2. CONTENTS
• Definition of air pollution
• Causes of air pollution
• Effect of air pollution
• Control measures of air pollution
3. DEFINITION
• Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or
biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other
living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built
environment, into the atmosphere.
• Air pollution is identified as a major environmental health hazard by
agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and
governments around the world.
4. CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION
• 1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels
Most of the air pollution takes place due to the burning of fossil fuels such
as coal, oil, gasoline to produce energy for electricity or transportation. The
release of carbon monoxide in high level indicates how much fossil fuel is
burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants in the air. Inhaling air
induced with pollutants due to the burning of natural gas and fossil fuel
reduces hearts ability to pump enough oxygen causing one to suffer
respiratory illness.
6. 2. Industrial Emission
Industrial activities emit several pollutants in the air that affects the air quality more
than we can even imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulfur
dioxide, and carbon monoxide are key pollutants that are emitted from industries that
use coal and wood as their primary energy source for production of their goods.
Industrial pollution effects associated with your health can range from irritation in
your eyes and throat to breathing issues, at times can even lead to chronic illness.
7. Use of toxic products also called as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), inadequate
ventilation, uneven temperature, and humidity level can cause indoor air pollution, whether
you are in office, school or at your comfortable home. House air pollution can take place due to
ignorant factors, for instance, smoking tobacco inside a room, or leaving mold infected wall
untreated. Use of wood stove or space heaters is capable to increase the humidity level which
can directly affect the health a person in no time
3. Indoor Air Pollution
8. 4. Wildfires
Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but also spiking air pollution. Burning
stubble and farm residue is also a major contribution to wildfire. It causes increased PM
2.5 in the air which collides with other harmful substances like chemical gas and pollen
creating smog. Smog makes the air hazy and people find it difficult to breathe.
9. 5. Microbial Decaying Process
Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of carbon
monoxides, hydrocarbons, chemicals and organic compounds which contaminate our
environment. Bacteria and fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycles
in nature. They are the key indicators of abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying
of these microorganisms present in the surrounding releases methane gas which is
highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may lead to death.
10. 6. Transportation
There is no denying that vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution,
especially in urban cities. When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air
which is as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter. When the vehicle
pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone layer contributing to
smog and causing various health issues
11. 7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste
Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the environment than one
may think. As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health . Delhi generates a
whopping 9500 tons of waste every day, which makes it India’s second waste dumping city.
Exposure to open burning of garbage waste can pose serious health risk including cancer, liver
issues, impairment of immune system, reproductive functions; can also affect the developing
nervous system
12. 8. Construction and Demolition
During clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered
the highest number of air pollution complaints in the Delhi NCR due to construction
and demolition activities. With the rise of population in the city, construction and
demolition is a part of the ever going development phase of the national capital.
Several construction sites and raw materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze and
foul air which is hazardous for the people especially, children and elderly citizens.
13. 9. Agricultural Activities
Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality. To begin with
pesticides and fertilizers are the main source to contaminate the surrounding air. Nowadays,
pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species which are not found in nature, for
quick growth of the crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of
the pesticides are left in the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground which not
only destroys the crops but also causes numerous health-related issues
14. 10. Use of chemical and synthetic products
Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous for
our lives but never talk about indoor air pollution. Household products cause indoor
air pollution which is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution. Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and personal care products such
as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common heath issues. Risks like asthma or
other respiratory issues and lung disease are other issues cause by inhaling poor house
air quality.
15. EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
• Acid deposition
• Eutrophication
• Smog
• Loss of Ozone Layer
• Greenhouse Effect
16. Acid Deposition
• As a result of fossil fuel combustion , sulphur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released
• They react with water to form sulphuric acid
and nitric acid .
• Higher levels of acidity causes metals to
dissolve in water ,thereby polluting the surface
water.
• For example ,higher level of aluminium affect
the nutrient uptake capability of plants leading
to their death and decay.
17. Eutrophication
• The major cause of eutrophication is nitrogen
pollutants such a nitrogen oxides and ammonia
.
• Increase in the amount of plant nutrient in
water bodies encourage the growth of water
plants such as algae and duckweed in large
numbers .
• This growth of plants at the upper levels of
water hinders the movement of sunlight deep
below the water ,thus leading to death of many
deep water organisms.
18. Smog
• Smog is a combination of
smoke and fog .
• Smog consists of more
than 200 chemicals from
diverse sources like water,
automobile treatment ,oil
production ,industrial
solvents , paints and
coating.
19. Loss of Ozone Layer
• Within the stratospheric layer of the
atmosphere lies the ozone which
protects the living beings and the
Earth from ultraviolet rays emitting
from Sun.
• The depletion of Ozone may increase
the occurrence of certain diseases like
malaria , cancer and other infectious
diseases.
20. Greenhouse Effect
• Human activities leads to the generation of a
number of harmful gases .
• These gases capture the energy which is
distributed on Earth in the form of sunlight which
increases the environments temperature.
• Carbon dioxide is produce as a result of burning
of fossil fuels, which leads to the “ greenhouse
effect “ , thereby increasing the Earths surface
temperature which is the major cause of global
warming .
21. CONTROL MEASURES OF AIR
POLLUTION
• The rate with which the air pollution is increasing in the country,
immediate action has become an absolute necessity. Not only does it
affect human lives but also causes havoc in nature.
1.Conserve the energy is the first step towards a better future with clean air
to breathe.
2.Understanding the concept and imbibing the habit of reducing, reuse,
and recycle is crucial.
3.Use public transport whenever it is feasible to save fuel and reduce
vehicle pollution.
