air pollution
air pollution

 



DEFINITION

 Air pollution is the pollution of the air due to the presence in the atmosphere of substances that are harmful to the health of humans and other living organisms or that damage the climate and materials.

AIR POLLUTANTS 

Air pollutants are substances in the air that can adversely affect humans and ecosystems. Substances can be solid particles, droplets, or gases. Contaminants can be natural or man-made.

Air pollutants include 

  1. gases (ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, etc.)
  2. particulates (both organic and inorganic) 
  3. biomolecules 
  4. many other types. 


CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION 

air pollution
air pollution

The main causes of air pollution are:

  •     Burning fossil fuels

Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of sulfur dioxide. Carbon monoxide released from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also contributes to air pollution.

  •     Car

Emissions from vehicles pollute the environment. These are major sources of greenhouse gases and also lead to individual illness. 

  •     Agricultural activity

Ammonia is one of the most dangerous gases released from agricultural activities. Pesticides, pesticides, and fertilizers release harmful chemicals into the air and pollute the air.

  •      Factory and Industry

Factories and industries are major sources of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons, and chemicals. These are released into the air and degrade quality.

  •      Domestic source

Household cleaners and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released into the air. The smell of freshly painted walls comes from the chemicals in the paint. Not only does it pollute the air, but it also affects breathing.


AIR POLLUTION A THREAT TO HUMANS

air pollution| threat to human health
air pollution| threat to human health


When the National Ambient Air Quality Standards were enacted in 1970, air pollution was primarily considered a threat to respiratory health. In 1993, NIEHS researchers published the groundbreaking Six Cities Study linking particulate matter and mortality.

Exposure to air pollution is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which can contribute to chronic disease and cancer. 

In 2013, the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer classified air pollution as a human carcinogen.


Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk of premature death, responsible for more than 6 million premature deaths each year from heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory disease. That's more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.


Exposure to state pollution can affect everyone's health. When air pollutants are inhaled, they can enter the bloodstream, cause coughing and itchy eyes, and cause or exacerbate many respiratory and lung diseases, leading to hospitalization, cancer, and even premature death.

Short-term and long- term exposure to air adulterants can beget a variety of health problems. For people with asthma or habitual obstructive pulmonary complaint (COPD/ emphysema or habitual bronchitis), air pollution can make it delicate to breathe, spark asthma attacks, gasping, and coughing.

 Air pollution also increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, affecting people who are already sick.

Human health risks from air pollution vary greatly depending on age, location, underlying medical conditions, and other factors.

It can also cause other health problems such as:


  • Exacerbation of respiratory diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma
  • Damage to the lungs, even after symptoms such as coughing and sore throat have subsided wheezing, chest pain, thirst, headache, or nausea.
  • Decreased resistance to infection.
  • increased fatigue
  • decreased exercise capacity.


POPULATION GROUPS AT Risk OF AIR POLLUTION 

  1. People with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  2. infants
  3. People who work or play sports outdoors.
  4. Adults over 65
  5. people with cardiovascular disease
  6. poor people; people without access to medical care
  7. smoker or secondhand smoker
  8. People whose occupation exposes them to polluted air.
  9. People who spend a lot of time near busy roads

HOW TO BE SAFE FROM AIR POLLUTION 

safety from air pollution
safety from air pollution
  • Reduce drive. ...
  • Keep your car in good condition. ...
  • Turn off the engine. ...
  • Please don't burn garbage. ...
  • Limit fires in city backyards. ... 
  • Plant a tree and take care of it. ...
  • Switch to an electric or manual mower. ...
  • Consume less gas!