AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the
planet. • Sources of Air Pollution: Most air pollution comes from energy use and production. Some
major sources are automobiles, electrical power plants, industries and heating plant. • Air Pollutants
and their effects: ➢ S02 (Sulphur Dioxide): It is a natural impurity in fossil fuels and natural ores. Hence,
they are released during combustion of fossil fuels, petroleum products and natural ores. They are
responsible to cause acid rain which is formed by condensation of sulphuric acid after the gas reacts
with the moisture present in the air. Acid rain has negative impact on natural vegetation and causes skin
and respiratory diseases. It also damages artificial monuments and buildings.

➢ CO (Carbon monoxide): It is oxidised carbon in limited supply of oxygen which is primarily produced
by burning of different forms of carbon like coal. Hence, they are primarily released by old vehicles,
electrical appliances, industries and extraction plants. It has adverse effect on respiration as it reduces
the oxygen carrying capacity of RBC (haemoglobin) causing anaemia, headache, nausea, heart palpation
and difficulty in breathing.

➢ Lead/Aerosols: Lead is the product of automobile exhaust. It induces abnormalities in fertility and
pregnancy. Likewise, it could also damage liver, kidney, intestine and interfere with the development of
erythrocytes. Similarly, Aerosols is by-product of air engines. They are believed to deplete the ozone
layer hence increasing the chances of getting harmful skin diseases cause by the impact of UV rays.

➢ Other Greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide is one of the most prominent greenhouse gases. It is known
to have increased the eth’s temperature alongside with other greenhouse gases like oxides of nitrogen.
Nitrogen oxides also form toxic substances like Peroxyacetyl nitrate which cause several health hazards
like stinging of eyes, coughing, dry throat and pulmonary congestion. These gases also bring some
unnatural changes in climate like drought, variety in rain and increase in sea level which is collectively
called the greenhouse effect.

Air Pollution

Control and Preventive Measures: • Use of cheap fuel with high impurities should be avoided •
Alternative sources of energy should be used • Air pollutants should b controlled as the point source by
using electrostatic precipitator specially in industries • Car exhaust, machinery, engines should be
maintained and check regularly and replaced periodically • Afforestation and plantation should be
carried out regularly. • Public awareness programmes should be launched. They must be motivating to
participate in the precautionary activities.