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Air Pollution
As the world continues to unveil the solutions to many challenges with the advancement of technology, there are global challenges that are difficult to address. The problem of environmental pollution has not yet found a perfect solution. There are various forms of pollution, namely air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and soil pollution. Out of the four, air pollution is the commonest form of pollution. Vallero (2014) defines air pollution as the release of pollutants into the air that is detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. This research paper delves deeper into air pollution as a global environmental challenge. Some of the main areas addressed in the paper include its causes, effects and possible solutions.
According to John Walke, air pollution mostly comes from the production and energy usage (Vallero, 2014). According to him, the burning of fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air that contributes to climate change. Air pollution not only causes climate change but is exacerbated by it. For instance, air pollution in the form of methane and carbon dioxide raises the earth’s temperature. The temperature rise then worsens the present forms of air pollution, facilitating the spread and furthering its effects. Smog is a form of air pollution whose formation is favoured by the presence of warmer temperatures and the presence of ultraviolet radiation. Different nations across the world have for the last 50 years been researching effective ways to improve the quality of air (Vallero, 2014). However, continued climate change makes it harder to meet pollution standards that are designed to protect humans and the environment. The next section discusses the causes of air pollution.
Burning of fossil fuels
Most air pollution happens as a result of burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gasoline to produce energy for transport purposes of electric generation. The level of carbon monoxide released dictates the number of fossil fuels burned. Combustion of fossil fuels also emits other toxic pollutants in the air (Hardy, 2003).
Industrial emission.
Industrial activities emit various pollutants into the air, which affects air quality than anyone could ever imagine. Carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are the main pollutants from industries that use wood and coal as their sources of energy for the production of goods (Hardy, 2003).
Indoor air pollution
Air pollution can also be internal, especially when it involves the use of Volatile organic compounds. Other forms of indoor pollution include uneven temperatures, inadequate ventilation and effects of different humidity levels. These forms of air pollution happen in offices and homes. Also, house air pollution is caused by ignorance, such as cigarette smoking or leaving mould-infected walls in an untreated state. Humidity related pollution is caused by the use of the woodstove or stove heaters, which directly affect the health of individuals over time (Bruce, Padilla & Albalak, 2000).
Transportation sector
It is undeniable that air pollution that vehicles are key contributors to air pollution, mostly in urban cities. When a vehicle burns gasoline, the gases are emitted into the air. Research indicates that gasoline emissions are as harmful as the pollution caused by smoking 10 cigarettes per day (Mayer, 1999). Vehicle emissions contain hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. When vehicle emissions get to very high levels, they create a hole in the ozone layer that results in smog-causing health issues.
Open Burning of Garbage and Waste matter
Garbage burning in the open is more harmful to health than many assume. According to Engage EPW, air pollution chokes public health. The exposure to open combustion of waste brings the risk of cancer, liver disease, impairs the immune system and reproductive functioning and impairment of the nervous system (Hardy, 2003).
Agricultural activities and the use of chemicals and synthetic products
There are economic activities that reduce the quality of air. Specifically, the use of fertilizer and pesticides are the main contaminants of air. Pesticides and fertilizers nowadays are mixed with generic species to quicken the growth of crops. Upon spraying of pesticides, the smell and the effects are left to the air. On the other hand, synthetic products used in homes cause a lot of pollution. The pollution caused by indoor pollution is ten times harmful than that of outdoor solutions. Volatile organic compounds are found in perfumes, personal care products, paints and cleaners, which are common causes of health issues (Hardy, 2003).
Effects of Air pollution.
The effects of air pollution are related to human health and the environment. The first negative effect of air pollution on the environment is acid rain, which forms when nitrogen and sulphur oxides are released into the atmosphere. The acid rain can affect wide areas when carried away by the wind—acid rain results in damage to crops, forests and water bodies (McLaughlin, 2004). The second effect is eutrophication, which is the stimulated growth of algae because of increased concentrations of nitrogen. The algae result in the death of fish and the loss of animal and plant diversity. Notably, eutrophication is enhanced by human activities that pollute the air, such as power production and the transportation sector. Three is the formation of haze after sunlight encounters tiny particles in the air. Haze results in obscured clarity. Haze-causing pollutant exists in the form of particles released into the atmosphere from industries, trucks and vehicles. Air pollution also affects wildlife in negative ways. Animals, like humans, are exposed to health problems when they inhale concentrations of harmful gases and particles released through air pollution. Moreover, air pollution results facilitate the depletion of the ozone layer. Compounds that are elements of air pollution such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons from aerosols and pesticides result in the thinning of ozone, which plays the pivotal role of protecting us from harmful sun rays. Air pollution participates in global climate change. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are key players in enhancing global warming.
Air pollution has harmful effects on human health when in high concentrations. The effects can be classified into short term and long term. Short-term effects include attracting illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. Gases from air pollution cause irritation of the nose, eyes and skin. Besides, air pollution is known to cause nausea, dizziness and headaches. Industrial gases have bad smells that are unpleasant to humans (Brunekreef & Holgate, 2002). On the other hand, the long term effects are those that have a long-lasting or lifetime effect. In the long run, they may result in death. These include lung disease, heart disease and other respiratory diseases. Persistent air pollution damages nerves and other body organs. People have varying reactions to varying forms of air pollution. Young children and older adults are the most affected (Hoek et al., 2001).
Although air pollution is still a global challenge, individuals can take various steps to reduce it if not stop it. For instance, air pollution from the transportation sector can be minimized by opting to take public transport or riding a bike to reduce emissions. In homes, individuals can also avoid and minimize the use of aerosol sprays and pesticides. Air pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels will be reduced by opting for renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind (Hardy, 2003).
The problem of air pollutions remains a global challenge that is caused by human activities. This paper has identified different causes of air pollution such as emissions from the transport sector, combustion of coal, aerosol sprays, and industrial emission; open burning of garbage and indoor pollution. Air pollution has several negative effects on human health and the environment. Everyone should take part in the global campaign to mitigate air pollution.
References
Brunekreef, B., & Holgate, S. T. (2002). Air pollution and health. The lancet, 360(9341), 1233-1242.
Hardy, J. T. (2003). Climate change: causes, effects, and solutions. John Wiley & Sons.
Hoek, G., Brunekreef, B., Fischer, P., & van Wijnen, J. (2001). The association between air pollution and heart failure, arrhythmia, embolism, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular causes of death in a time series study. Epidemiology. 355-357.
Mayer, H. (1999). Air pollution in cities. Atmospheric Environment, 33(24-25), 4029-4037.
McLaughlin, S. B. (2004). Effects of air pollution on forests: a critical review (No. PB-86-175544/XAB). Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA).
Vallero, D. A. (2014). Fundamentals of air pollution. Academic Press.