Definition Of Air Pollution

Air pollution occurs when the air contains gases, dust, fumes or odour in harmful amounts. That is, amounts which could be harmful to the health or comfort of humans and animals or which could cause damage to plants and materials. The substances that cause air pollution are called pollutants. Pollutants that are pumped into our atmosphere and directly pollute the air are called primary pollutants. Primary pollutant examples include carbon monoxide from car exhausts and sulfur dioxide from the combustion of coal. Further pollution can arise if primary pollutants in the atmosphere undergo chemical reactions. The resulting compounds are called secondary pollutants. Photochemical smog is an example of this.

EXAMPLE OF AIR POLLUTION

EXAMPLES OF AIR POLLUTION

EXAMPLES OF AIR POLLUTION

EXAMPLES OF AIR POLLUTION

Sources of air pollution

The combustion of gasoline and other hydrocarbon fuels in automobiles, trucks, and jet airplanes produces several primary pollutants: nitrogen oxides, gaseous hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, as well as large quantities of particulates, chiefly lead. In the presence of sunlight, nitrogen oxides combine with hydrocarbons to form a secondary class of pollutants, the photochemical oxidants, among them ozone and the eyestinging peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN). Nitrogen oxides also react with oxygen in the air to form nitrogen dioxide, a foul-smelling brown gas. In urban areas like Los Angeles where transportation is the main cause of air pollution, nitrogen dioxide tints the air, blending with other contaminants and the atmospheric water vapor to produce brown smog. Although the use of catalytic converters has reduced smog-producing compounds in motor vehicle exhaust emissions, studies have shown that in so doing the converters produce nitrous oxide, which contributes substantially to global warming.

In cities, air may be severely polluted not only by transportation but also by the burning of fossil fuels (oil and coal) in generating stations, factories, office buildings, and homes and by the incineration of garbage. The massive combustion produces tons of ash, soot, and other particulates responsible for the gray smog of cities like New York and Chicago, along with enormous quantities of sulfur oxides (which also may be result from burning coal and oil). These oxides rust iron, damage building stone, decompose nylon, tarnish silver, and kill plants. Air pollution from cities also affects rural areas for many miles downwind.

Every industrial process exhibits its own pattern of air pollution. Petroleum refineries are responsible for extensive hydrocarbon and particulate pollution. Iron and steel mills, metal smelters, pulp and paper mills, chemical plants, cement and asphalt plantsall discharge vast amounts of various particulates. Uninsulated high-voltage power lines ionize the adjacent air, forming ozone and other hazardous pollutants. Airborne pollutants from other sources include insecticides, herbicides, radioactive fallout, and dust from fertilizers, mining operations, and livestock feedlots

Generally if you are young and in a good state of health, moderate air pollution levels are unlikely to have any serious short term effects. However, elevated levels and/or long term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions affecting human health. This mainly affects the respiratory and inflammatory systems, but can also lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. People with lung or heart conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.

Air pollution causes damage to plants and animals, affecting biodiversity and crop yields. Defra has a number of research projects investigating the effects of air pollution on vegetetation and ecosystems.

At Home
Conserve energy - turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room. Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces production emissions.) Keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained. You should also consider replacing old wood stoves with EPA-certified models. Visit Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter. Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F. Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers. Test your home for radon-a dangerous, radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. If the test shows elevated levels of radon, the problem can be fixed cost effectively. Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. If you or your visitors must smoke, then smoke outside.

Buy Smart
Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances. They are environmentally friendly products. Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles. Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable. Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

Drive Wise
Plan your trips. Save gasoline and reduce air pollution. Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly. Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in. When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike. Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs). Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil. Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting. Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency. Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

Every day tips

Conserve energyat home, at work, everywhere. Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery. Be careful not to spill fuel and always tighten your gas cap securely. Keep car, boat, and other engines tuned up according to manufacturers' specification. Be sure your tires are properly inflated. Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible. Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible. Some products that you use at your home or office are made with smog-forming chemicals that can evaporate into the air when you use them. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for use and properly seal cleaners, paints, and other chemicals to prevent evaporation into the air.

Ozone Action Day tips:

Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature. Choose a cleaner commuteshare a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible. Defer use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. Refuel cars and trucks after dusk. Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling. Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.