What are the causes and effects of Air Pollution?

The simplest meaning of Air Pollution is the contamination of the Air and it occurs when there is a quality alternation of air physically, biologically or chemically. It happens when the harmful gases, dust particles, smoke, etc. enter into the atmosphere and degrade the quality of Air.  

Two terminologies are closely related to air pollution i.e. PM2.5 & PM10. Do you want to know about them? Read here.

Air is very essential for every species and the quality of air degrading day by day and even has become worse in the last few years. We can’t stop breathing but we could do something for the betterment of the quality of air. So, in this blog, we will get to know about air pollution, causes of air pollution in points, effects of air pollution in points and then possible solutions to air pollution.

What is the condition of Air Quality in India?

I live in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world according to the reports published in the WHO.  The quality of air is degrading day by day and there are several factors responsible for this bad air quality.

Do you want to know the causes of air pollution degrading the air quality of Delhi pointwise?

What are the causes of Air Pollution?

There are several reasons responsible for air pollution & if we want to categorize it, then there are two types of activities responsible for air pollution i.e. natural activities & human activities. Between the two, human activities are primarily responsible for air pollution and it can be controlled.

Let us discuss some major sources responsible for air pollution in points here.

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels

Combustion of fossil fuels, like petrol, diesel, coal, etc. are one of the prime contributors to air pollution. The burning of these non-renewable sources of energy are used in almost every process of industrialization, manufacturing, transport & energy generation, etc.

2. Emission from Industries

A large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, chemicals, organic compounds, etc.  are released from the industries & the factories also causing air pollution.

3. Agricultural Activities

Agricultural activities like the use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers that emit harmful chemicals are the reasons for air pollution. Burning of crop residue in an uncontrolled manner also degrade the quality of air.

4. Natural Activities

There are several natural activities like forest fires, volcanic eruptions also the source of air pollution.

What are the effects of Air Pollution?

It is quite difficult to measure the precise damage caused by air pollution but here we have tried to explain the effect of Air pollution on the environment & human health.

1. Effect of Air Pollution on the Environment

A major contributor to global warming and climate change is Air Pollution. It is known that the presence of greenhouse gases is beneficial for the environment as they absorb the infra-red radiation produced by the surface of the earth but the abundance or the excessive presence of carbon dioxide in the air is the main factors of the greenhouse effect, global warming & climate change.

2. Effect of Air Pollution on Human Health

The continual exposure to air pollutants is the prime factors responsible for the deterioration of human health and causes several types of problems such as irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath, asthma, heart disease, allergies, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, lung damage, etc. Sometimes, it also becomes the reasons for the death of several persons.

Final Words

As discussed above, Air Pollution has become a global problem and the effect of air pollution is very dangerous. The irresponsible behavior of human beings is making the situation even worse & It is the high time to draw attention and make yourself responsible for the planet. The best way to start this is to start with the children as they are the future of the country. Start running awareness programs in schools & colleges and tell them the importance of the environment.

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