AIR POLLUTION

NAME : SHALIHA IRFAN

ROLL NO. : 04
AECC
INTRODUCTION
 Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in
the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke
which affects plants, animals and humans drastically.
 There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An
increase or decrease in the composition of these gases is harmful to
survival. This imbalance in the gaseous composition has resulted in an
increase in earth’s temperature, which is known as global warming.
TYPES OF AIR POLLUTANTS
 There are two types of air pollutants:
Primary pollutants Secondary pollutants

Primary pollutants are directly emitted from the Secondary pollutants are the result of chemical
source to the atmosphere. and photochemical reactions of primary
pollutants.

Primary pollutants can affect living things Secondary pollutants can affect living things
directly and indirectly (by forming secondary directly. Although, they can also affect indirectly
pollutants). via some intermediate.

They are usually unstable pollutants. They are usually stable or inert.

These pollutants damage living organisms. These pollutants damage the ecological system.

These pollutants can be controlled by reducing These pollutants are complicated to stop
anthropogenic emissions. because of the interlinked chemical reactions.

Examples of primary pollutants are; particulate Examples of secondary pollutants are;

matter (PM), hydrocarbons (CH), carbon tropospheric ozone (O3), peroxy nitrates (PAN),
monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen acid rain, nutrient enrichment compounds,
oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), photochemical oxidants, secondary particulate
and heavy metals, etc. matter (SPM), etc.
CAUSE OF AIR POLLUTION
• Following are the important causes of air pollution :
 Burning of Fossil Fuels :
 The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide released by
incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.
 Automobiles :
 The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment. These
are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among individuals.
 Agricultural Activities :
 Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides,
pesticides and fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it.
 Factories and Industries :
 Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons
and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its quality.
 Mining Activities :
 In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of equipment. The
dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but also deteriorate the health of
the workers and people living in the nearby areas.
 Domestic Sources :
 The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air. The
smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. It not only pollutes
the air but also affects breathing.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
• The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:
 Diseases :
 Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. Children
living near polluted areas are more prone to pneumonia and asthma.
 Global Warming :
 Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air.
This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s temperature is
known as global warming. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an increase in sea levels.
 Acid Rain :
 The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the
air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which
damages human, animal and plant life.
 Ozone Layer Depletion :
 The release of chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the major cause of
depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays
coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.
 Effect on Animals :
 The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution also compels the
animals to leave their habitat and shift to new places. This renders them stray and has also led to the
extinction of a large number of animal species.
 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
• Following are the measures one should adopt to control air pollution:

 Avoid Using Vehicles :

 People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should
prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only
prevents pollution, but also conserves energy.
 Energy Conservation :
 A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do not
forget to switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save
the environment at the individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such as
CFLs also controls pollution to a greater level.
 Use of Clean Energy Resources :
 The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger
level.
Other air pollution control measures include :
 By minimising and reducing the use of fire and fire products.
 Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the
pollutants can be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects.
For example, if the reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the
raw materials can be substituted with other less polluting materials.
 Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of
India, petrol and diesel are being replaced by CNG – Compressed Natural
Gas fueled vehicles. These are mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully
operating with ideal emission engines.
 Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and
maintain existing pieces of equipment so that the emission of pollutants is
minimised.
 The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree
plantation. Plants and trees reduce a large number of pollutants in the air.
Ideally, planting trees in areas of high pollution levels will be extremely
effective.
THANK YOU