Emissions from different transport modes, the burning of fossil fuels, industrial production, forest fires, aerosol use and radiation fare some of the main causes of air pollution.. These toxic gases can contribute to nearly 50% of the mercury, 62% of the arsenic, 60% of sulfur dioxide, and 13% of the nitrogen oxide present in our air. Some of the harmful effects brought on by excessive air pollution are as follows: Breathing in polluted air can cause a variety of respiratory problems. We may not realize how much fossil fuels go into generating our electricity supply every day. There are two main types of air pollution: fumes - which can include vapours, gases, smoke and odours; dust - dry particles; These can be produced in a number of different ways. We are in danger of losing many rare species of wildlife due to their inability to acclimatize to these changes. Breathing air that is filled with fine particulate matter can induce hardening of the arteries, triggering cardiac arrhythmia or even a heart attack. You must have heard various news regarding the increasing levels of smog and decreased visibility. Another source of air pollution is from dust and dirt that goes airborne due to every day labor in the agricultural and construction industry. People afflicted with heart disease, children and older people are more sensitive to air pollution. It all depends where it is in Earth’s atmosphere. However, there are some natural processes that also, add to this. Dust is lifted from, Using household chemicals without adequate ventilation is a major source of. This type of air pollution creates smog (as seen in Los Angeles) which causes respiratory health problems and holes in the ozone layer, which increases the exposure to the sun's harmful rays. The government, too, is providing tax breaks along with grants to incentivize the switch to clean energy. For too long, we have only been contributing to adding to air pollution. As the population grows, so do the usage of these vehicles. For example, in cities, a gas called ozone is a major cause of air pollution. Volcano eruptionsare another big cause of air pollution. This is due to the improper combustion of fossil fuels. Burning of Fossil Fuels: Burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is one the major causes of air pollution. However, they can add a lot of carbon monoxide as well as nitrogen oxides to the air around us. However, these wastes are bound to end up in a landfill and impact the overall pollution generated. The effects of air pollution on humans are quite severe. The best way to minimize pollution is to make sure you are not adding to the existing waste. Here are the causes and effects on pollution. Due to the increasing levels of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere, this layer is thinning. Thus, it is necessary to understand the impact this pollution is creating on us as well as the environment. Ex: Volcanic eruptions, Forest fires, Biological decay, Pollen grains, Marshes, Radioactive materials. This growth can have adverse effects on the fish, plants as well as the wildlife that depends on this water supply. When continually exposed to air pollution, humans become at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. You can find the greener version of nearly every appliance from solar lighting to motion detectors, even water heaters! Other causes include tobacco smoke, gas stoves, unvented gas and kerosene heaters as well as back-drafting, equipment powered by gasoline, and welding. This limits the use of fossil fuels to produce elec… The airborne particles can be categorized in two ways. How has the poor air quality affected the people and the surrounding environment? To begin with, here are a few things you can do to help minimize air pollution: As we’ve learned about the effects of exhaust fumes on air quality, the best thing we can do is limit our vehicle usage. Breathing in this air can lead to a multitude of health complications. For instance, CFL lights use a lot less electricity and also last much longer. WHO has reported that air pollution is responsible for nearly 7 million deaths every year. Pollutants from these vehicles’ emission, including hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides and particular matter (PM10), account for the considerable proportion of the leading reason to result poisonous environment. Mining: Industrial mining of the minerals is considered as one of the primary causes of pollution. Household cleaning products, painting supplies release hazardous chemicals in the air and give rise to air pollution. When these are burned, they emit large amounts of sulfur dioxide. But where exactly does this pollution come from? These changes can have devastating impacts on wildlife and their habitats. Acid Rain: Acid raining is another effects of air pollution. India is the country with the worst air quality in the world. Fossil fuels include coal or other petroleum products. Ground-level ozone does not pollute the air directly. As we know, fossil fuel combustion can release large amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides into the atmosphere. Air pollution is known to cause irritation in the eyes, lungs, nose, and throat. It causes breathing problems and aggravates existing health conditions such as emphysema and asthma. Pollution is the contamination of the environment by introduction of contaminants that can cause damage to environment and harm or discomfort to humans or other living species. Children are especially at high-risk as they are susceptible to asthma and pneumonia. Introduction: Air pollution is the occurrence or addition of foreign particles, gases, and other pollutants into the air which have an adverse effect on human beings, animals, vegetation, buildings, etc. Now we know what air pollution is and the contaminants present in the polluted air. Following are the important causes of air pollution: Burning of Fossil Fuels The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Global warming can accelerate the melting of icecaps, icebergs, and is also responsible for the rise in sea levels. Every year millions of people of all over the world die due to direct or indirect effects of air pollution. Factories are responsible for releasing a massive amount of chemicals and gases in the atmosphere. The main cause for air pollution is through the burning of different fuels such as coal, oil and gases. Air pollution affects not just us humans but also plants and wildlife around us. Energy production. You already have information about the most common causes and effects of air pollution, and you may have gathered what you have been doing wrong to damage the environment. When these gases are released without going through proper filtering, they can add to air pollution. One result is a warming of ocean waters. Burning fossil fuels by automobiles contribute to nearly half of the total air pollution. Air is critical for our existence. But this is not the only thing we should be worried about. As the name suggests, air pollution is characterized by the presence of unwanted and harmful particles or gases in the air supply. Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution. The primary source of air pollution in various human activities. Acid rain contains hydrogen ions, which can damage trees, crops, harm marine animals and induce corrosion in metals. 2. WHO has reported that air pollution is responsible for nearly 7 million deaths every year. The primary contributors to this emission are vehicles. The average adult breathes 3,000 gallons of air every day. Air pollution is caused when air in the atmosphere is filled with particulate matter. Despite this, air pollution has been around for a long time, only getting worse. Pollution can be classified into two sections, visible air pollution and invisible air pollution. This polluted air is also linked with lung cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Heavy metals, pesticides, and other such contaminants can also affect our body. Similarly, growing commercialization has caused an increase in the number of construction sites. These effects of Pollution are causing huge impacts on life on Earth including the complete extinction of multiple species. Acid rain can be extremely damaging to crops and plant life. Air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide and methane raises the earths temperature, Walk… Natural sources and Artificial sources Natural sources of pollution are those that are caused due to natural phenomena. Smoke emitting from vehicles like buses, trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes etc. Main causes of air pollution. The most dangerous contaminants for the United States are ground-level ozone and airborne particles. These  pollutants come from factories, automobiles and any industrial or manufacturing plants. It includes dust and mold. Similarly, switching to bicycles as a whole can be beneficial not just to the environment but also to your health. Instead of individual cars, we can make it a habit to use more buses and trains to reduce our carbon footprint. At the same time, we cannot ignore the pollution spread by aerosols and industries in the air. The burningof fossil fuelsis the biggest cause of air pollution, and that is why it has been prohibited at a lot of places in the world. Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air. Burning fossil fuels to power vehicles, homes and industrial plants releases tiny particles of matter into the air, according to information from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Only then we can save our envi… The exhaust from various cars, trucks, jeeps, trains, and airplanes add to increasing air pollution. Furthermore, the multitude of coal and oil-powered plants release a considerable amount of toxic gases. The poor air quality, as well as acid rains, can destroy the sustenance of many species. The two main forms of outdoor air pollution include particulate matter, sometimes called black carbon pollution, and noxious gases 4⭐⭐This is a verified and trusted source Goto Source . This can cause skin cancer and damage to the eyes and immune system. This is why it is a good idea to keep yourself informed about air pollution, its causes, effects, and possible solutions. Poor air quality can harm all lifeforms, including both plants and animals. Figure 1. It causes different kinds of respiratory diseases like heart attack, Cancer, bronchitis etc. In the long haul, you want to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Air pollution threatens the health of humans and other living beings in our planet. The largest cause of air pollution in Europe is road transportation with over 5,000 people dying each year from lung cancer and heart attacks caused by vehicle exhaust fumes. This pollution can include carbon monoxide, organic wastes, chemicals, and hydrocarbons. Carbon mon… Ozone layer depletion goes hand-in-hand with global warming. The presence of benzene and acetaldehyde in fossil fuel combustion has also been linked to cancer. These can also release many harmful chemicals into our atmosphere. A Review of Some of The Best Hybrid Sports Cars, Eco-Friendly Home Construction Projects For Your Backyard, 4 Benefits of Vertical Gardens in The Workplace. This means switching off the lights and appliances whenever they aren’t in use. And in an especially destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to climate change but is also exacerbated by it. Volcanoes, dust storms, and forest fires are causes of natural air pollution. This atmospheric layer prevents the earth from cooling at night. When these fuels are burned, there is a combustion effect that pollutes the environment. This polluted air is also linked with lung cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Each weekend, more than 800 million gallons of gas per year are used in lawn mowers in the United States, producing up to 5% of total air pollution. Carbon dioxide contributes to air pollution in its role in the greenhouse effect. They can cause hormonal problems and even damage our nervous system. The most common pollutants are smoke, soot, pollen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Environmental Impacts. In general, the industrial sector and different means of transport are primarily responsible for producing significant quantities of these fuels. Certain gases in the atmosphere can cause air pollution. The second type is the one with organic compounds, combustion particles, and metals. Pesticides enter our b… One of the main effects of air pollution is speeding up global warming. These two gases have almost the same sources and lead to indoor air pollution. What else causes air pollution? To prevent this pollution in our air to breathe normally requires taking certain measures. © Copyright 2019-2020 Earth and Human. Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air. Causes air pollution. This 2016 study describes how some emissions generated from farms and ranches are more significant than the combined emission from other man-made sources. After all, we rely heavily on them for transportation. Take steps to conserve energy and do not leave lights and fans on all the time. Filters that are not changed regularly in your air conditioning units will accumulate dirt and cause the spread of pollutants in the air you breathe inside your home. collect and dispose of pollutants improperly. These days clean energy is in. Pollution caused by various external substances, toxic gases and other human actions affects fresh air which then adversely affects human life, plants and animals. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It creates smog and acid rain, causes cancer and respiratory diseases, reduces the ozone layer atmosphere and contributes to global warming. The pollution does not have to be direct for you to experience the negative impacts. Vehicle exhaust contributes 60% of all carbon monoxide emissions in the United States and can go to over 90% for large cities. Pollution's Harmful Effects. Air pollution has also been linked with several heart conditions. Here are the causes and effects on pollution. The heat trapped then causes a rise in temperatures all around the world. Burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is one major cause of air pollution, also vehicles like cars, trains and airplanes cause a big amount of air pollution. It is considered the main cause of ever rising cases of respiratory system problems and diseases, like asthma and cancer. One of the main effects of air pollution is speeding up global warming. A common byproduct of such agricultural activities is ammonia gas. It causes breathing problems and aggravates existing health conditions such as emphysema and asthma. Air pollutants cause less-direct health effects when they contribute to climate change. The sulfur emissions from this rain can result in chronic lung problems for humans. The harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases form a kind of blanket in our atmosphere. Causes of air pollution. Cars, trucks, jet airplanes and other combustion engine vehicles cause air pollution. Cars, buses, motorbikes are another big cause of air pollution because they emit a lot of pollution also. Carbon dioxide traps radiation at ground level, creating ground-level ozone. 2. Air pollution affects kids more than adults due to higher concentrations of polluted air in their systems per body size. You might not think they will not impact the air quality directly. This layer is vital in protecting us from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. What is the source of this air pollution? Not only air pollution is causing this problem but water pollution, climate change and global warming too. Artificial sources are those which are created by man. The European Union would save 161 billion euros a year if deaths caused by air pollution were diminished. This can cause birds and animals to relocate. The Great Smog of London in 1952 was one of the worst air pollution events in history with over 8,000 deaths. Carbon monoxide is another common pollutant. Global warming can also leave us more vulnerable to natural disasters. The bigger culprit for this air pollution is human interference. Heat waves, extreme weather, food supply disruptions, and other … The constant increase of harmful and toxic substances in the fresh air of the atmosphere is the cause of air pollution. For instance, running of millions of vehicles on the road emit very harmful substances in the environment which pollute the air. With solar, wind, and geothermal energy on the rise, switching to clean energy has never been easier. Excessive air pollution can cause an imbalance in our ecosystem itself. Many household cleaning products can emit harmful chemicals into the air. 3. Noxious gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide react with the sun to create new and dangerous compound… As for the effects of water pollution, these include a large number of water-borne diseases, ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to gastroenteritis and typhoid. When water goes through its natural water cycle, the evaporated water can mix with these gases as it condenses. The effects of air pollution on a person’s health can range from mild breathing difficulties to severe cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke. Similarly, some painting supplies can also be responsible for adding to the toxic air around you. Along with ammonia, methane is a common emission generated from agricultural sites. The following are some of the primary causes and effects of air pollution in our world. A high presence of nitrogen in the air can induce a condition called eutrophication. What causes air pollution? The constant excavations and demolitions can be responsible for adding a lot of unwanted dust and pollution to our air. Air pollution causes irritation in the throat, nose, lungs and eyes. Whether we like it or not, the air quality around us affects us directly. Make use of public modes of transportation to limit the release of smoke and harmful chemicals. These gases react with the ozone layer and cause, not just thinning but also depletion in certain areas. Pollution can be classified into two sections, visible air pollution and invisible air pollution. Air Pollution: Causes, Effects and Solutions, Main Contaminants in Air that Causes Pollution. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Carbon monoxide (CO) are toxic gases. The largest source air of pollution in cities is from vehicle exhaust fumes. It creates respiratory problems and exacerbates existing conditions such as asthma and emphysema. This could mean finding multiple uses for an item. It can also affect the ozone layer and have global impacts. Global Warming. If we so choose, we can now be influential in solving this air crisis. Natural disasters such as forest fires, volcanoes, and dust storms can be responsible for causing a large amount of pollution. People and animals are dying everyday because of pollution. 3. It is formed by a chemical reaction between existing volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Some chemicals make it evident by emitting a strong smell while others can be wholly odor-less but still add to the overall pollution. Most air pollution comes from energy use and production, says John Walke, director of the Clean Air Project, part of the Climate and Clean Air program at NRDC. Clean energy has proved that it is much more than just a passing trend. Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of the earth and there is no area that has not been affected by it. During this condition, a layer of algae develops on the sea’s surface. The following are some of the leading causes of air pollution. Effects of Air Pollution Air pollution causes irritation in the throat, nose, lungs and eyes. To prevent adding to the existing air pollution, we should try to minimize our energy usage. According to the World Health Organization, there are as many deaths (1.3 million per year) in the world due to air pollution as there are deaths due to car accidents. 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