What is Air Pollution? Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the cir. It is the contamination of air by harevful gases, dust ond smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An increase or decrease in the composition of these gases is harmful $2 survival. This imbalance in the gaseous composition has resulfed in an increase in earth's temperature, which is known as global warming Types of ir Pollutants There are 4wo types of air polkutants: Primary Rollctonts The pollutants that directly cause air polhution are known as primary pollutants. Sulphur-dioxide emitted from foctories is a primary pollutant Secondary Pollutants The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary pollutant Causes of Air Pollution Following are the important causes of air pollstion: Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.Automobiles The gases emitted from vehicles such os jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, efc. pollute the environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among indviduols Agriculhural Activities Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. the insecticides, pesticides ond fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it. Factories ond Industries Factories ond industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals, These are released into the air, degrading its quality. Mining Activities In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of equipment. the dust and chemicals released during the process net only pollute the air, but alse deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas. Domestic Sources, The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air. The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. I} not only pellutes the air but also affects breathing Effects of Air PollutionThe hazardous effects of air pellction on the environment inchude Diseases Air pellution has resulfed in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. The coses of lung concer have increased in the last few decades. Children living near polluted areas are more prone 4o pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects of air pollition Global Warming Due fo the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air This has led 40 an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth's temperature is known as global worming This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater. Acid Rain The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air, the water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which damages human, animal and plant life Ozone Layer Depletion The release of chloroflucrecarbons, halons, and hydrechlerefluerecarbens in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals. Effect on AnimalsThe air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution also compels the animals 4o leave their habitat and chift to 2 new place. this renders them stray and has alse led 40 the extinction of a large number of animal species. Air Pollution Control Fellowing are the rneasures one should adept, 4o contral air pollution: Avoid Using Vehicles Reople should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place fo another. This not only prevents pollution, but also conserves energy