Air pollution is the introduction of harmful materials to the air like particulates, biological wastes and industrial wastes to the atmosphere. It has effects on the life on earth and also destroys buildings and other structures.
Types of Air Pollutants
Many of things pollute the air by exposing harmful gasses to the atmosphere, they include:-
Carbon Monoxide. Produced as a result of combustion of oil in vehicles, burning of forests, and also industrial wastes.
Radioactive pollutants from nuclear explosives, war explosives, and natural processes like the decay of radon.
Odors from garbage, sewage, and other industrial processes
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from burning of waste products.
Volatile organic compounds, in categories of methane and non-methane products
Carbon dioxide gasses from greenhouse effects
Particulate matter includes dust particles blown by the wind into the air, toxic chemicals, ash, soot, and cadmium
Ozone layer. It is an important layer in the stratosphere that prevents us from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. However, if it is below this layer, it can cause respiratory illness and damage ecosystems.
Nitrogen oxides from industrial plants and vehicles
Sulfur dioxide mainly from combustion at industrial facilities.
Sources of materials that pollute Air
The cause of air pollution has several sources as shown below:-
Volcanic eruptions which produce gasses like Sulphur, ash particulates, and chlorine.
Carbon monoxide from wildfires
Habits of smoking
Waste deposition on land which produces methane
Aerosol sprays
Dust from natural sources as areas without vegetation.
Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution has significant effects on the life on earth as well as the environment.
It causes problems with respiration and in particular Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide gasses.
Pollutioning of air also affects the productivity of plants
Gasses like carbon dioxide causes global warming which affects the climate and also causes skin diseases.
The gasses irritates eyes, nose, and throat causing breathing difficulties
A mixture of these gasses with water causes acid rain which causes corrosion to buildings and other metal structures; it acidifies water which ends up killing the living organisms and plants in the water.
How to avoid and minimize air pollution
Increased levels of pollution can have high and advanced impacts on life on earth. The following are some of the measures that can be used to reduce air pollution and its effects on land.
Always use products that are recyclable and that minimize power in their production.
Stop the smoking habits as this increases the pollution. Seek medical assistance if you are addicted to smoking and they will help you to halt the practice.
Plant a garden. Trees from this garden will assist in clearing the air by providing more oxygen to the air and reducing the levels of carbon dioxide.
Make it a habit of using water- based or solvents free of paints
Use public transport like buses and train. If the distance is short, you can walk or ride a bike.
Use environmentally friendly cleaners
Use solar power or wind power
Use natural gas for cooking purposes instead of charcoal to reduce emitting of harmful gasses to the atmosphere.
Conclusion
Polluting air has significant impacts on our lives as human beings and the lives of other living creatures. It is our duty to ensure that we protect our lives by taking care of the environment and avoiding exposing gasses to the atmosphere that end up polluting the air. Strive to use the tips above on how to prevent exposure of gasses to the air and this will help in reducing the pollution and its impacts.