AIR POLLUTION

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. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems.

 Indoor air pollution and urban air quality are listed as two of the world's worst pollution problems in the 2008 Blacksmith Institute World's Worst Polluted Places report. Pollutants A substance in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment is known as an air pollutant. Pollutants can be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases.

MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS

Are sulphur dioxide are produced by volcanoes,industrial processes. Nitrogen oxide are emmitted from high temperature combustion. Carbon Monoxide is very colorless, odorless, non reacting but very poisonous gas. It produce as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel,coal and wood.Carbon dioxide as a result of cement production and respiration

 VOC are important outdoor air pollutant.methane is contribute to enhanced global warming Particulate matter tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas. Some particulates occur naturally, originating from volcanoes, dust storms, forest and grassland fires, living vegetation, and sea spray.

AIR POLLUTION IN PAKISTAN

Air pollution has also become a major problem in most cities. There are no controls on vehicular emissions, which account for 90 percent of pollutants he National Conservation Strategy Report claims that the average Pakistani vehicle emits twentyfive times as much carbon monoxide, twenty times as many hydrocarbons, and more than three and one-half times as much nitrous oxide in grams per kilometer as the average vehicle in the United States.

 Another major source of pollution, not mentioned in the National Conservation Strategy Report, is noise.

Air Pollution In Karachi, Pakistan At 4X International Standards

Karachi, Dhaka, Beijing and Cairo are the megacities with the highest multi-pollutant index (MPI) The level of pollution recorded by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) stood at 138 microgram per meter cube instead of minimum standard pollution level of 35 microgram per meter cube. Sources at the Environment Ministry confirmed to APP the air pollution level and feared more people falling ill due to mounting air pollution level.

 The study evaluates and ranks megacities in terms of their surface area and population density, they evaluate them based on carbon monoxide (CO) emissions per capita, per year, and per unit surface area. Further, they rank the megacities according to ambient atmospheric concentrations of criteria pollutants, notably total suspended particles (TSP), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

 The United Nations (UN) estimates that 4.9 billion inhabitants out of 8.1 billion will be living in cities by 2030. The environmental impacts are particularly severe in cities of about 10 million or more inhabitantsalso known as megacities, especially in Asia where some countries (e.g., China ,Pakistan and India) combine strong industrial expansion, high population density and number, and intense motor vehicle use.

 OZONE=Breathing problems, reduced lung function, asthma, irritates eyes, stuffy nose, reduces resistance to colds and infections, premature aging of lung tissue. Damages crops, forests, and other vegetation; damages rubber, fabric, and other materials; smog reduces visibility NOTROGEN OXIDE= Cars are a major source of NOx.) Lung damage, respiratory illnesses, ozone (smog) effects. zone (smog) effects; precursor of acid rain which damages trees, lakes, and soil; aerosols can reduce visibility

 CARBON MONOOXIDE=Reduces ability of blood to bring oxygen to body cells and tissues. VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS = Cars are a major source of VOCs.) Ozone (smog) effects, cancer, and other serious health problems. PARTICULATE MATTER= mitted as particles or formed through chemical reactions; burning of wood, diesel, and other fuels; industrial processes; agriculture (plowing, field burning); unpaved roads.

 Eye, nose, and throat irritation; lung damage; bronchitis; cancer; early death. Ashes, smoke, soot, and dust can dirty and discolor structures and property, including clothes and furniture. SULPHER DIOXIDE = Burning of coal and oil, especially high-sulfur coal; industriaL. Respiratory illness, breathing problems, may cause permanent damage to lungs. Precursor of acid rain, which can damage trees, lakes, and soil; aerosols can reduce visibility.

 LEAD=Combustion of fossil fuels and leaded gasoline. rain and nervous system damage (esp. children), digestive and other problems. Some leadcontaining chemicals cause cancer in animals. Brain and nervous system damage (esp. children), digestive and other problems. Some leadcontaining chemicals cause cancer in animals.

 MERCURY= Liver, kidney, and brain damage; neurological and developmental damage. Accumulates in food chain.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A global average temperature rise of only 1C could have serious implications melting of polar ice caps; an increase in sea level; and increases in precipitation and severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, floods, and droughts. Indirect effects include increases in infectious disease, weather-related deaths, and food and water shortages. All these effects put a stress on ecosystems and agriculture, and threaten our planet as a whole.

WHAT WE CAN DO
There are many actions people of all ages can take to reduce their emissions.