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| Air Pollution |
All of us have been introduced to what is air pollution back in school. However, even after so much awareness, it is still prevalent all across the world. Find out how, from the following article.
There is no one in today's world, who can't answer the question "what is air pollution". Even though all of us know what it is and how it is caused, very few of us contribute to controlling it from our side. The definition of air pollution is, the addition of harmful chemicals, toxins, particulate matter and other biological materials which lead to discomfort to living beings on the surface of earth, damaging the environment. There are many causes and repercussions of this dreaded condition, keeping in mind that all living beings survive because of the air in the atmosphere. Among the three types of environmental pollution observed in nature today, air pollution is one of the greatest, specially in urban areas like cities and towns. In the coming up paragraphs, you can learn more about some important air pollution facts, so keep reading.
What is Air Pollution Caused By?
In order to answer, what is air pollution completely, it is very important to find the causes of air pollution in our environment. It is mainly caused by air pollutants which are the substances released in the air, that are injurious to living things.
These pollutants can be in any forms like solid, liquid droplets and most importantly gases, which can be either man-made or natural in origin.
One of the major causes of air pollution is Carbon dioxide, which is one of the highest emitted pollutant in nature as living beings exhale it and it is also released from other sources. It is released by oil and chemical industries, combustion of fossil fuels, and deforestation are also a few causes of contributing about 40% or this pollutant to the environment.
Carbon monoxide is yet another harmful gas which is released because of fuel burning appliances like fireplaces, gas stoves, automobiles, water heaters, wood stoves, etc., which causes many types of air pollution.
Other chemicals and pollutants are released from industries by burning of fossil fuels, from marine vessels, automobiles, aerosol sprays, nuclear weapons and many other destructive activities.
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are two more harmful air pollutants. Sulfur dioxide, is released because of petroleum refineries, burning of fossil fuels, chemical and coal industries. Whereas nitrogen dioxide is usually emitted because of nuclear power points, and other commercial industries. This gas is the major cause of acid rains.
What is Air Pollution Doing to the Environment?
Like there are many causes for this pollution, there are various side effects of the same on the environment and living beings in it.
Some of the biggest effects of air pollution on the environment are acid rains, which include poisonous gases like sulfuric and nitric acid. They mix in the water cycle and contaminate drinking water, damage buildings, kill aquatic life and ruin vegetation.
Another serious effect of air pollution, according to the environmental pollution facts is "smog", which is extremely prevalent in today's cities. Smog is the combination of smoke and fog and proves to be very harmful for living beings. It is caused due to automobile and industrial pollution, causing various respiratory diseases, fatigue, decreased visual acuity, etc.
Ozone depletion is yet another effect of air pollution on the environment, and is one of the most anticipated dangers of the future. There have been discoveries of "holes" in the Ozone layer, due to the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosols. Because of this, the harmful Ultra Violet rays get direct contact with the earth's surface and this can damage crops and lead to skin cancers.
Temperature changes and climatic shifts are the most recently observed effects of air pollution to the environment. This is also counted in global warming as many major countries and cities are suffering from this deadly hot wave which is growing day by day.
With this information, I am sure you question on what is air pollution has been answered. Our environment is what gives us life, and we are ruining the chances of a happy life with our own hands. So, make sure participate in prevention of air pollution and do not contribute in air pollution take measures to protect our Mother Nature from being hampered.