Assignment - 4

Major Air Pollutants

KRISHN KANT NIGAM 4
 Assignment - 4

Major Air Pollutants

Air pollution has become a major issue in today’s world. The reason is that air pollution leads to many
diseases and problems related breathing, eyes, and throat. It is also leading serious diseases, such as
damage to lungs and nerves. The levels of air pollution are rising daily. We often read about cities
becoming more and more polluted.

This is because the substances that cause air pollution are increasing. These substances are known as air
pollutants. The levels of each pollutant in air are increasing due to source and cause specific health
effects. The following table shows major air pollutants:

Pollutant Definition Source Human Health

Particulate This is a mixture Internal combustion
Matter of very tiny engines, such as cars and
molecules of air trucks; emissions from
and liquid industry and factories;
droplets. burning of woods; cigarette
smoke; and bushfires
Ozone A gas in Motor vehicle exhaust and
atmosphere. burning of materials, such
as coal, oil and wood. It is
also released from
industrial processes and
waste ignition.
Lead A metal Combustion of lead
used in fuels additives in motor fuels as
and industry. well as lead manufacturing,
waste incineration and
renovation of old houses by
using leaded paint.
Hydrocarbons A family of Most fuel combustion
compounds made processes result in the
up of hydrogen release of hydrocarbons to
and carbon the environment. The
atoms. largest fuel sources are
natural gas and petrol. They
are also a component of the
effects
Long-term exposure is
linked to lung cancer,
heart disease, lung
disease, asthma
attacks and other
health problems.
Ozone affects the lining
of the lungs and causes
eye irritation.
Ozone also damages
plants, buildings and
other materials.
Lead retards learning in
children and the
development of their
nervous system.
Lead also affects
almost every organ in
the body, whether it is
inhaled or ingested.
Exposure can cause
headaches or nausea,
while some
compounds may cause
cancer. Some may also
damage plants.

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 Assignment - 4

smoke from wood fires.

Nitrogen dioxide A gas in Motor vehicles are the Exposure to high levels
atmosphere biggest contributors. of nitrogen dioxide
may lead to lung
damage or respiratory
disease.

CONCLUSION:-

 Use less fuel while driving cars and bikes.

 Turn off the vehicles at red light.
 Use good quality engine oils.
 Pool car and buses while traveling to schools and offices.
 Avoid using vehicles for short distances; instead walk to nearest market. This will save
fuel, prevent air pollution and improve your health.
 Plant trees near our homes and schools.
 Recycle waste around us. For example, reuse printed paper for rough work.
 Monitor the quality of air inside our home and schools. Use products and appliances
that are environmental friendly.
 Buy appliances, such as air conditioner, which are having five or four star energy ratings.
These ratings ensure that appliances used by us are emitting very little or zero air
pollutants.