiple ways. The list of possible conditions
developed in pets exposed to harmful substances includes:

Respiratory diseases such as asthma – it’s worth mentioning that in the case of animals the
aftermaths are noticeable much later and are hard to diagnose. Nevertheless, it’s been
proven that toxic fumes and smog damage the lungs of pets, as their respiratory systems are
much more sensitive than those of humans.

Problems with fertility – air pollutants have a negative impact on the animals’ ability to
reproduce which may lead to infertility.

Weak immune system – animals that breathe in polluted air are more vulnerable to various
illnesses and infectious diseases.

Allergies, infections, skin irritations – just like humans, animals are likely to suffer from all
kinds of allergies and skin issues caused by smog.

Liver conditions – in order to detoxify itself, liver needs plenty of clean water. As you may
guess, wild animals don’t always have access to quality sources, and they drink from
polluted surfaces. This, in turn, has a negative impact on their liver health.

Extinction – yes, this is also how air pollution affects animals. Certain species need fresh air
to survive. Exposure to contaminants may cause death due to poisoning or suffocation.

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Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

Objectives-

The main objectives of the Act are to improve air quality, by setting rules to control industrial
pollution, control pollutant emissions from the industries to protect the environment, and
set rules to protect human health. The government has the power to make rules as per
Section 53 and Section 54 of the Act whenever it is necessary.

In order to control the problem of air pollution the Act has been enacted. The Act has set
rules for the establishment of the Air Quality Control Board as per Section 3 and Section 4 of
the Act. The main function of the Board is to reduce and control the level of air pollution in
India as per Section 16 and Section 17 of the Act.

Offences and penalty -

1. Causing air pollution beyond air quality limits- The law bans industries from releasing
any air pollutants more than the limits the State Pollution Control Board has laid
down. If they do, the person in-charge of the establishment has to immediately notify
the State Pollution Control Board and they have to pay for any corrective measures
that the agencies undertake to reduce the impact of such harmful emissions as per
the polluter pays principle. The concerned State Pollution Control Board can make
an application to a Court (not below a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial
Magistrate of the First Class) for restraining the offender from emitting the air
pollutant. The polluter will have to reimburse the costs (plus interest the State
departments have to bear to control the pollution.
2. An industrial plant is set up or operated without proper permission- It is a crime for
an industrial plant to set up or operate without the proper permissions from the State
Pollution Control Board or exceed the allowed emission limits or the proper pollution
control equipment. The punishment is jail time of one and half years to six years,
along with a fine. If the violation continues, then an added fine of Rs. 5,000
(maximum) can also be imposed for each day it continues. If such failure continues
for more than a year, then the offender can be punished with jail time for two to seven
years, with fine.
3. Use of vehicle in unsafe condition- If a vehicle is driven in a public place, which
violates the standards laid down in relation to noise and air pollution, it is a
punishable offence. The punishment is a fine of Rs. 10,000.
4. Releasing of harmful pollutants into the environment- Releasing harmful
pollutants into the environment forms part of the offence of public nuisance as they
make the air toxic and are injurious to the health of people. Even smoking in public

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 places is considered to be a crime of public nuisance. The punishment is a fine of
Rs. 500.
5. Engaging in activities that are harmful to the health and physical comfort of the
community- Operating industries and other processes that release air pollutants
causing harmful health issues as well as discomfort to the people is an offence. This
includes any conduct of any such trade or business that is harmful and causes
imminent danger to the health of the people and threatens their physical discomfort.
A Magistrate can pass an order for removal of nuisance to stop such activities.

The sources of water pollution are :

1. Sewage (Waste Water):The sewage water carries pathogens, a typical water

pollutant, other harmful bacterias, and chemicals that can cause serious health
problems and thereby diseases.
2. Agricultural Pollution: Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used by farmers to
protect crops from insects and bacterias. However, when these chemicals are mixed
up with water, they produce harmful pollutants for plants and animals.
3. Oil Pollution: Oil spill poses a huge threat to marine life when a large amount of oil
spills into the sea and does not dissolve in water. It causes problems for local marine
wildlife, including fish, birds, and sea otters.
4. Industrial Waste: Industries produce a tremendous amount of waste, which contains
toxic chemicals and pollutants, causing air pollution and damage to our environment
and us.
5. The burning of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels like coal and oil, when burnt, produce a
substantial amount of ash in the

Importance of water -

Water is a basic resource for our life and one of the most essential components of our planet
Earth. It is used for drinking, cleaning, transportation, electricity generation, and industries.
It is a cyclic resource and has an abundant supply, approximately, 71% surface of our planet
is covered by water, but the portion of freshwater is only 3 percent of the total water. Also,
water is distributed in such a way that only a small fraction of total freshwater available on
the earth is useful for human consumption. Around 2.45% of the world’s surface area is in

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India whereas 4% of the world’s water resource is for India’s population. With the rapid
growth in industrialization, modernization, urbanization, growing population, and agriculture
the demand for water has been pushed up manifolds but the freshwater resources are in a
limited quantity.

With the receding supply of fresh water and enhancing demand for water, there is a need to
conserve and manage water for sustainable development. Water conservation and
management include the policies, framework, and strategies to manage water effectively
and efficiently. The importance of water conservation and management is that the basic
ecological and life-sustaining system will function properly, drought effects will reduce, food
production enhanced, sanitation improves, water conservation saves money, helps in
maintaining global peace and geopolitical stability, promote recreational purposes, and
many more.

1. Ecological Balance

Water is the lifeblood of ecosystems. It supports wetlands, rivers, lakes, and the surrounding
flora and fauna. Conserving water resources ensures the preservation of these ecosystems,
which, in turn, contributes to biodiversity conservation. A balanced ecosystem provides
valuable services like water purification and flood control, benefiting the environment and
society.

2. Human Health

Access to clean and safe drinking water is an essential right of every human being. It is
fundamental for good health and well-being and should be made available without
discrimination. Waterborne diseases, often from contaminated water sources, are a
significant global health concern. By conserving water and maintaining water quality, we can
safeguard public health and reduce the prevalence of water-related illnesses.

3. Food Security

Freshwater is mainly used in agriculture. By 2050, with the world’s population expected to
reach 9 billion, there will be an increased demand for food. Water conservation practices,
such as efficient irrigation techniques and crop selection, are vital for ensuring food security
while minimizing water wastage.

4. Energy Production

Water is an integral component of energy production, particularly in hydropower and cooling

systems for thermal power plants. Conserving water reduces the energy sector’s water use
and mitigates the environmental impact of energy generation while decreasing GHG
emissions.

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 5. Economic Benefits

Water conservation isn’t just about altruism; it makes economic sense. Businesses and
industries implementing water-efficient practices can reduce operational costs, improve
sustainability, and enhance their reputation, all while contributing to the global effort to
conserve water resources.

The Water Act, 1974-

The objectives of Water Act are as follows:

1. To provide for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution

2. For maintenance or restoration of the quality of water.
3. For the establishment of pollution control water boards.
4. To assess pollution levels and punish polluters.

Offences and penal under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974-

1. Prohibition on the use of streams or well for disposing of off the polluting matter: -
This provision is applicable in case anyone is intentionally polluting or allowing the
entry of harmful, poisonous or contaminating material into any water stream, sewer
or land. Allowing any matter that obstructs the flow of water in a stream, and can
make the situation worse as a cause or its consequences, is also prohibited. Non-
compliance with this provision can lead to jail time for one and a half years up to six
years.
2. Failure to follow the directions given by the Concerned Pollution Control Boards:- if a
person or industrial establishment fails to follow the provisions or post-compliance
guidelines mentioned in their certificates issued by the board, it will attract jail time
of up to three months and a fine of up to Rs. 10,000. If the entity fails to comply
continues, this will attract an additional penalty of Rs. 5,000 per day. Also, the failure
to follow any order of the State Pollution Control Board that forbids a person from
discharging harmful or contaminating matter into streams, well, or land or making it
unclean for use is also punishable.
3. Failure to follow the order of the Court’s directions:- Failure to obey an order of the
Court of law for restraining any polluting activities or the inability to follow any
recommendation made by the Central Government about water pollution will also
lead to prosecution of the errant individual or body under this provision. That is jail

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 time for 1 year and 6 months, which might extend to six years along with a fine. A Rs.
5000 per day additional fine can also be levied if the non-compliance continues.
4. Operation or establishment without the consent of the Board:- If any disposal or
treatment plant is established without the permission of the State Board, or if any
industry discharges its effluent into the water stream (well, sewer or land) over the
standards laid down by the State Board and without the board’s consent, it will be
deemed as a contravention of rules and punishable under the Environment
(Protection) Act.
5. Contaminating water reservoir or public- If a person intentionally pollutes the water
of a public spring or reservoir and makes it unfit for use or consumption, the
punishment is jail time of up to 3 months and a fine of up to Rs. 500 or both.
6. Engaging in activities that are harmful to the health of the community:- Operating
industries and other processes that pollute water bodies and groundwater and cause
detrimental health issues and discomfort to the people is prohibited under the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This includes any conduct of any such
trade or business that is harmful and causes imminent danger to people’s health.

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