Introduction to Environmental Science
Dr. Abubakar Dar
Associate Lecturer
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Air Pollution
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is one such form that refers to the contamination of the
air, irrespective of indoors or outside
Air pollution is the contamination of atmosphere (air) that disturbs
the natural composition and chemistry of air
A physical, biological or chemical alteration to the air in the
atmosphere (that makes it difficult for plants, animals and humans to
survive as the air becomes dirty) can be termed as pollution
Any additional gas, particles or odors 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
Types of pollutants
Primary pollutants: The pollutants that are a direct result of the
process can be called primary pollutants
A classic example of a primary pollutant would be the sulfur-
dioxide emitted from factories
Secondary pollutants are the ones that are caused by the inter
mingling and reactions of primary pollutants
Smog created by the interactions of several primary pollutants is
known to be as secondary pollutant
Acid rain which is formed when sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide
react with water
NO2, which is formed as NO combines with oxygen in the air
What are the common air
pollutants around?
What are the causes of air pollution?
Air pollution can result from both human and natural actions
Natural events that pollute the air include;
forest fires
volcanic eruptions
wind erosion
pollen dispersal
evaporation of organic compounds
natural radioactivity
Pollution from natural occurrences is not very often
Human activities are the main cause of air pollution
Burning of fossil fuels
SO2 emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum
and other factory combustibles
Emission from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, & airplanes
CO & NOx caused by improper or incomplete combustion & generally
emitted from vehicles
NOx that is produced from both natural & man-made processes
Agricultural activities
Ammonia is a very common by-product from agriculture related
activities
Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases in the
atmosphere
Use of insecticides, pesticides & fertilizers in agricultural
activities
They emit harmful chemicals into the air & can also
cause water pollution
Exhaust from factories & industries
Manufacturing industries release large amount of CO,
hydrocarbons, organic compounds, & chemicals into the air
Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of the
earth & there is no area that has not been affected by them
Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons & various other
chemicals that pollute the air & also cause land pollution
Mining operations
Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted
using large equipment
During the mining process dust & chemicals are released in the
air causing massive air pollution
This is one of the reason which is responsible for the deteriorating
health conditions of workers & nearby residents
Indoor air pollution
Household cleaning products, painting materials emit toxic chemicals in
the air
Have you ever noticed that once you paint walls of your house, it
creates some sort of smell which makes it literally impossible for you
to breathe?
Spray of insecticides etc.
Mosquito or housefly control
Effects of air pollution
1. Respiratory and heart problems
Air pollution creates several respiratory & heart conditions along with
cancer, among other threats to the body
Several millions people have been died due to air pollution
Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly
suffer from pneumonia and asthma
2. Global warming
Air pollution causes global warming
Increase in world temperature & sea levels, & melting of ice,
displacement & loss of habitat
Greenhouse effect
Effects of air pollution…continue
3. Acid Rain
During rains, the water droplets combines with the air pollutants
(such as NO2 & SO2), becomes acidic & then falls on the ground
in the form of acid rain
Acid rain can cause great damage to human, animals & crops
4. Effect on Wildlife
Just like humans, sea or land animals also face some
devastating effects of air pollution
Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to
move to new place & change their habitat
Effects of air pollution…continue
5. Depletion of ozone layer
Ozone exists in earth’s stratosphere & is responsible for
protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons & hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the
atmosphere
Thinning of ozone layer can result in access of harmful rays on
earth & can cause skin & eye related problems
UV rays also have the capability to affect crops
Solutions for air pollution
1. Use public mode of transportation
Encourage people to use more & more public modes of
transportation (e.g. bus & train) to reduce pollution
Make use of carpooling. If you & your colleagues come from the
same locality & have same timings you can explore this option to
save energy & money
Solutions for air pollution…continue
2. Conserve energy
Switch off fans & lights when you are going out
Large amount of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity
You can save the environment from degradation by reducing the
amount of fossil fuels to be burned
Solutions for air pollution…continue
3. Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle (3Rs)
Do not throw away items that are of no use to you. In-fact reuse them
for some other purpose, e.g. use old jars to store cereals or pulses
4. Use energy efficient devices
CFL lights consume less electricity as against their counterparts
They live longer, consume less electricity, lower electricity bills & also
help you to reduce pollution by consuming less energy
Solutions for air pollution…continue
5. Emphasis on clean energy resources
Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal are on high
these days
Governments of various countries have been providing grants to
consumers who are interested in installing solar panels for their home
