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Air pollution is the condition in which the air contains substances that are harmful to living things or the environment. These substances are known as air pollutants. The air we breathe can contain different types of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere outdoors and indoors. Air pollution can contain a mixture of solid particles, liquid droplets and gases. There are different kinds of pollution, some are visible, and some are not. But both do contribute to global warming.
Causes of air pollution
1) Burning of fossil fuels
2) Agricultural activities
3) Indoor air pollution
Effects of air pollution
1) Global warming
With the increasing temperatures in the world, there is a rise in the sea levels which causes the loss of habitats due to example… disasters.
2) Acid rain
Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels which is one of the causes of air pollution. When it rains, acid rain can cause damage to human, animals and crops.
Effect on health and the environment
1) Ground-level ozone
Not only does ground-level ozone affect people with impaired respiratory systems, but healthy adults and children as well. Exposure to ozone for 6 to 7 hours will lead to chest pains, coughing, and nausea and reduces lung function.
Solutions for air pollution
1) Conserve energy
Switch off fans and lights when not needed or when you are leaving the room.
Large amount of fossil fuels are used to produce electricity.
2) Use public mode of transport
It will save more energy and money if you encourage people to use more public mode of transportation.
3) Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Reuse the items that are no longer of use to you such as you using the plastic bags and old jars to store tins, cans and cereals.
A SMALL CLIP ON THE CURRENT STATE OF AIR ...
MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas. It has no detectable odour.
Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because itdisplaces oxygen in the blood and causing the heart, brain, and other vital organs to deprive oxygen. Large amounts of Carbon monoxide can cause you to lose consciousness and suffocate.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in factories, employees can...:
1. Install an effective ventilation system that will remove CO from work areas.
2. Maintain equipment and appliances (e.g., water heaters) that can produce CO in good working order to reduce CO formation.
3. Consider switching from gasoline-powered equipment to equipment powered by electricity, batteries, or compressed air if it can be used safely.
4. Prohibit the use of gasoline-powered engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas.
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas with a pungent and irritating odour. These gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur is burned.
Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infection.This can cause problems such as wheezing, coughing, colds, flu and bronchitis. Children with asthma and older people with heart disease are most at risk.
In Australia, the government has taken steps and reduced the amount of nitrogen dioxide produced.
These include:
1) Implementing national fuel quality standards
2) Supporting the implementation of tighter vehicle emission standards
3) Developing a National Environment Protection Measure for diesel, to improve the in-service performance of diesel vehicles
4) Developing and promoting alternative fuels
5) Developing pollution forecasting systems for Australia's major cities
6) Promoting bicycle use for short journeys through CycleConnect
8) Working with the States and Territories through programs such as TravelSmart to influence passengers transport choices.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.It is the by-product of motor vehicles which contains more than 2/3 of all the CO emissions nationwide.
Long term exposures to sulfur dioxide will cause irritation in nose and throat. Since it is corrosive, it may burn the skin and the eyes and inflame the airways in respiratory system.
To reduce emission of sulphur dioxide gas,:
1) Improved efficiency of conversion of fuel to electricity (this would reduce pollutant emissions per unit of electricity generated)
2) shift to nuclear generation as rapidly as possible since no sulfur oxide (or particulate) is emitted from nuclear plants
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