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Air Pollution Essay

Essay on Air Pollution

Environmental changes are caused by the natural or artificial content of harmful pollutants and can cause instability, disturbance, or adverse effects on the ecosystem. Earth and its environment pose a more serious threat due to the increasing pollution of air, water, and soil. Environmental damage is caused by improper resource management or careless human activities. Therefore, any activity that violates the original nature of the environment and leads to degradation is called pollution. We need to understand the origin of these pollutants and find ways to control pollution. This can also be done by raising awareness of the effects of pollutants.

Air pollution is any physical, chemical, or biological change in the air. A certain percentage of the gas is present in the atmosphere. Increasing or decreasing the composition of these gasses is detrimental to survival. This imbalance in gas composition causes an increase in global temperature which is called global warming.

Introduction to air pollution

The Earth and its environment are facing a serious threat by the increasing pollution of the air, water, and soil—the vital life support systems of the Earth. The damage to the environment is caused by improper management of resources or by careless human activity. Hence any activity that violates the original character of nature and leads to its degradation is called pollution. We need to understand the sources of these pollutants and find ways to control pollution. This can be also done by making people aware of the effects of pollutants.

Air with 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1% of all other gasses support life on Earth. Various processes take place to sustain the regular percentage of gasses and their composition in general.

Atmospheric pollution can have natural sources, for example, volcanic eruptions. The gaseous by-products of man-made processes such as energy production, waste incineration, transport, deforestation and agriculture, are the major air pollutants.

Although air is made up of mostly Oxygen and Nitrogen, mankind, through pollution, has increased the levels of many trace gasses, and in some cases, released completely new gasses to the atmosphere.

Air pollution can result in poor air quality, both in cities and in the countryside. Some air pollutants make people sick, causing breathing problems and increasing the likelihood of cancer.

Some air pollutants are harmful to plants, animals, and the ecosystems in which they live. Statues, monuments, and buildings are being corroded by the air pollutants in the form of acid rain. It also damages crops and forests, and makes lakes and streams unsuitable for fish and other plant and animal life.

Air pollution created by man-made resources is also changing the Earth’s atmosphere. It is causing the depletion of the ozone layer and letting in more harmful radiation from the Sun. The greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere prevents heat from escaping back into space and leads to a rise in global average temperatures. Global warming affects the average sea-level and increases the spread of tropical diseases.

Air pollution occurs when large amounts of gas and tiny particles are released into the air and the ecological balance is disturbed. Each year millions of tons of gasses and particulate matter are emitted into the air.

Primary air pollutants are pollutants, which are directly released into the air. They are called SPM, i.e., Suspended Particulate Matter. For example, smoke, dust, ash, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and radioactive compounds, etc.

Secondary Pollutants are pollutants, which are formed due to chemical interactions between the atmospheric components and primary pollutants. For example, Smog (i.e. Smoke and fog), ozone, etc.

Major gaseous air pollutants include Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide, etc.

Natural sources are volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust storms, etc.

Man-made sources include gasses released from the automobiles, industries, burning of garbage and bricks kilns, etc.

Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Air pollution has adverse effects on human health.

Breathing polluted air puts you at higher risk of asthma.

When exposed to ground ozone for 6 to 7 hours, people suffer from respiratory inflammation.

Damages the immune system, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

A high level of air pollution has been associated with higher incidents of heart problems.

The toxic chemicals released into the air are affecting the flora and fauna immensely.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Air Pollution

We can prevent pollution by utilizing raw materials, water energy, and other resources more efficiently. When less harmful substances are substituted for hazardous ones, and when toxic substances are eliminated from the production process, human health can be protected and economic wellbeing can be strengthened.

There are several measures that can be adopted by people to reduce pollution and to save the environment.

Carpooling.

Promotion of public transport.

No smoking zone.

Restricted use of fossil fuels.

Saving energy.

Encouraging organic farming.

The government has put restrictions on the amount of fossil fuels that can be used as well as restrictions on how much carbon dioxide and other pollutants can be emitted. Although the government is attempting to save our environment from these harmful gasses, it is not sufficient. We as a society need to keep the environment clean by controlling the pollution of air.

FAQs on Air Pollution Essay

1. State the Causes of Air Pollution ?

The following are the causes of air pollution.

Vehicular pollution consisting of Carbon Monoxide causes pollution.

Emission of Nitrogen oxide by a large number of supersonic transport airplanes causes deterioration of the Ozone layer and also causes serious damage to the flora and fauna.

The release of Chlorofluorocarbons into the Stratosphere causes depletion of Ozone, which is a serious concern to animals, microscopic, and aquatic organisms.

Burning garbage causes smoke, which pollutes the atmosphere. This smoke contains harmful gases such as Carbon dioxide and Nitrogen oxides.

In India, brick kilns are used for many purposes and coal is used to burn the bricks. They give out huge quantities of Carbon dioxide and particulate matter such as smoke, dust that are very harmful to people working there and the areas surrounding it.

Many cleansing agents release poisonous gases such as Ammonia and Chlorine into the atmosphere.

Radioactive elements emit harmful rays into the air.

Decomposed animals and plants emit Methane and Ammonia gas into the air.

2. What Does Global Warming Mean?

Global warming is the gradual rising average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere due to the concentration of methane in certain toxic gasses such as carbon dioxide. This has a major impact on the world climate. The world is warming. The land and the sea are now warmer than they were at the beginning and temperatures are still rising. This rise in temperature is, in short, global warming. This temperature rise is man-made. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere which capture solar heat and raise surface and air temperatures.

3. Name the Alternative Modes of Transport. In What Way Does it Help to Reduce Air Pollution?

Public transport could be an alternative mode of transport. Public transport like trains, buses and trams, can relieve traffic congestion and reduce air pollution from road transport. The use of public transport must be encouraged in order to develop a sustainable transport policy.

4. Mention other means of transportation! How can I help reduce air pollution?

Public transportation can be another mode of transportation. Public transport such as trains, buses and trams can reduce traffic congestion and reduce air pollution from road transport. The use of public transport and to develop sustainable transport policies should be encouraged. While one passenger vehicle has the convenience factor, other modes of transportation reduce travel costs, spend less time, reduce stress, improve health, and reduce energy consumption and parking. Other trips for work include walking/cycling, public transport, hybrid travel and transport.

5. What are the effects of pollution?

Excessive air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Air pollution can also cause heart problems, asthma, and other lung problems. Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, the composition of the air in the air is disturbed. This causes an increase in global temperature. The damaging ozone layer due to air pollution does not prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, which cause skin and eye problems in individuals. Air pollution has caused a number of respiratory and heart diseases among people. The incidence of lung cancer has increased in recent decades. Children living in contaminated areas are more likely to develop pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects of air pollution. When burning fossil fuels, harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the air. Water droplets combine with these pollutants and become acidic and fall as acid rain, which harms human, animal and plant life.

6. What is the solution to air pollution?

Production of renewable fuels and clean energy. The basic solution to air pollution is to get away from fossil fuels and replace them with other energies such as solar, wind and geothermal. The government limits the amount of fossil fuel that can be used and how much carbon dioxide and other pollutants it can emit. While the government is trying to save our environment from this harmful gas, it is not enough. We as a society need to keep the environment clean by controlling air pollution. To more in detail about air pollution and its causes. To learn more about air pollution and its impact on the environment, visit the Vedantu website.

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The Causes and Effects of Air Pollution: A Comprehensive Analysis

Table of contents, causes of air pollution, effects of air pollution, addressing air pollution, 1. industrial emissions, 2. vehicle emissions, 3. deforestation and land use, 1. health impacts, 2. environmental degradation, 3. climate change, 4. economic costs, 1. regulatory measures, 2. transition to clean energy, 3. reforestation and conservation.

Brauer, M., Freedman, G., & Frostad, J. (2019). Ambient air pollution exposure estimation for the Global Burden of Disease 2013. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(1), 79-88.
Chen, L., Yang, C., & Huang, C. (2020). Air pollution and stroke: Association and effect modifiers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), 1959.
Khaniabadi, Y. O., Daryanoosh, S. M., Hopke, P. K., Ferrante, M., & De Marco, A. (2017). Exposure to PM10, NO2, and O3 and impacts on human health. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(3), 2781-2789.
Pope III, C. A., & Dockery, D. W. (2006). Health effects of fine particulate air pollution: Lines that connect. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 56(6), 709-742.
World Health Organization. (2018). Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health

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Essay On Air Pollution

Table of Contents

Short Essay On Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental issue that affects people and the planet globally. It is caused by a number of factors, including human activities like industrial processes, transportation, and energy production, as well as natural sources like wildfires and dust storms.

The effects of air pollution are far-reaching and serious. It contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. Air pollution also impacts the environment, damaging crops and forests, reducing visibility, and altering ecosystems. Furthermore, air pollution contributes to climate change, which has far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on the planet.

One of the main sources of air pollution is transportation, particularly the burning of fossil fuels by cars, trucks, and airplanes. Industrial processes and energy production also contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the air. Additionally, indoor air pollution from sources like cleaning products, candles, and tobacco smoke can also have serious health impacts.

To address air pollution, it is important to implement a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions from human activities, improving energy efficiency, and developing alternative energy sources. Governments can play a key role in reducing air pollution by implementing regulations and policies that limit emissions from industrial processes, transportation, and energy production. Additionally, individuals can take actions to reduce air pollution by using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and choosing products and services that are environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, air pollution is a major environmental issue that affects human health and the planet. It is caused by human activities and natural sources, and its impacts are far-reaching and serious. To address this issue, it is important to implement a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and taking actions to reduce air pollution at the individual and collective levels.

Long Essay On Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental concern that affects the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. In this article, we will explore the causes and effects of air pollution on our environment and discuss ways to reduce it. Learn how to write an effective essay on air pollution, including what information to include and how to structure your writing for maximum impact.

Definition of Air Pollution and its Impact on Environment

Air pollution is the release of pollutants into the air that are harmful to the health of humans, animals, and plants. The main types of air pollution are particulate matter, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. It can be emitted directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, and agricultural fields, or it can form in the atmosphere when other pollutants react. Particulate matter can cause a variety of health problems including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer.

Ground-level ozone is a gas that forms when emissions from cars and other vehicles react with sunlight. Ozone can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. It also damages vegetation and contributes to smog.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death at high concentrations.

Sulfur dioxide is a gas that is produced when sulfur-containing materials are burned. It can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis and emphysema. Sulfur dioxide also contributes to acid rain which harms plants, aquatic life, and buildings.

Nitrogen oxides are gases that are produced when fossil fuels are burned at high temperatures. Nitrogen oxides can cause smog, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses.

Air pollution has a wide range of negative environmental impacts. It contributes to global warming, acid rain, and air quality degradation. Air pollution can also damage vegetation and wildlife by reducing oxygen levels in the water and increasing the acidity of soils. Air pollution can also have an indirect effect on health by contributing to climate change, which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

Causes of Air Pollution and its Effects

There are many causes of air pollution, but the most common ones are burning fossil fuels and emissions from factories and cars. These pollutants can have serious effects on our health, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, air pollution can damage crops, forests, and water supplies. It is important to be aware of the causes of air pollution and its effects so that we can take steps to reduce it.

Types of Air Pollution

There are three primary types of air pollution: particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and carbon monoxide.

Particulate matter, also known as PM or soot, is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. It can be emitted directly from sources like construction sites, factories, and vehicles, or it can form in the atmosphere when chemicals react with each other. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is particularly dangerous because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems.

Ground-level ozone is a gas that forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from cars, power plants, and other industrial sources. Ozone at ground level is different from the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Ground-level ozone is a pollutant that can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be emitted from burning fossil fuels like natural gas, gasoline, and coal. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when people are exposed to high levels of the gas – for example, if they are trapped in a room with a faulty heater or stove.

Solutions for Reducing Air Pollution

There are many things we can do to reduce air pollution and its effects on our health and the environment. Some solutions are more effective than others, but all of them contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Switch to clean energy sources. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases harmful pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. Switching to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power can help reduce air pollution.
Improve vehicle fuel efficiency. Transportation is a major source of air pollution, accounting for nearly one-third of all emissions in the United States. Improving the fuel efficiency of our vehicles can help reduce these emissions. Driving less, carpooling, walking, or biking when possible also helps reduce pollution from transportation sources.
Use less energy at home and work. Heating and cooling our homes and businesses account for a large portion of energy use in the United States. Using energy-efficient appliances and practices can help reduce emissions from these activities. For example, you can save energy by turning off lights when you leave a room, setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer, or using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away from home.
Support clean air policies. Governments around the world are implementing policies to reduce air pollution, such as stricter vehicle and fuel standards, carbon taxes, and subsidies for renewable energy sources. Supporting these initiatives can help create a better future for everyone by reducing air pollution and its harmful effects.
Plant more trees. Trees absorb pollutants from the air and release oxygen, helping to clean the air we breathe. Planting more trees is a simple but effective way to reduce air pollution in our communities.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, it is evident that air pollution is a serious environmental problem that needs to be addressed. The essay has provided a clear overview of the causes and effects of air pollution, as well as some possible solutions to the problem. It is important to remember that air pollution is a global problem that requires the cooperation of individuals, businesses, and governments to be effectively tackled.

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

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Essay on Air Pollution in English 100, 200, 300, And 500 Words

Essay on air pollution in English: Dive into a world where the air we breathe is not as pure as it seems. India, our beloved land, faces a hidden adversary: air pollution. This invisible foe affects millions, altering our health and environment. Through understanding its causes and impacts, we can unite to combat it. Join us on this enlightening journey, and let’s clear the air together.

In this article, we have provided 100, 200, 300, and 500-word air pollution essays.

Essay on Air Pollution in 100 Words

Imagine a world where the sky is no longer blue. Air pollution is turning our skies grey. It’s a problem we all face, affecting our health and planet.

Air pollution comes from many sources like cars, factories, and even our homes. Tiny particles and gases mix with the air, making it dirty. This dirty air can make us sick, causing problems like asthma and heart disease. Animals and plants suffer too, with their habitats becoming polluted. Clean air is essential for all living things on Earth to thrive and stay healthy.

Air pollution is a serious issue. It’s up to us to make changes. Together, we can clean the air for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

Essay on Air Pollution in 200 Words

Imagine waking up to a gray sky, where the air is thick with smog. This is not a scene from a dystopian novel but the reality of air pollution in many cities today. Air pollution poses a grave threat to our health and the environment, making it an issue that cannot be ignored.

Air pollution consists of harmful substances released into the air, primarily by human activities. These include gases like carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming, and particulate matter, which can penetrate our lungs, causing respiratory issues. Vehicles, industries, and even agricultural practices contribute to this menace. The effects are alarming, leading to health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and even premature death. Moreover, air pollution damages ecosystems, affecting water quality and wildlife. It also impacts climate patterns globally, leading to unpredictable weather. The visibility of landmarks and the beauty of our cities are marred by the haze of pollutants, affecting tourism and daily life.

The air we breathe is turning into a poison. It’s high time we take concerted action to tackle this issue. Reducing pollution requires collective effort and significant changes in our lifestyle and policies.

Essay on Air Pollution in 300 Words

Air pollution, a dire environmental crisis, is not a distant threat but a current global challenge. It indiscriminately affects every corner of the globe, from the most bustling urban cities to the most serene rural countryside. Understanding and confronting this menace is an urgent necessity. We must act swiftly to mitigate its impact.

Air pollution comprises various harmful substances released into our atmosphere. Numerous sources contribute to this pervasive issue, including industrial factories, vehicles on our roads, agricultural activities, and widespread deforestation. These pollutants, often invisible to the naked eye, deceive us into believing the air we breathe is clean. In reality, they pose severe health risks to humans and animals alike. Conditions such as respiratory infections, heart disease, and even premature death have been directly linked to air pollution exposure. Vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected. Beyond human health, wildlife and natural ecosystems also suffer significant harm, disrupting the delicate balance of our natural world.

Pollution knows no borders, spreading its toxic reach across countries and continents, underscoring the need for a unified global response. In areas heavily burdened by pollution, clean air has become a rare, luxury commodity. Initiatives to curb emissions and reduce pollution are in motion, but the scale of action remains insufficient. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, enforcing stricter environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable practices are critical steps forward. Everyone, from governments to individuals, holds a stake in this fight against air pollution. By making informed choices and small changes in our daily lives, we can contribute to a larger, positive impact.

Confronting air pollution is an immense challenge, yet it is not beyond our collective capability to overcome it. By fostering awareness, encouraging proactive action, and facilitating global cooperation, we can pave the way toward a cleaner, healthier future. The air we breathe is fundamental to life; safeguarding its purity is a responsibility we all share.

Essay on Air Pollution in 500 Words

Imagine a world where every breath you take is a challenge. This is not a scene from a dystopian movie but a harsh reality in many parts of our planet due to air pollution. Air, a vital element for all living beings, is becoming a cocktail of poisonous gases. The sky, once clear and blue, now often wears a blanket of smog. This situation is alarming and demands our immediate attention.

Air pollution happens when harmful substances mix with the air we breathe. This can include gases like carbon dioxide from cars and factories, smoke from burning trash, and tiny particles from construction sites. Even natural events like forest fires or volcanic eruptions can add to air pollution. These pollutants can harm our health, making it hard to breathe, and hurt the environment by harming plants and animals. Everyone needs to help reduce air pollution by using less energy.

Air pollution has several harmful effects on both our health and the environment. Firstly, it can cause respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, as it makes the air we breathe dirty with chemicals and particles. Secondly, it can lead to heart disease because pollutants can enter our bloodstream through the lungs. Thirdly, air pollution affects wildlife and plants, making it hard for them to survive in their natural habitats. It also contributes to climate change by increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. Lastly, it can cause acid rain, which harms trees, soils, and water bodies

Types of air pollution:

1. Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles or droplets in the air, like dust, soot, and smoke. They can harm our lungs and heart.
2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gases that come mostly from car exhausts and power plants. They can make the air hazy and form smog.
3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): A gas from burning fossil fuels like coal. It can cause acid rain, which harms plants, animals, and buildings.
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas from burning things like wood and gasoline. It’s harmful because it can block oxygen from getting into our bodies.
5. Ozone (O3): A gas that’s good high up in the atmosphere but harmful at ground level, causing smog and respiratory problems.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals from paints, cleaners, and gasoline. They can cause smog and health issues.

Air Pollution Reduction Steps:

Plant More Trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Planting more trees helps clean the air.

Use Public Transport: Cars produce a lot of pollution. Using buses, trains, or carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road.
Recycle and Reuse: Producing new things causes pollution. By recycling and reusing, we reduce waste and pollution.
Save Energy: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Using less energy reduces pollution from power plants.
Educate Others: Share what you know about air pollution and its solutions with friends and family to spread awareness.

Air pollution paragraph
10 Lines air pollution

Air pollution is a daunting challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Awareness and action can lead us to a cleaner, healthier future. Together, we can clear the air.

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Air Pollution Essay for Students and Kids in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Air Pollution Essay: The rising concentration of the corrosive and toxic substances in the fresh air of the environment is generating air pollution. Many types of foreign particles, noxious gases and other pollutants discharged from various human actions are changing the fresh air, which harms living beings like human beings, animals and plants.

Essay Writing on Air Pollution in English

The level of air pollution depends on the type and extent of dirt particles discharged from several resources. Read the article of essay writing air pollution.

Essay About Air Pollution Cause and Effect

Topographical and meteorological situations are rising the range and intensity of the pollutants. The quality of raw materials utilized in the production process in industries is expanding the type and frequency of eruptions of harmful gases. Booming population mass is necessitating the need for more industrialization, which eventually causes air pollution Air essay.

Air Pollutants such as harmful liquid droplets, solids particulates, and toxic gases which are generally not the components of fresh air are very precarious to the plant and animal life. Some of the pollutants are oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur gases, halogenated and non-halogenated hydrocarbons, suspended inorganic particulate matters, inorganic and organic acids, etc. There are two kinds of air pollution sources they are

Natural Sources
Human-made sources

Natural Sources of Air Pollution

Some familiar sources of the air pollution are volcanic eruptions, volcano released ashes, smokes, carbon dioxide, dust and other gases, deflation of sands, dust, salts spray from seas and ocean, bombardment of asteroid materials, soil particles, storms, forest fires, cosmic particles, rays, comets, pollen grains, fungal spores, viruses, bacteria, essay writing of air pollution etc.

Air Pollution Human Made Sources

Human-made sources of air pollution are releases from industries, agriculture, power plants, automobiles, domestic causes, etc. Some of the air pollutants from the man-made sources are like smokes from chimneys, dust while construction, particulate matters, domestic heating, eruptions from different vehicles, usage of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, the heat produced from power plants, fly ash, etc.

Because of the growing number of air pollutants, they are divided into two types, such as primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants are those attacking the fresh air directly and released from smoke, ash, dust, fumes, mist, spray, inorganic gases, carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and radioactive compounds. Secondary pollutants are those influencing the air indirectly by biochemical interactions to the principal pollutants and other atmospheric constituents such as sulfur-trioxide, ozone, hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide, etc.

The consequences of air pollution lead to ozone depletion, smog, acid rain, and global warming. The Ozone layer is a belt of natural gasses in the stratosphere that protects the planet. It shields us from dangerous ultraviolet B radiation emitted by Sun. The air pollution caused by pollutants in the atmosphere is severely damaging the ozone layer. For the past few decades, many holes have developed in the layer. The ozone layer above Antarctica especially has suffered serious damage. When the ozone layer gets consumed the harmful UVB radiation enters the surface of the earth causing skin cancer and eye damage amongst humans.

Smog is the fatal mixture of Smoke and Fog. It is a grey colored fog that is produced when the pollutants in the air, like carbon particles, compress and mix with the fog. Smog is very harmful to humans and the whole environment. It can start diseases such as cold, flu, eye irritation, asthma and also lung cancer in the long run.

Acid Rain is created when a chemical reaction happens between air pollutants and water and oxygen in the atmosphere. Pollutants like sulfur-dioxide and nitrogen-oxide are water-soluble and blend with the water in the atmosphere and cause acid rain. The acidic quality of this rain produces severe harm to the plants, animals and the soil.

Air Pollution Essay Conclusion

The aim of human beings altogether all over the world may cooperate in regulating the level of air pollution. Some of the measures which can be taken are such as the establishment of industrial estates away from residential areas, usage of tall chimneys (with filters and electrostatic precipitators), usage of high-temperature incinerators. Also, we can take steps towards promoting re-plantation, utilizing non-combustive sources of energy, promoting the use of non-lead antiknock agents in gasoline and so many positive efforts.

FAQ’s on Air Pollution

Question 1. What are the types of air pollutants?

Answer: There are two important types of air pollutants in the form of gas compounds and in solid form. There is a big list of the different pollutants that are changing our environment, some of the dangerous ones are:

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur Oxides
Nitrogen Oxides
Particulate Matter
Radioactive Pollutants

Question 2. What are the causes of Air Pollution?

Answer: Air pollution is caused by human-made toxic gases and some natural gases, but the effect of natural gases in the environment is almost negligible. Example of human-produced pollution is, burning of non-degradable fossil fuels such as crude oil, petrol, diesel, coal, etc.

Question 3. What are the consequences of air pollution?

Answer: The three main consequences of air pollution are:

Ozone depletion
Global Warming

Question 4. How to control air pollution?

By using energy-efficient appliances
Using more of natural gases than non-degradable resources
Avoid burning plastics
Industries should be nearby to natural resources like the sea, river, trees, etc.

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Essay On Air Pollution 200 Words 500 Words

Essay on Air Pollution

Essay on air pollution is a crucial topic for students from an academic perspective. Moreover, an essay is one of the most effective ways to educate students about the plight of nature and the repercussions of human activities. Creating awareness for future generations is important if we have to undo decades of ignorance and neglect.

Furthermore, air pollution essay helps students to realize the gravity of the scenario and enable them to take action. Some as simple as using public transport or even carpooling will help reduce a significant amount of air pollution. Read on to discover how to write an engaging essay on air pollution.

Essay on Air Pollution – Important Points to Note

Please consider adopting the following points when writing an essay on air pollution. These tips are also helpful for other essay topics as well:

Always begin with an introductory paragraph about the topic, preferably detailing its origin.
Unless the topic is technical, try to avoid jargons.
Present content in bulleted points wherever possible
Insert factual data, such as important dates, places or name wherever possible.
Avoid writing the content in a large monotonous block of text. Remember to break up the content into digestible chunks
Always conclude the essay with a closing paragraph.

Essay on Air Pollution – Sample 1 (200 Words)

Air pollution is a serious issue and a cause for major concern in today’s world. A report published in 2014 by the World Health Organisation states that 4.21 million individuals died prematurely in 2012 as a result of air pollution. Air pollution existed much before humans, in the form of volcanic eruptions and forest fires. However, it became much more prevalent after the Industrial Revolution.

Rapid industrial growth, unregulated emissions and a host of other issues significantly contributed to the rise in air pollution. In some cases, the severity of air pollution reached an extent where government intervention was necessary. The Great Smog of London, 1952, was an extreme case of air pollution where visibility was severely hampered. It also caused a host of illnesses and the consequent deaths of countless civilians. In November 2017, the levels of air pollution in Delhi were ten times above the safe limits. For reference, the healthy air quality index is between 0 to 50, but during that particular time period, the air quality index hit 500+. This event is now called the Great Smog of Delhi.

An air quality index of 500 and above indicates that the air is heavily polluted and will cause irreversible lung damage and a host of other illnesses to everyone who is exposed to it. Therefore, to avoid such situations in the future, relevant actions must be implemented.

Essay on Air Pollution – Sample 2 (500 Words)

Air pollution may seem like the result of anthropological activities, however, it has been around even before humans evolved. Places which are naturally arid and have minimal vegetation are prone to dust storms. When this particulate matter is added to the air, it can cause health issues in animals exposed to the dust storms.

Furthermore, active volcanoes pump extremely large amounts of toxic plumes and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Wildfires also pump large amounts of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere and hamper photosynthesis for plants. Even animals, especially ruminants such as cows contribute to global warming by producing large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas.

However, air pollution was never a major concern until the industrial revolution. Industries grew rapidly, untreated emissions were pumped into the atmosphere, and the rise of automobiles significantly contributed to air pollution. Such activities continued without any restrictions until they started to cause a wide range of repercussions.

In humans, air polluted with contaminants can cause a wide array of illnesses ranging from asthma and bronchitis the various forms of cancer. Air pollution is not only present outdoors; interior air pollution is also a great concern. Recent research has actually found credible evidence that room fresheners have the many compounds within them, some of which are classified carcinogens. This means some of those compounds present in the aerosol has the potential to cause some forms of cancer. Other sources of air pollution can include gases such as carbon monoxide and radon.

Radon, in particular, is quite alarming. It is an odourless, colourless gas that occurs naturally. It is found in the soil as Uranium, which breaks down and eventually turns into radon gas. Radon has limited repercussions on health if exposed to low concentrations, however, when this gas gets trapped indoor, the higher levels of concentration can have wreak havoc or ultimately be lethal. Radon is also reported to be released from building materials such as granite. Exposure to radon causes no immediate health effects, but long term exposure has the potential to cause lung cancer.

Air pollution not only affects the lungs but the central nervous system too. It has been linked to a lot of diseases such as schizophrenia and autism. A study also implied that it can cause short-term memory losses or distortion of memory.

Historically, air pollution has caused many crises with the worst ever being the Bhopal Disaster in 1984. Fatalities were estimated at 3,800, with at least 600,000 injured. Next in severity was the Great Smog of 1952 which formed over London, killing an estimated 4,000 civilians over the course of four days.

Though measures have been taken to reduce the effects of air pollution, a lot of irreversible damage has been done. For instance, the effects of global warming have drastically increased; this is very apparent with the rise in sea levels and melting glaciers. If the ice caps continue to melt, then we will have to face drastic repercussions. Scientists have proposed a hypothetical scenario where the greenhouse effect becomes “uncontrolled.” Here, greenhouse gases build up and temperatures continue to rise steeply. Oceans will start to evaporate, adding more water vapour into the earth’s atmosphere. This intensifies the effect, reaching a point where temperatures are sufficiently high for rocks start sublimating. Though this scenario is hypothetical, some speculate that this phenomenon already occurred on Venus. The supporters of this theory back this up by claiming Venus has an atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide. The theory also explains why Venus has an extremely high surface temperature of 462 degrees Celcius; which is in fact, the hottest planet in the solar system.

Hence, we need to reduce our impact on the planet and make a conscious effort to reduce air pollution. Explore more essay topics or other fascinating concepts by registering at BYJU’S

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Air Pollution: Public Health Impact Qualitative Research

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Introduction

Over the years, environmentalists have intensified research on air pollution. Air pollution has been attributed to activities such as air travel, coal mining, and geological storage, among others. Consequently, this has increased health-associated risks in societies. The paper will summarize articles on human activities and their effects on human health.

International Air Travel and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Proposal for an Adaptation Levy

This article begins by recounting the benefits of air travel as well as its expansion throughout the world. According to the authors, Cameron and Benito, globalization was essential in driving commercial aviation. The article begins by exploring the nature and scale of challenges associated with greenhouse emissions in aviation. It argues that increase in emissions is a direct result of increase in growth of air travel since World War II.

Using various examples such as those from the European Union, the article cites increase in use of aviation fuel as a source of emissions in air travel.

Despite the fact that pollution from aviation forms about 4% of total air pollution by green house gasses, IATA has continued to pursue implementation of a proposal aimed at minimizing air pollution. The article cites inadequacies in current policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It suggests a proposal, which fronts for emission minimization incentives and charges, among others.

According to the article, aviation emissions are increasing at an alarming rate. In fact, it proposes major changes in policies to address potential challenges caused by air pollution. It also faults Kyoto Protocol for exclusion of policy changes aimed at reducing air pollution.

The article; therefore, put forward an IATAL to help tackle environmental issues arising from air travel. The authors believe that IATAL would provide stability in the industry more than the current scheme of auction. Moreover, they argue that IATAL would be accepted throughout the world since it addresses the repercussions of climate change (Hepburn & Müller, 2010, pp. 830-849).

Issue profile: environmental issues and the geological storage of CO2

This article relates environmental issues with carbon dioxide emissions. It begins by reaffirming the fact that increased carbon dioxide emission is likely to bring about oceanic acidification and climate change. These changes are expected to bring with them severe repercussions for humanity and ecosystems.

The paper explores strategies being sought to help minimize emissions, which include geological storage for carbon dioxide emissions. According to the article, existing studies only focus on gas and oil regulatory framework. However, the authors believe that if studies are also focused on non-oil reservoir formations, the frameworks utilized above may be inconclusive.

The paper goes on to state that the level of concern for uncontrolled carbon dioxide emissions is high in Europe. In fact, the authors also believe that release of such emissions from their storage sites are causing concerns among regulators. In essence, the paper calls for a new framework that would apply for both oil and non-oil reservoirs.

Moreover, the paper recommends that the effects of chronic and acute contact of ecosystems with carbon dioxide be evaluated. Additionally, it recommends inclusion of specific information addressing leakages from storage sites. The paper explores data to evaluate its capability in assisting regulators to implement these changes. Sadly, the amount of data is inadequate to help regulators.

It therefore exposes the gaps in assessing possible impacts of carbon dioxide leakages on subsurface, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. The authors also believe that knowledge on impacts of carbon dioxide leakage would enable regulators to refine risk assessments.

Additionally, it would provide limits and data on recovery rates. Furthermore, it would also help in assessing ecosystem changes for CCS sites in future (West, Pearce, Bentham & Maul, 2005, pp. 250-259).

Opencast coal mining in India: Analyzing and addressing the air environmental impacts

This article explores air environmental impacts of opencast coal mining in India. It begins by arguing that opencast mining causes more environmental issues than underground mining. Among the concerns raised in the article is deterioration of air quality, among others, which affect not only the surrounding but also the mining area. Nonetheless, the paper describes opencast mining to be a success in India.

This, the article argues, is attributed to the rising need for energy. Moreover, increased concerns for underground mining have also led to shifting technologies on opencast mining. The paper utilizes factal analysis to provide an understanding of air pollutants and their effects in opencast mining. The paper recommends numerous ways of reducing air pollution in opencast mining.

Some of the recommendations pointed include monitoring of wind direction and pollution concentrations around the mines, use of green belt, dust control, and water spraying, among others. The paper also argues that opencast mining pollution is caused mainly by generation of dust. Moreover, the paper notes high levels of pollutants, which are hazardous to human health.

The article also explains the process of factal analysis as well as its outcome in analyzing pollution in India from opencast mining. Moreover, the article recommends a practical scheme for minimizing air pollution opencast mining. It also suggests that this methodology be extended to other site types (Ghose, 2007, pp. 71-87).

Article on Public Heath

This article explains how air pollution contributes to morbidity and mortality. It does this by estimating the effects of traffic related air pollution and impact of outdoor pollution on public health. This study was conducted in three European countries namely Austria, Switzerland, and France. Impacts of air pollution were quantified using epidemiology based exposure-response functions for an increase in particulate matter.

The cases that were attributable to air pollution were classified according to ages namely, 30 years, 25 years, 20 years, and 15 years respectively. This was then modeled for each square kilometer. Asthma attacks in both adults and children were explored, as well as restricted activity days, among others.

Findings indicated that over 40000 that represent over 6% of death cases (mortality) were caused by air pollution on a yearly basis. In addition, motorized traffic caused nearly half of all mortality arising from air pollution. Moreover, this attributed to 16 million person-day restricted activities, over 500000 of asthma attacks, over 290000 of bronchitis in children and over 25000 new cases of bronchitis in adults.

The paper estimated the impact of air pollution in public health. It suggests that although individual concerns from air pollution are minimal, public health concern are substantial. Besides, it affirms that public health targets air pollution as its main areas of concern in Europe.

Finally, it suggests that results from the study are resourceful in assessment of environmental health-policy options (Kunzli, Kaiser, Medina, Studnicka, Chanel, Filliger &… Sommer, 2000, p. 795).

Air pollution is an area of concern to the world at large. The paper explores various air pollutants such as dust, carbon dioxide emissions, and green house gas emissions. In this regard, the paper explores various articles on opencast coals mining, aviation emissions, and geological storage of carbon dioxide and public health concerns in air pollution.

Notably, each of the articles provides recommendations for reducing air pollution. For instance, change in policies is mentioned profoundly in the articles, among other measures. In essence, the articles show that studies on air pollution are important for its mitigation.

Ghose, M. K. (2007). Opencast coal mining in India: Analyzing and addressing the air environmental impacts. Environmental Quality Management, 16 (3), 71-87.

Hepburn, C., & Müller, B. (2010). International Air Travel and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Proposal for an Adaptation Levy. World Economy, 33 (6), 830-849.

Kunzli, N., Kaiser, R., Medina, S., Studnicka, M., Chanel, O., Filliger, P., &… Sommer, H. (2000). Public-health impact of outdoor and traffic-related air pollution: a European assessment. Lancet, 356 (9232), 795.

West, J. M., Pearce, J., Bentham, M., & Maul, P. (2005). Issue profile: environmental issues and the geological storage of CO2. European Environment: The Journal of European Environmental Policy (Wiley), 15 (4), 250-259.

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by Chris Woodford . Last updated: November 22, 2022.

Photo: Air pollution is obvious when it pours from a smokestack (chimney), but it's not always so easy to spot. This is an old photo of the kind of smoke that used to come from coal-fired power plants and, apart from soot (unburned carbon particles), its pollutants include sulfur dioxide and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Thanks to tougher pollution controls, modern power plants produce only a fraction as much pollution. Modern pollution made by traffic consists of gases like nitrogen dioxide and "particulates" (microscopic soot and dust fragments) that are largely invisible.

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is a gas (or a liquid or solid dispersed through ordinary air) released in a big enough quantity to harm the health of people or other animals, kill plants or stop them growing properly, damage or disrupt some other aspect of the environment (such as making buildings crumble), or cause some other kind of nuisance (reduced visibility, perhaps, or an unpleasant odor).

Natural air pollution

Photo: Forest fires are a completely natural cause of air pollution. We'll never be able to prevent them breaking out or stop the pollution they cause; our best hope is to manage forests, where we can, so fires don't spread. Ironically, that can mean deliberately burning areas of forest, as shown here, to create firebreaks. Forests are also deliberately burned to regenerate ecosystems. Photo by courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service .

Top-ten kinds of air pollution Photo: Flying molecules—if you could see air pollution close up, this is what it would look like. Image courtesy of US Department of Energy. Any gas could qualify as pollution if it reached a high enough concentration to do harm. Theoretically, that means there are dozens of different pollution gases. It's important to note that not all the things we think of as pollution are gases: some are aerosols (liquids or solids dispersed through gases). In practice, about ten different substances cause most concern: Sulfur dioxide : Coal, petroleum, and other fuels are often impure and contain sulfur as well as organic (carbon-based) compounds. When sulfur (spelled "sulphur" in some countries) burns with oxygen from the air, sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) is produced. Coal-fired power plants are the world's biggest source of sulfur-dioxide air pollution, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and health problems that include lung disease. [5] Large amounts of sulfur dioxide are also produced by ships, which use dirtier diesel fuel than cars and trucks. [6] Carbon monoxide : This highly dangerous gas forms when fuels have too little oxygen to burn completely. It spews out in car exhausts and it can also build up to dangerous levels inside your home if you have a poorly maintained gas boiler , stove, or fuel-burning appliance. (Always fit a carbon monoxide detector if you burn fuels indoors.) [7] Carbon dioxide : This gas is central to everyday life and isn't normally considered a pollutant: we all produce it when we breathe out and plants such as crops and trees need to "breathe" it in to grow. However, carbon dioxide is also a greenhouse gas released by engines and power plants. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, it's been building up in Earth's atmosphere and contributing to the problem of global warming and climate change . [8] Nitrogen oxides : Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and nitrogen oxide (NO) are pollutants produced as an indirect result of combustion, when nitrogen and oxygen from the air react together. Nitrogen oxide pollution comes from vehicle engines and power plants, and plays an important role in the formation of acid rain, ozone and smog. Nitrogen oxides are also "indirect greenhouse gases" (they contribute to global warming by producing ozone, which is a greenhouse gas). [9] Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) : These carbon-based (organic) chemicals evaporate easily at ordinary temperatures and pressures, so they readily become gases. That's precisely why they're used as solvents in many different household chemicals such as paints , waxes, and varnishes. Unfortunately, they're also a form of air pollution: they're believed to have long-term (chronic) effects on people's health and they play a role in the formation of ozone and smog. VOCs are also released by tobacco smoke and wildfires. [10] Particulates : There are many different kinds of particulates, from black soot in diesel exhaust to dust and organic matter from the desert. Airborne liquid droplets from farm pollution also count as particulates. Particulates of different sizes are often referred to by the letters PM followed by a number, so PM 10 means soot particles of less than 10 microns (10 millionths of a meter or 10µm in diameter, roughly 10 times thinner than a thick human hair). The smaller ("finer") the particulates, the deeper they travel into our lungs and the more dangerous they are. PM 2.5 particulates are much more dangerous (they're less than 2.5 millionths of a meter or about 40 times thinner than a typical hair). In cities, most particulates come from traffic fumes. [11] Ozone : Also called trioxygen, this is a type of oxygen gas whose molecules are made from three oxygen atoms joined together (so it has the chemical formula O 3 ), instead of just the two atoms in conventional oxygen (O 2 ). In the stratosphere (upper atmosphere), a band of ozone ("the ozone layer") protects us by screening out harmful ultraviolet radiation (high-energy blue light) beaming down from the Sun. At ground level, it's a toxic pollutant that can damage health. It forms when sunlight strikes a cocktail of other pollution and is a key ingredient of smog (see box below). [12] Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) : Once thought to be harmless, these gases were widely used in refrigerators and aerosol cans until it was discovered that they damaged Earth's ozone layer. We discuss this in more detail down below. [13] Unburned hydrocarbons : Petroleum and other fuels are made of organic compounds based on chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. When they burn properly, they're completely converted into harmless carbon dioxide and water ; when they burn incompletely, they can release carbon monoxide or float into the air in their unburned form, contributing to smog. Lead and heavy metals : Lead and other toxic "heavy metals" can be spread into the air either as toxic compounds or as aerosols (when solids or liquids are dispersed through gases and carried through the air by them) in such things as exhaust fumes and the fly ash (contaminated waste dust) from incinerator smokestacks. [14] What are the causes of air pollution?

Photo: Even in the age of electric cars, traffic remains a major cause of air pollution. Photo by Warren Gretz courtesy of US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) (NREL photo id#46361).

Photo: Brown smog lingers over Denver, Colorado. Photo by Warren Gretz courtesy of US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) (NREL photo id#56919).

Chart: Most of the world's major cities routinely exceed World Health Organization (WHO) air pollution guidelines, though progress is being made: you can see that the 2022 figures (green) show a marked improvement on the 2016 ones (orange) in almost every case. This chart compares annual mean PM 2.5 levels in 12 representative cities around the world with the recently revised (2021) WHO guideline value of 5μg per cubic meter (dotted line). PM 2.5 particulates are those smaller than 2.5 microns and believed to be most closely linked with adverse health effects. For more about this chart and the data sources used, see note [22] .

Photo: Smokestacks billowing pollution over Moscow, Russia in 1994. Factory pollution is much less of a problem than it used to be in the world's "richer" countries—partly because a lot of their industry has been exported to nations such as China, India, and Mexico. Photo by Roger Taylor courtesy of US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) .

What effects does air pollution have?

Photo: Air pollution can cause a variety of lung diseases and other respiratory problems. This chest X ray shows a lung disease called emphysema in the patient's left lung. A variety of things can cause it, including smoking and exposure to air pollution. Photo courtesy of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and National Institutes of Health.

" In 2016, 91% of the world population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met." World Health Organization , 2018

Photo: For many years, the stonework on the Parthenon in Athens, Greece has been blackened by particulates from traffic pollution, but other sources of pollution, such as wood-burning stoves, are increasingly significant. Photo by Michael M. Reddy courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey .

How air pollution works on different scales

Indoor air pollution.

Photo: Air freshener—or air polluter?

How can we solve the problem of air pollution?

Photo: Pollution solution: an electrostatic smoke precipitator helps to prevent air pollution from this smokestack at the McNeil biomass power plant in Burlington, VT. Photo by Warren Gretz courtesy of US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

What can you do to help reduce air pollution?

Photo: Buying organic food reduces the use of sprayed pesticides and other chemicals, so it helps to reduce air (as well as water) pollution.

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Breathless by Chris Woodford paperback book cover rendered as dummy book.

Breathless: Why Air Pollution Matters—and How it Affects You by Chris Woodford. Icon, 2021. My new book explores the problem in much more depth than I've been able to go into here. You can also read a bonus chapter called Angels with dirty faces: How air pollution blackens our buildings and monuments .
The Invisible Killer: The Rising Global Threat of Air Pollution and How We Can Fight Back by Gary Fuller. Melville House, 2018.
Reducing Pollution and Waste by Jen Green. Raintree/Capstone, 2011. A 48-page introduction for ages 9–12. The emphasis here is on getting children to think about pollution: where it comes from, who makes it, and who should solve the problem.
Pollution Crisis by Russ Parker. Rosen, 2009. A 32-page guide for ages 8–10. It starts with a global survey of the problem; looks at air, water, and land pollution; then considers how we all need to be part of the solution.
Earth Matters by Lynn Dicks et al. Dorling Kindersley, 2008. This isn't specifically about pollution. Instead, it explores how a range of different environmental problems are testing life to the limit in the planet's major biomes (oceans, forests, and so on). I wrote the section of this book that covers the polar regions.
State of Global Air : One of the best sources of global air pollution data.
American Lung Association: State of the Air Report : A good source of data about the United States.
European Environment Agency: Air quality in Europe : A definitive overview of the situation in the European countries.
World Health Organization (WHO) Ambient (outdoor) air pollution in cities database : A spreadsheet of pollution data for most major cities in the world (a little out of date, but a new version is expected soon).
Our World in Data : Accessible guides to global data from Oxford University.
The New York Times Topics: Air Pollution
The Guardian: Pollution
Wired: Pollution
'Invisible killer': fossil fuels caused 8.7m deaths globally in 2018, research finds by Oliver Milman. The Guardian, February 9, 2021. Pollution of various kinds causes something like one in five of all deaths.
Millions of masks distributed to students in 'gas chamber' Delhi : BBC News, 1 November 2019.
90% of world's children are breathing toxic air, WHO study finds by Matthew Taylor. The Guardian, October 29, 2018. The air pollution affecting billions of children could continue to harm their health throughout their lives.
Pollution May Dim Thinking Skills, Study in China Suggests by Mike Ives. The New York Times, August 29, 2018. Long-term exposure to air pollution seems to cause a decline in cognitive skills.
Global pollution kills 9m a year and threatens 'survival of human societies' by Damian Carrington. The Guardian, October 19, 2017. Air, water, and land pollution kill millions, cost trillions, and threaten the very survival of humankind, a new study reveals.
India's Air Pollution Rivals China's as World's Deadliest by Geeta Anand. The New York Times, February 14, 2017. High levels of pollution could be killing 1.1 million Indians each year.
More Than 9 in 10 People Breathe Bad Air, WHO Study Says by Mike Ives. The New York Times, September 27, 2016. New WHO figures suggest the vast majority of us are compromising our health by breathing bad air.
Study Links 6.5 Million Deaths Each Year to Air Pollution by Stanley Reed. The New York Times, June 26, 2016. Air pollution deaths are far greater than previously supposed according to a new study by the International Energy Agency.
UK air pollution 'linked to 40,000 early deaths a year' by Michelle Roberts, BBC News, February 23, 2016. Diesel engines, cigarette smoke, and even air fresheners are among the causes of premature death from air pollution.
This Wearable Detects Pollution to Build Air Quality Maps in Real Time by Davey Alba. Wired, November 19, 2014. A wearable pollution gadget lets people track their exposure to air pollution through a smartphone app.
Air pollution and public health: emerging hazards and improved understanding of risk by Frank J. Kelly and Julia C. Fussell, Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2015
Health effects of fine particulate air pollution: lines that connect by C.A. Pope and D.W. Dockery. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, 2006
Ambient and household air pollution: complex triggers of disease by Stephen A. Farmer et al, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 2014

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Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

Ioannis manisalidis.

1 Delphis S.A., Kifisia, Greece

2 Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece

Elisavet Stavropoulou

3 Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Service de Médicine Interne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Agathangelos Stavropoulos

4 School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Eugenia Bezirtzoglou

One of our era's greatest scourges is air pollution, on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its impact on public and individual health due to increasing morbidity and mortality. There are many pollutants that are major factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but very small diameter, penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone in the stratosphere plays a protective role against ultraviolet irradiation, it is harmful when in high concentration at ground level, also affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Carbon monoxide can even provoke direct poisoning when breathed in at high levels. Heavy metals such as lead, when absorbed into the human body, can lead to direct poisoning or chronic intoxication, depending on exposure. Diseases occurring from the aforementioned substances include principally respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiolitis, and also lung cancer, cardiovascular events, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases. Last but not least, climate change resulting from environmental pollution affects the geographical distribution of many infectious diseases, as do natural disasters. The only way to tackle this problem is through public awareness coupled with a multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and international organizations must address the emergence of this threat and propose sustainable solutions.

Approach to the Problem

The interactions between humans and their physical surroundings have been extensively studied, as multiple human activities influence the environment. The environment is a coupling of the biotic (living organisms and microorganisms) and the abiotic (hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere).

Pollution is defined as the introduction into the environment of substances harmful to humans and other living organisms. Pollutants are harmful solids, liquids, or gases produced in higher than usual concentrations that reduce the quality of our environment.

Human activities have an adverse effect on the environment by polluting the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the soil in which plants grow. Although the industrial revolution was a great success in terms of technology, society, and the provision of multiple services, it also introduced the production of huge quantities of pollutants emitted into the air that are harmful to human health. Without any doubt, the global environmental pollution is considered an international public health issue with multiple facets. Social, economic, and legislative concerns and lifestyle habits are related to this major problem. Clearly, urbanization and industrialization are reaching unprecedented and upsetting proportions worldwide in our era. Anthropogenic air pollution is one of the biggest public health hazards worldwide, given that it accounts for about 9 million deaths per year ( 1 ).

Without a doubt, all of the aforementioned are closely associated with climate change, and in the event of danger, the consequences can be severe for mankind ( 2 ). Climate changes and the effects of global planetary warming seriously affect multiple ecosystems, causing problems such as food safety issues, ice and iceberg melting, animal extinction, and damage to plants ( 3 , 4 ).

Air pollution has various health effects. The health of susceptible and sensitive individuals can be impacted even on low air pollution days. Short-term exposure to air pollutants is closely related to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, respiratory disease, and high rates of hospitalization (a measurement of morbidity).

The long-term effects associated with air pollution are chronic asthma, pulmonary insufficiency, cardiovascular diseases, and cardiovascular mortality. According to a Swedish cohort study, diabetes seems to be induced after long-term air pollution exposure ( 5 ). Moreover, air pollution seems to have various malign health effects in early human life, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, and perinatal disorders ( 3 ), leading to infant mortality or chronic disease in adult age ( 6 ).

National reports have mentioned the increased risk of morbidity and mortality ( 1 ). These studies were conducted in many places around the world and show a correlation between daily ranges of particulate matter (PM) concentration and daily mortality. Climate shifts and global planetary warming ( 3 ) could aggravate the situation. Besides, increased hospitalization (an index of morbidity) has been registered among the elderly and susceptible individuals for specific reasons. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter seems to be associated with more serious illnesses ( 6 ), as it can invade the deepest parts of the airways and more easily reach the bloodstream.

Air pollution mainly affects those living in large urban areas, where road emissions contribute the most to the degradation of air quality. There is also a danger of industrial accidents, where the spread of a toxic fog can be fatal to the populations of the surrounding areas. The dispersion of pollutants is determined by many parameters, most notably atmospheric stability and wind ( 6 ).

In developing countries ( 7 ), the problem is more serious due to overpopulation and uncontrolled urbanization along with the development of industrialization. This leads to poor air quality, especially in countries with social disparities and a lack of information on sustainable management of the environment. The use of fuels such as wood fuel or solid fuel for domestic needs due to low incomes exposes people to bad-quality, polluted air at home. It is of note that three billion people around the world are using the above sources of energy for their daily heating and cooking needs ( 8 ). In developing countries, the women of the household seem to carry the highest risk for disease development due to their longer duration exposure to the indoor air pollution ( 8 , 9 ). Due to its fast industrial development and overpopulation, China is one of the Asian countries confronting serious air pollution problems ( 10 , 11 ). The lung cancer mortality observed in China is associated with fine particles ( 12 ). As stated already, long-term exposure is associated with deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system ( 3 , 5 ). However, it is interesting to note that cardiovascular diseases have mostly been observed in developed and high-income countries rather than in the developing low-income countries exposed highly to air pollution ( 13 ). Extreme air pollution is recorded in India, where the air quality reaches hazardous levels. New Delhi is one of the more polluted cities in India. Flights in and out of New Delhi International Airport are often canceled due to the reduced visibility associated with air pollution. Pollution is occurring both in urban and rural areas in India due to the fast industrialization, urbanization, and rise in use of motorcycle transportation. Nevertheless, biomass combustion associated with heating and cooking needs and practices is a major source of household air pollution in India and in Nepal ( 14 , 15 ). There is spatial heterogeneity in India, as areas with diverse climatological conditions and population and education levels generate different indoor air qualities, with higher PM 2.5 observed in North Indian states (557–601 μg/m 3 ) compared to the Southern States (183–214 μg/m 3 ) ( 16 , 17 ). The cold climate of the North Indian areas may be the main reason for this, as longer periods at home and more heating are necessary compared to in the tropical climate of Southern India. Household air pollution in India is associated with major health effects, especially in women and young children, who stay indoors for longer periods. Chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD) and lung cancer are mostly observed in women, while acute lower respiratory disease is seen in young children under 5 years of age ( 18 ).

Accumulation of air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide and smoke, reaching 1,500 mg/m3, resulted in an increase in the number of deaths (4,000 deaths) in December 1952 in London and in 1963 in New York City (400 deaths) ( 19 ). An association of pollution with mortality was reported on the basis of monitoring of outdoor pollution in six US metropolitan cities ( 20 ). In every case, it seems that mortality was closely related to the levels of fine, inhalable, and sulfate particles more than with the levels of total particulate pollution, aerosol acidity, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen dioxide ( 20 ).

Furthermore, extremely high levels of pollution are reported in Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro, followed by Milan, Ankara, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Moscow ( 19 ).

Based on the magnitude of the public health impact, it is certain that different kinds of interventions should be taken into account. Success and effectiveness in controlling air pollution, specifically at the local level, have been reported. Adequate technological means are applied considering the source and the nature of the emission as well as its impact on health and the environment. The importance of point sources and non-point sources of air pollution control is reported by Schwela and Köth-Jahr ( 21 ). Without a doubt, a detailed emission inventory must record all sources in a given area. Beyond considering the above sources and their nature, topography and meteorology should also be considered, as stated previously. Assessment of the control policies and methods is often extrapolated from the local to the regional and then to the global scale. Air pollution may be dispersed and transported from one region to another area located far away. Air pollution management means the reduction to acceptable levels or possible elimination of air pollutants whose presence in the air affects our health or the environmental ecosystem. Private and governmental entities and authorities implement actions to ensure the air quality ( 22 ). Air quality standards and guidelines were adopted for the different pollutants by the WHO and EPA as a tool for the management of air quality ( 1 , 23 ). These standards have to be compared to the emissions inventory standards by causal analysis and dispersion modeling in order to reveal the problematic areas ( 24 ). Inventories are generally based on a combination of direct measurements and emissions modeling ( 24 ).

As an example, we state here the control measures at the source through the use of catalytic converters in cars. These are devices that turn the pollutants and toxic gases produced from combustion engines into less-toxic pollutants by catalysis through redox reactions ( 25 ). In Greece, the use of private cars was restricted by tracking their license plates in order to reduce traffic congestion during rush hour ( 25 ).

Concerning industrial emissions, collectors and closed systems can keep the air pollution to the minimal standards imposed by legislation ( 26 ).

Current strategies to improve air quality require an estimation of the economic value of the benefits gained from proposed programs. These proposed programs by public authorities, and directives are issued with guidelines to be respected.

In Europe, air quality limit values AQLVs (Air Quality Limit Values) are issued for setting off planning claims ( 27 ). In the USA, the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) establish the national air quality limit values ( 27 ). While both standards and directives are based on different mechanisms, significant success has been achieved in the reduction of overall emissions and associated health and environmental effects ( 27 ). The European Directive identifies geographical areas of risk exposure as monitoring/assessment zones to record the emission sources and levels of air pollution ( 27 ), whereas the USA establishes global geographical air quality criteria according to the severity of their air quality problem and records all sources of the pollutants and their precursors ( 27 ).

In this vein, funds have been financing, directly or indirectly, projects related to air quality along with the technical infrastructure to maintain good air quality. These plans focus on an inventory of databases from air quality environmental planning awareness campaigns. Moreover, pollution measures of air emissions may be taken for vehicles, machines, and industries in urban areas.

Technological innovation can only be successful if it is able to meet the needs of society. In this sense, technology must reflect the decision-making practices and procedures of those involved in risk assessment and evaluation and act as a facilitator in providing information and assessments to enable decision makers to make the best decisions possible. Summarizing the aforementioned in order to design an effective air quality control strategy, several aspects must be considered: environmental factors and ambient air quality conditions, engineering factors and air pollutant characteristics, and finally, economic operating costs for technological improvement and administrative and legal costs. Considering the economic factor, competitiveness through neoliberal concepts is offering a solution to environmental problems ( 22 ).

The development of environmental governance, along with technological progress, has initiated the deployment of a dialogue. Environmental politics has created objections and points of opposition between different political parties, scientists, media, and governmental and non-governmental organizations ( 22 ). Radical environmental activism actions and movements have been created ( 22 ). The rise of the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) are many times examined as to whether and in which way they have influenced means of communication and social movements such as activism ( 28 ). Since the 1990s, the term “digital activism” has been used increasingly and in many different disciplines ( 29 ). Nowadays, multiple digital technologies can be used to produce a digital activism outcome on environmental issues. More specifically, devices with online capabilities such as computers or mobile phones are being used as a way to pursue change in political and social affairs ( 30 ).

In the present paper, we focus on the sources of environmental pollution in relation to public health and propose some solutions and interventions that may be of interest to environmental legislators and decision makers.

Sources of Exposure

It is known that the majority of environmental pollutants are emitted through large-scale human activities such as the use of industrial machinery, power-producing stations, combustion engines, and cars. Because these activities are performed at such a large scale, they are by far the major contributors to air pollution, with cars estimated to be responsible for approximately 80% of today's pollution ( 31 ). Some other human activities are also influencing our environment to a lesser extent, such as field cultivation techniques, gas stations, fuel tanks heaters, and cleaning procedures ( 32 ), as well as several natural sources, such as volcanic and soil eruptions and forest fires.

The classification of air pollutants is based mainly on the sources producing pollution. Therefore, it is worth mentioning the four main sources, following the classification system: Major sources, Area sources, Mobile sources, and Natural sources.

Major sources include the emission of pollutants from power stations, refineries, and petrochemicals, the chemical and fertilizer industries, metallurgical and other industrial plants, and, finally, municipal incineration.

Indoor area sources include domestic cleaning activities, dry cleaners, printing shops, and petrol stations.

Mobile sources include automobiles, cars, railways, airways, and other types of vehicles.

Finally, natural sources include, as stated previously, physical disasters ( 33 ) such as forest fire, volcanic erosion, dust storms, and agricultural burning.

However, many classification systems have been proposed. Another type of classification is a grouping according to the recipient of the pollution, as follows:

Air pollution is determined as the presence of pollutants in the air in large quantities for long periods. Air pollutants are dispersed particles, hydrocarbons, CO, CO 2 , NO, NO 2 , SO 3 , etc.

Water pollution is organic and inorganic charge and biological charge ( 10 ) at high levels that affect the water quality ( 34 , 35 ).

Soil pollution occurs through the release of chemicals or the disposal of wastes, such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides.

Air pollution can influence the quality of soil and water bodies by polluting precipitation, falling into water and soil environments ( 34 , 36 ). Notably, the chemistry of the soil can be amended due to acid precipitation by affecting plants, cultures, and water quality ( 37 ). Moreover, movement of heavy metals is favored by soil acidity, and metals are so then moving into the watery environment. It is known that heavy metals such as aluminum are noxious to wildlife and fishes. Soil quality seems to be of importance, as soils with low calcium carbonate levels are at increased jeopardy from acid rain. Over and above rain, snow and particulate matter drip into watery ' bodies ( 36 , 38 ).

Lastly, pollution is classified following type of origin:

Radioactive and nuclear pollution , releasing radioactive and nuclear pollutants into water, air, and soil during nuclear explosions and accidents, from nuclear weapons, and through handling or disposal of radioactive sewage.

Radioactive materials can contaminate surface water bodies and, being noxious to the environment, plants, animals, and humans. It is known that several radioactive substances such as radium and uranium concentrate in the bones and can cause cancers ( 38 , 39 ).

Noise pollution is produced by machines, vehicles, traffic noises, and musical installations that are harmful to our hearing.

The World Health Organization introduced the term DALYs. The DALYs for a disease or health condition is defined as the sum of the Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature mortality in the population and the Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) for people living with the health condition or its consequences ( 39 ). In Europe, air pollution is the main cause of disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs), followed by noise pollution. The potential relationships of noise and air pollution with health have been studied ( 40 ). The study found that DALYs related to noise were more important than those related to air pollution, as the effects of environmental noise on cardiovascular disease were independent of air pollution ( 40 ). Environmental noise should be counted as an independent public health risk ( 40 ).

Environmental pollution occurs when changes in the physical, chemical, or biological constituents of the environment (air masses, temperature, climate, etc.) are produced.

Pollutants harm our environment either by increasing levels above normal or by introducing harmful toxic substances. Primary pollutants are directly produced from the above sources, and secondary pollutants are emitted as by-products of the primary ones. Pollutants can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable and of natural origin or anthropogenic, as stated previously. Moreover, their origin can be a unique source (point-source) or dispersed sources.

Pollutants have differences in physical and chemical properties, explaining the discrepancy in their capacity for producing toxic effects. As an example, we state here that aerosol compounds ( 41 – 43 ) have a greater toxicity than gaseous compounds due to their tiny size (solid or liquid) in the atmosphere; they have a greater penetration capacity. Gaseous compounds are eliminated more easily by our respiratory system ( 41 ). These particles are able to damage lungs and can even enter the bloodstream ( 41 ), leading to the premature deaths of millions of people yearly. Moreover, the aerosol acidity ([H+]) seems to considerably enhance the production of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), but this last aspect is not supported by other scientific teams ( 38 ).

Climate and Pollution

Air pollution and climate change are closely related. Climate is the other side of the same coin that reduces the quality of our Earth ( 44 ). Pollutants such as black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone, and aerosols affect the amount of incoming sunlight. As a result, the temperature of the Earth is increasing, resulting in the melting of ice, icebergs, and glaciers.

In this vein, climatic changes will affect the incidence and prevalence of both residual and imported infections in Europe. Climate and weather affect the duration, timing, and intensity of outbreaks strongly and change the map of infectious diseases in the globe ( 45 ). Mosquito-transmitted parasitic or viral diseases are extremely climate-sensitive, as warming firstly shortens the pathogen incubation period and secondly shifts the geographic map of the vector. Similarly, water-warming following climate changes leads to a high incidence of waterborne infections. Recently, in Europe, eradicated diseases seem to be emerging due to the migration of population, for example, cholera, poliomyelitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and malaria ( 46 ).

The spread of epidemics is associated with natural climate disasters and storms, which seem to occur more frequently nowadays ( 47 ). Malnutrition and disequilibration of the immune system are also associated with the emerging infections affecting public health ( 48 ).

The Chikungunya virus “took the airplane” from the Indian Ocean to Europe, as outbreaks of the disease were registered in Italy ( 49 ) as well as autochthonous cases in France ( 50 ).

An increase in cryptosporidiosis in the United Kingdom and in the Czech Republic seems to have occurred following flooding ( 36 , 51 ).

As stated previously, aerosols compounds are tiny in size and considerably affect the climate. They are able to dissipate sunlight (the albedo phenomenon) by dispersing a quarter of the sun's rays back to space and have cooled the global temperature over the last 30 years ( 52 ).

Air Pollutants

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports on six major air pollutants, namely particle pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. Air pollution can have a disastrous effect on all components of the environment, including groundwater, soil, and air. Additionally, it poses a serious threat to living organisms. In this vein, our interest is mainly to focus on these pollutants, as they are related to more extensive and severe problems in human health and environmental impact. Acid rain, global warming, the greenhouse effect, and climate changes have an important ecological impact on air pollution ( 53 ).

Particulate Matter (PM) and Health

Studies have shown a relationship between particulate matter (PM) and adverse health effects, focusing on either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) PM exposure.

Particulate matter (PM) is usually formed in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions between the different pollutants. The penetration of particles is closely dependent on their size ( 53 ). Particulate Matter (PM) was defined as a term for particles by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( 54 ). Particulate matter (PM) pollution includes particles with diameters of 10 micrometers (μm) or smaller, called PM 10 , and extremely fine particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers (μm) and smaller.

Particulate matter contains tiny liquid or solid droplets that can be inhaled and cause serious health effects ( 55 ). Particles <10 μm in diameter (PM 10 ) after inhalation can invade the lungs and even reach the bloodstream. Fine particles, PM 2.5 , pose a greater risk to health ( 6 , 56 ) ( Table 1 ).

Penetrability according to particle size.


>11 μm	Passage into nostrils and upper respiratory tract
7–11 μm	Passage into nasal cavity
4.7–7 μm	Passage into larynx
3.3–4.7 μm	Passage into trachea-bronchial area
2.1–3.3 μm	Secondary bronchial area passage
1.1–2.1 μm	Terminal bronchial area passage
0.65–1.1 μm	Bronchioles penetrability
0.43–0.65 μm	Alveolar penetrability

Multiple epidemiological studies have been performed on the health effects of PM. A positive relation was shown between both short-term and long-term exposures of PM 2.5 and acute nasopharyngitis ( 56 ). In addition, long-term exposure to PM for years was found to be related to cardiovascular diseases and infant mortality.

Those studies depend on PM 2.5 monitors and are restricted in terms of study area or city area due to a lack of spatially resolved daily PM 2.5 concentration data and, in this way, are not representative of the entire population. Following a recent epidemiological study by the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health (Boston, MA) ( 57 ), it was reported that, as PM 2.5 concentrations vary spatially, an exposure error (Berkson error) seems to be produced, and the relative magnitudes of the short- and long-term effects are not yet completely elucidated. The team developed a PM 2.5 exposure model based on remote sensing data for assessing short- and long-term human exposures ( 57 ). This model permits spatial resolution in short-term effects plus the assessment of long-term effects in the whole population.

Moreover, respiratory diseases and affection of the immune system are registered as long-term chronic effects ( 58 ). It is worth noting that people with asthma, pneumonia, diabetes, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are especially susceptible and vulnerable to the effects of PM. PM 2.5 , followed by PM 10 , are strongly associated with diverse respiratory system diseases ( 59 ), as their size permits them to pierce interior spaces ( 60 ). The particles produce toxic effects according to their chemical and physical properties. The components of PM 10 and PM 2.5 can be organic (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, benzene, 1-3 butadiene) or inorganic (carbon, chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, metals) in nature ( 55 ).

Particulate Matter (PM) is divided into four main categories according to type and size ( 61 ) ( Table 2 ).

Types and sizes of particulate Matter (PM).


Particulate contaminants	Smog	0.01–1
	Soot	0.01–0.8
	Tobacco smoke	0.01–1
	Fly ash	1–100
	Cement Dust	8–100
Biological Contaminants	Bacteria and bacterial spores	0.7–10
	Viruses	0.01–1
	Fungi and molds	2–12
	Allergens (dogs, cats, pollen, household dust)	0.1–100
Types of Dust	Atmospheric dust	0.01–1
	Heavy dust	100–1000
	Settling dust	1–100
Gases	Different gaseous contaminants	0.0001–0.01

Gas contaminants include PM in aerial masses.

Particulate contaminants include contaminants such as smog, soot, tobacco smoke, oil smoke, fly ash, and cement dust.

Biological Contaminants are microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and bacterial spores), cat allergens, house dust and allergens, and pollen.

Types of Dust include suspended atmospheric dust, settling dust, and heavy dust.

Finally, another fact is that the half-lives of PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles in the atmosphere is extended due to their tiny dimensions; this permits their long-lasting suspension in the atmosphere and even their transfer and spread to distant destinations where people and the environment may be exposed to the same magnitude of pollution ( 53 ). They are able to change the nutrient balance in watery ecosystems, damage forests and crops, and acidify water bodies.

As stated, PM 2.5 , due to their tiny size, are causing more serious health effects. These aforementioned fine particles are the main cause of the “haze” formation in different metropolitan areas ( 12 , 13 , 61 ).

Ozone Impact in the Atmosphere

Ozone (O 3 ) is a gas formed from oxygen under high voltage electric discharge ( 62 ). It is a strong oxidant, 52% stronger than chlorine. It arises in the stratosphere, but it could also arise following chain reactions of photochemical smog in the troposphere ( 63 ).

Ozone can travel to distant areas from its initial source, moving with air masses ( 64 ). It is surprising that ozone levels over cities are low in contrast to the increased amounts occuring in urban areas, which could become harmful for cultures, forests, and vegetation ( 65 ) as it is reducing carbon assimilation ( 66 ). Ozone reduces growth and yield ( 47 , 48 ) and affects the plant microflora due to its antimicrobial capacity ( 67 , 68 ). In this regard, ozone acts upon other natural ecosystems, with microflora ( 69 , 70 ) and animal species changing their species composition ( 71 ). Ozone increases DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes and leads to impaired cellular function ( 72 ).

Ground-level ozone (GLO) is generated through a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen and VOCs emitted from natural sources and/or following anthropogenic activities.

Ozone uptake usually occurs by inhalation. Ozone affects the upper layers of the skin and the tear ducts ( 73 ). A study of short-term exposure of mice to high levels of ozone showed malondialdehyde formation in the upper skin (epidermis) but also depletion in vitamins C and E. It is likely that ozone levels are not interfering with the skin barrier function and integrity to predispose to skin disease ( 74 ).

Due to the low water-solubility of ozone, inhaled ozone has the capacity to penetrate deeply into the lungs ( 75 ).

Toxic effects induced by ozone are registered in urban areas all over the world, causing biochemical, morphologic, functional, and immunological disorders ( 76 ).

The European project (APHEA2) focuses on the acute effects of ambient ozone concentrations on mortality ( 77 ). Daily ozone concentrations compared to the daily number of deaths were reported from different European cities for a 3-year period. During the warm period of the year, an observed increase in ozone concentration was associated with an increase in the daily number of deaths (0.33%), in the number of respiratory deaths (1.13%), and in the number of cardiovascular deaths (0.45%). No effect was observed during wintertime.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is produced by fossil fuel when combustion is incomplete. The symptoms of poisoning due to inhaling carbon monoxide include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and, finally, loss of consciousness.

The affinity of carbon monoxide to hemoglobin is much greater than that of oxygen. In this vein, serious poisoning may occur in people exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide for a long period of time. Due to the loss of oxygen as a result of the competitive binding of carbon monoxide, hypoxia, ischemia, and cardiovascular disease are observed.

Carbon monoxide affects the greenhouses gases that are tightly connected to global warming and climate. This should lead to an increase in soil and water temperatures, and extreme weather conditions or storms may occur ( 68 ).

However, in laboratory and field experiments, it has been seen to produce increased plant growth ( 78 ).

Nitrogen Oxide (NO 2 )

Nitrogen oxide is a traffic-related pollutant, as it is emitted from automobile motor engines ( 79 , 80 ). It is an irritant of the respiratory system as it penetrates deep in the lung, inducing respiratory diseases, coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchospasm, and even pulmonary edema when inhaled at high levels. It seems that concentrations over 0.2 ppm produce these adverse effects in humans, while concentrations higher than 2.0 ppm affect T-lymphocytes, particularly the CD8+ cells and NK cells that produce our immune response ( 81 ).It is reported that long-term exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide can be responsible for chronic lung disease. Long-term exposure to NO 2 can impair the sense of smell ( 81 ).

However, systems other than respiratory ones can be involved, as symptoms such as eye, throat, and nose irritation have been registered ( 81 ).

High levels of nitrogen dioxide are deleterious to crops and vegetation, as they have been observed to reduce crop yield and plant growth efficiency. Moreover, NO 2 can reduce visibility and discolor fabrics ( 81 ).

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 )

Sulfur dioxide is a harmful gas that is emitted mainly from fossil fuel consumption or industrial activities. The annual standard for SO 2 is 0.03 ppm ( 82 ). It affects human, animal, and plant life. Susceptible people as those with lung disease, old people, and children, who present a higher risk of damage. The major health problems associated with sulfur dioxide emissions in industrialized areas are respiratory irritation, bronchitis, mucus production, and bronchospasm, as it is a sensory irritant and penetrates deep into the lung converted into bisulfite and interacting with sensory receptors, causing bronchoconstriction. Moreover, skin redness, damage to the eyes (lacrimation and corneal opacity) and mucous membranes, and worsening of pre-existing cardiovascular disease have been observed ( 81 ).

Environmental adverse effects, such as acidification of soil and acid rain, seem to be associated with sulfur dioxide emissions ( 83 ).

Lead is a heavy metal used in different industrial plants and emitted from some petrol motor engines, batteries, radiators, waste incinerators, and waste waters ( 84 ).

Moreover, major sources of lead pollution in the air are metals, ore, and piston-engine aircraft. Lead poisoning is a threat to public health due to its deleterious effects upon humans, animals, and the environment, especially in the developing countries.

Exposure to lead can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Trans- placental transport of lead was also reported, as lead passes through the placenta unencumbered ( 85 ). The younger the fetus is, the more harmful the toxic effects. Lead toxicity affects the fetal nervous system; edema or swelling of the brain is observed ( 86 ). Lead, when inhaled, accumulates in the blood, soft tissue, liver, lung, bones, and cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems. Moreover, loss of concentration and memory, as well as muscle and joint pain, were observed in adults ( 85 , 86 ).

Children and newborns ( 87 ) are extremely susceptible even to minimal doses of lead, as it is a neurotoxicant and causes learning disabilities, impairment of memory, hyperactivity, and even mental retardation.

Elevated amounts of lead in the environment are harmful to plants and crop growth. Neurological effects are observed in vertebrates and animals in association with high lead levels ( 88 ).

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs)

The distribution of PAHs is ubiquitous in the environment, as the atmosphere is the most important means of their dispersal. They are found in coal and in tar sediments. Moreover, they are generated through incomplete combustion of organic matter as in the cases of forest fires, incineration, and engines ( 89 ). PAH compounds, such as benzopyrene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, and fluoranthene are recognized as toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic substances. They are an important risk factor for lung cancer ( 89 ).

Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene ( 90 ), have been found to be associated with cancer in humans ( 91 ). The use of new products and materials has actually resulted in increased concentrations of VOCs. VOCs pollute indoor air ( 90 ) and may have adverse effects on human health ( 91 ). Short-term and long-term adverse effects on human health are observed. VOCs are responsible for indoor air smells. Short-term exposure is found to cause irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and mucosal membranes, while those of long duration exposure include toxic reactions ( 92 ). Predictable assessment of the toxic effects of complex VOC mixtures is difficult to estimate, as these pollutants can have synergic, antagonistic, or indifferent effects ( 91 , 93 ).

Dioxins originate from industrial processes but also come from natural processes, such as forest fires and volcanic eruptions. They accumulate in foods such as meat and dairy products, fish and shellfish, and especially in the fatty tissue of animals ( 94 ).

Short-period exhibition to high dioxin concentrations may result in dark spots and lesions on the skin ( 94 ). Long-term exposure to dioxins can cause developmental problems, impairment of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems, reproductive infertility, and cancer ( 94 ).

Without any doubt, fossil fuel consumption is responsible for a sizeable part of air contamination. This contamination may be anthropogenic, as in agricultural and industrial processes or transportation, while contamination from natural sources is also possible. Interestingly, it is of note that the air quality standards established through the European Air Quality Directive are somewhat looser than the WHO guidelines, which are stricter ( 95 ).

Effect of Air Pollution on Health

The most common air pollutants are ground-level ozone and Particulates Matter (PM). Air pollution is distinguished into two main types:

Outdoor pollution is the ambient air pollution.

Indoor pollution is the pollution generated by household combustion of fuels.

People exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants experience disease symptoms and states of greater and lesser seriousness. These effects are grouped into short- and long-term effects affecting health.

Susceptible populations that need to be aware of health protection measures include old people, children, and people with diabetes and predisposing heart or lung disease, especially asthma.

As extensively stated previously, according to a recent epidemiological study from Harvard School of Public Health, the relative magnitudes of the short- and long-term effects have not been completely clarified ( 57 ) due to the different epidemiological methodologies and to the exposure errors. New models are proposed for assessing short- and long-term human exposure data more successfully ( 57 ). Thus, in the present section, we report the more common short- and long-term health effects but also general concerns for both types of effects, as these effects are often dependent on environmental conditions, dose, and individual susceptibility.

Short-term effects are temporary and range from simple discomfort, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, throat, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness, and breathing difficulties, to more serious states, such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung and heart problems. Short-term exposure to air pollution can also cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

These problems can be aggravated by extended long-term exposure to the pollutants, which is harmful to the neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems and causes cancer and even, rarely, deaths.

The long-term effects are chronic, lasting for years or the whole life and can even lead to death. Furthermore, the toxicity of several air pollutants may also induce a variety of cancers in the long term ( 96 ).

As stated already, respiratory disorders are closely associated with the inhalation of air pollutants. These pollutants will invade through the airways and will accumulate at the cells. Damage to target cells should be related to the pollutant component involved and its source and dose. Health effects are also closely dependent on country, area, season, and time. An extended exposure duration to the pollutant should incline to long-term health effects in relation also to the above factors.

Particulate Matter (PMs), dust, benzene, and O 3 cause serious damage to the respiratory system ( 97 ). Moreover, there is a supplementary risk in case of existing respiratory disease such as asthma ( 98 ). Long-term effects are more frequent in people with a predisposing disease state. When the trachea is contaminated by pollutants, voice alterations may be remarked after acute exposure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be induced following air pollution, increasing morbidity and mortality ( 99 ). Long-term effects from traffic, industrial air pollution, and combustion of fuels are the major factors for COPD risk ( 99 ).

Multiple cardiovascular effects have been observed after exposure to air pollutants ( 100 ). Changes occurred in blood cells after long-term exposure may affect cardiac functionality. Coronary arteriosclerosis was reported following long-term exposure to traffic emissions ( 101 ), while short-term exposure is related to hypertension, stroke, myocardial infracts, and heart insufficiency. Ventricle hypertrophy is reported to occur in humans after long-time exposure to nitrogen oxide (NO 2 ) ( 102 , 103 ).

Neurological effects have been observed in adults and children after extended-term exposure to air pollutants.

Psychological complications, autism, retinopathy, fetal growth, and low birth weight seem to be related to long-term air pollution ( 83 ). The etiologic agent of the neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) is not yet known, although it is believed that extended exposure to air pollution seems to be a factor. Specifically, pesticides and metals are cited as etiological factors, together with diet. The mechanisms in the development of neurodegenerative disease include oxidative stress, protein aggregation, inflammation, and mitochondrial impairment in neurons ( 104 ) ( Figure 1 ).

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Impact of air pollutants on the brain.

Brain inflammation was observed in dogs living in a highly polluted area in Mexico for a long period ( 105 ). In human adults, markers of systemic inflammation (IL-6 and fibrinogen) were found to be increased as an immediate response to PNC on the IL-6 level, possibly leading to the production of acute-phase proteins ( 106 ). The progression of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress seem to be the mechanisms involved in the neurological disturbances caused by long-term air pollution. Inflammation comes secondary to the oxidative stress and seems to be involved in the impairment of developmental maturation, affecting multiple organs ( 105 , 107 ). Similarly, other factors seem to be involved in the developmental maturation, which define the vulnerability to long-term air pollution. These include birthweight, maternal smoking, genetic background and socioeconomic environment, as well as education level.

However, diet, starting from breast-feeding, is another determinant factor. Diet is the main source of antioxidants, which play a key role in our protection against air pollutants ( 108 ). Antioxidants are free radical scavengers and limit the interaction of free radicals in the brain ( 108 ). Similarly, genetic background may result in a differential susceptibility toward the oxidative stress pathway ( 60 ). For example, antioxidant supplementation with vitamins C and E appears to modulate the effect of ozone in asthmatic children homozygous for the GSTM1 null allele ( 61 ). Inflammatory cytokines released in the periphery (e.g., respiratory epithelia) upregulate the innate immune Toll-like receptor 2. Such activation and the subsequent events leading to neurodegeneration have recently been observed in lung lavage in mice exposed to ambient Los Angeles (CA, USA) particulate matter ( 61 ). In children, neurodevelopmental morbidities were observed after lead exposure. These children developed aggressive and delinquent behavior, reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and hyperactivity ( 109 ). No level of lead exposure seems to be “safe,” and the scientific community has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the current screening guideline of 10 μg/dl ( 109 ).

It is important to state that impact on the immune system, causing dysfunction and neuroinflammation ( 104 ), is related to poor air quality. Yet, increases in serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM) and the complement component C3 are observed ( 106 ). Another issue is that antigen presentation is affected by air pollutants, as there is an upregulation of costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 on macrophages ( 110 ).

As is known, skin is our shield against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other pollutants, as it is the most exterior layer of our body. Traffic-related pollutants, such as PAHs, VOCs, oxides, and PM, may cause pigmented spots on our skin ( 111 ). On the one hand, as already stated, when pollutants penetrate through the skin or are inhaled, damage to the organs is observed, as some of these pollutants are mutagenic and carcinogenic, and, specifically, they affect the liver and lung. On the other hand, air pollutants (and those in the troposphere) reduce the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation UVR in polluted urban areas ( 111 ). Air pollutants absorbed by the human skin may contribute to skin aging, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, eczema, and atopic dermatitis ( 111 ), usually caused by exposure to oxides and photochemical smoke ( 111 ). Exposure to PM and cigarette smoking act as skin-aging agents, causing spots, dyschromia, and wrinkles. Lastly, pollutants have been associated with skin cancer ( 111 ).

Higher morbidity is reported to fetuses and children when exposed to the above dangers. Impairment in fetal growth, low birth weight, and autism have been reported ( 112 ).

Another exterior organ that may be affected is the eye. Contamination usually comes from suspended pollutants and may result in asymptomatic eye outcomes, irritation ( 112 ), retinopathy, or dry eye syndrome ( 113 , 114 ).

Environmental Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution is harming not only human health but also the environment ( 115 ) in which we live. The most important environmental effects are as follows.

Acid rain is wet (rain, fog, snow) or dry (particulates and gas) precipitation containing toxic amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. They are able to acidify the water and soil environments, damage trees and plantations, and even damage buildings and outdoor sculptures, constructions, and statues.

Haze is produced when fine particles are dispersed in the air and reduce the transparency of the atmosphere. It is caused by gas emissions in the air coming from industrial facilities, power plants, automobiles, and trucks.

Ozone , as discussed previously, occurs both at ground level and in the upper level (stratosphere) of the Earth's atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone is protecting us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. In contrast, ground-level ozone is harmful to human health and is a pollutant. Unfortunately, stratospheric ozone is gradually damaged by ozone-depleting substances (i.e., chemicals, pesticides, and aerosols). If this protecting stratospheric ozone layer is thinned, then UV radiation can reach our Earth, with harmful effects for human life (skin cancer) ( 116 ) and crops ( 117 ). In plants, ozone penetrates through the stomata, inducing them to close, which blocks CO 2 transfer and induces a reduction in photosynthesis ( 118 ).

Global climate change is an important issue that concerns mankind. As is known, the “greenhouse effect” keeps the Earth's temperature stable. Unhappily, anthropogenic activities have destroyed this protecting temperature effect by producing large amounts of greenhouse gases, and global warming is mounting, with harmful effects on human health, animals, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and the water environment. A report states that global warming is adding to the health risks of poor people ( 119 ).

People living in poorly constructed buildings in warm-climate countries are at high risk for heat-related health problems as temperatures mount ( 119 ).

Wildlife is burdened by toxic pollutants coming from the air, soil, or the water ecosystem and, in this way, animals can develop health problems when exposed to high levels of pollutants. Reproductive failure and birth effects have been reported.

Eutrophication is occurring when elevated concentrations of nutrients (especially nitrogen) stimulate the blooming of aquatic algae, which can cause a disequilibration in the diversity of fish and their deaths.

Without a doubt, there is a critical concentration of pollution that an ecosystem can tolerate without being destroyed, which is associated with the ecosystem's capacity to neutralize acidity. The Canada Acid Rain Program established this load at 20 kg/ha/yr ( 120 ).

Hence, air pollution has deleterious effects on both soil and water ( 121 ). Concerning PM as an air pollutant, its impact on crop yield and food productivity has been reported. Its impact on watery bodies is associated with the survival of living organisms and fishes and their productivity potential ( 121 ).

An impairment in photosynthetic rhythm and metabolism is observed in plants exposed to the effects of ozone ( 121 ).

Sulfur and nitrogen oxides are involved in the formation of acid rain and are harmful to plants and marine organisms.

Last but not least, as mentioned above, the toxicity associated with lead and other metals is the main threat to our ecosystems (air, water, and soil) and living creatures ( 121 ).

In 2018, during the first WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, the WHO's General Director, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called air pollution a “silent public health emergency” and “the new tobacco” ( 122 ).

Undoubtedly, children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, especially during their development. Air pollution has adverse effects on our lives in many different respects.

Diseases associated with air pollution have not only an important economic impact but also a societal impact due to absences from productive work and school.

Despite the difficulty of eradicating the problem of anthropogenic environmental pollution, a successful solution could be envisaged as a tight collaboration of authorities, bodies, and doctors to regularize the situation. Governments should spread sufficient information and educate people and should involve professionals in these issues so as to control the emergence of the problem successfully.

Technologies to reduce air pollution at the source must be established and should be used in all industries and power plants. The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 set as a major target the reduction of GHG emissions to below 5% by 2012 ( 123 ). This was followed by the Copenhagen summit, 2009 ( 124 ), and then the Durban summit of 2011 ( 125 ), where it was decided to keep to the same line of action. The Kyoto protocol and the subsequent ones were ratified by many countries. Among the pioneers who adopted this important protocol for the world's environmental and climate “health” was China ( 3 ). As is known, China is a fast-developing economy and its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is expected to be very high by 2050, which is defined as the year of dissolution of the protocol for the decrease in gas emissions.

A more recent international agreement of crucial importance for climate change is the Paris Agreement of 2015, issued by the UNFCCC (United Nations Climate Change Committee). This latest agreement was ratified by a plethora of UN (United Nations) countries as well as the countries of the European Union ( 126 ). In this vein, parties should promote actions and measures to enhance numerous aspects around the subject. Boosting education, training, public awareness, and public participation are some of the relevant actions for maximizing the opportunities to achieve the targets and goals on the crucial matter of climate change and environmental pollution ( 126 ). Without any doubt, technological improvements makes our world easier and it seems difficult to reduce the harmful impact caused by gas emissions, we could limit its use by seeking reliable approaches.

Synopsizing, a global prevention policy should be designed in order to combat anthropogenic air pollution as a complement to the correct handling of the adverse health effects associated with air pollution. Sustainable development practices should be applied, together with information coming from research in order to handle the problem effectively.

At this point, international cooperation in terms of research, development, administration policy, monitoring, and politics is vital for effective pollution control. Legislation concerning air pollution must be aligned and updated, and policy makers should propose the design of a powerful tool of environmental and health protection. As a result, the main proposal of this essay is that we should focus on fostering local structures to promote experience and practice and extrapolate these to the international level through developing effective policies for sustainable management of ecosystems.

Author Contributions

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.

Conflict of Interest

IM is employed by the company Delphis S.A. The remaining authors declare that the present review paper was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Essay on Air Pollution for Students: Check Samples of 100 Words to 250 Words

Updated on
Jun 2, 2024

Essay on Air Pollution : Invisible but insidious, air pollution silently infiltrates our lives, impacting health, the environment, and future generations. Through this blog, let’s explore its roots, repercussions, and remedies, which are essential in our quest for cleaner, healthier skies. Essay writing here becomes more crucial, to raise awareness about air pollution’s dire consequences and drive action for cleaner air.

Table of Contents

1 10-Line Essay on Air Pollution
2 What are the Causes of Air Pollution?
3 What are the effects of Air Pollution?
4 Essay on Air Pollution: How to Tackle Air Pollution?
5 Essay on Air Pollution Sample (100 Words)
6 Essay on Air Pollution Sample (250 Words)

Quick Read: Essay on Child Labour

10-Line Essay on Air Pollution

Below mentioned is a 10-lined essay on air pollution:

Air pollution is caused by harmful substances known as pollutants.
The pollutant comes from various sources, like vehicle gasses, forest fires, and other human activities.
The two biggest sources of air pollution are the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Air pollution is harmful to humans because it can cause skin and respiratory diseases.
Air pollution is equally harmful to plants and animals.
Air pollution can also damage non-living things, such as ancient monuments constructed from marble and limestone.
Air pollution leads to ozone layer depletion, climate change and global warming.
Air pollution can damage ecosystems in forests.
We must take effective steps to reduce air pollution.
We can reduce air pollution by planting more trees and burning less fossil fuels.

What are the Causes of Air Pollution?

Air pollution is caused by various factors, including:

Industrial Emissions: Factories and manufacturing processes release pollutants like chemicals and particulate matter into the air.
Vehicle Emissions: Combustion engines in cars, trucks, and aeroplanes emit exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Burning Fossil Fuels: The use of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy generation and heating releases pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Agricultural Activities: Pesticides and fertilizers release chemicals, while livestock emit methane.
Deforestation: Cutting down trees reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb pollutants.
Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of waste leads to the release of harmful substances into the air.
Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, dust storms, and wildfires can also contribute to air pollution.

What are the effects of Air Pollution?

Air pollution poses severe health and environmental risks. Short-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. Long-term exposure is linked to chronic diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.

Additionally, air pollution harms ecosystems, causing acid rain, damaging vegetation, and polluting water bodies. It also contributes to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Addressing air pollution is crucial to safeguard the human health and protecting the planet’s ecosystems and climate.

Essay on Air Pollution: How to Tackle Air Pollution?

Addressing air pollution is paramount for a healthier planet. By curbing emissions, adopting clean technologies, and fostering sustainable practices, we can safeguard our environment and public health. Here are some key points on how to tackle air pollution:

Reduce Vehicle Emissions
Improve Industrial Practices
Plant more trees
Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
Promote Renewable Energy
Encourage Sustainable Practices
Raise Public Awareness
Reduce Open Burning
International Cooperation

Tackling air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, community engagement, and individual responsibility.

Must Read: Essay On Global Warming

Essay on Air Pollution Sample (100 Words)

Air pollution is a pressing environmental issue with far-reaching consequences. It occurs when harmful substances, such as particulate matter and toxic gases, contaminate the atmosphere. These pollutants result from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and agricultural activities.

The consequences of air pollution are severe, impacting both human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even premature death. Additionally, air pollution harms ecosystems, leading to reduced crop yields and biodiversity loss.

Mitigating air pollution requires collective efforts, including stricter emission regulations, cleaner energy sources, and promoting public awareness. By addressing this issue, we can safeguard our health and preserve the environment for future generations.

Essay on Air Pollution Sample (250 Words)

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that affects the health and well-being of people and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, are released into the atmosphere. This pollution can have dire consequences for both humans and the planet.

First and foremost, air pollution poses a significant threat to human health. Particulate matter and toxic gases can enter the respiratory system, leading to various respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. Long-term exposure to polluted air has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and premature death. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk.

Additionally, air pollution has adverse effects on the environment. It contributes to climate change by increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. Moreover, pollutants can harm ecosystems, contaminate water bodies, and damage crops, impacting food security.

The sources of air pollution are diverse, including industrial processes, transportation, agriculture, and energy production. To combat this problem, governments, industries, and individuals must take collective action. Implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles and industrial facilities, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and promoting public transportation are essential steps in reducing air pollution.

In conclusion, air pollution is a critical issue that affects human health and the environment. Its detrimental effects on respiratory health and its contributions to climate change necessitate urgent action. By adopting sustainable practices and reducing emissions, we can mitigate the impact of air pollution and create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Ans. Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or materials.

Ans. To prevent air pollution, reduce vehicle emissions by using public transport, carpooling, or opting for electric vehicles. Promote clean energy sources like wind and solar power. Implement strict industrial emissions standards. Encourage reforestation and green spaces. Educate the public about responsible waste disposal and advocate for clean energy policies.

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Conclusion of Pollution | Essay and Project

The conclusion is a critical part of any pollution study or essay, synthesizing key points into meaningful takeaways. An effective conclusion does more than just summarize the main findings, it reinforces the real-world significance of the work. By tying the results back to the original objectives and research questions, the conclusion shows how the study has addressed or advanced understanding of the pollution problem at hand.

It also suggests practical next steps, whether further research to fill gaps or recommendations for policy and action to mitigate pollution based on the implications of the work. The conclusion provides a sense of closure for the reader, imparting final thoughts to leave a lasting impression regarding what has been learned and why it matters.

How to write conclusion of pollution project?

Restate the project’s purpose and objectives. Open the conclusion by revisiting the goals and research questions that framed your study.
Summarize key findings and results. Synthesize major outcomes, statistics, trends, and highlights from your data analysis and discussion into a concise summary.
Draw clear conclusions. State what the key findings mean and what conclusions can be reasonably drawn from your results.
Discuss real-world implications. Address the significance of your work and project outcomes for understanding and addressing pollution problems.
Make recommendations. Suggest evidence-based actions, further research, or changes in practices, policies, technologies, etc. to apply what was learned.
Acknowledge limitations. Identify any constraints, gaps, or shortcomings in the project methodology, data, and applicability of findings.
End with a memorable final statement. Provide closure with a statement reinforcing the importance or meaningfulness of the project.
Proofread and refine. Polish the language, logic flow, and presentation of the conclusion section. Ensure a professional tone.
Double check against introduction. Verify the conclusion aligns with the original rationale and purpose of the project.
Cite references if needed. Include in-text citations for any sources referenced in the conclusion section.

Conclusion of Pollution Project

This project has demonstrated that pollution remains a significant issue affecting the environment and public health. The data gathered through water and air sampling as well as the survey of public perceptions revealed high levels of contaminants from industrial, vehicular, and agricultural sources in our local community.

These pollutants increase health risks for residents and damage local ecosystems. To mitigate these impacts, our research suggests implementing policy changes to regulate emissions and discharges, transitioning to cleaner technologies, and launching public education campaigns. Although our study was limited in scope, it contributes valuable insights into local pollution patterns.

Our findings underscore the need for further research and coordinated action between government, businesses, and the community to monitor, control, and prevent pollution in order to protect the health of current and future generations as well as the natural environment. This project has deepened our understanding of pollution while also demonstrating the importance of scientific research and civic participation in shaping evidence-based solutions to this complex public health and environmental issue.

Conclusion of Water Pollution
Conclusion of Air Pollution

Conclusion of Pollution Essay

Pollution remains one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. As this essay has demonstrated, pollution from industrialization, inefficient waste management, fossil fuel emissions, and intensive agriculture causes significant harm.

The impacts range from increased disease rates to ecosystem damage to climate change. However, our society has viable solutions. Implementing cleaner production processes, transitioning to renewable energy, improving waste and sewage management, and educating the public can all help reduce pollution.

Stronger environmental policies and regulations are also needed. Although reversing pollution requires effort from all levels of society, the investments we make today in mitigation and prevention will pay dividends through improved long-term wellbeing, sustainability, and quality of life. Our health and future depend on living in harmony with the natural environment.

Ending the pollution crisis must therefore become a priority. With knowledge, technology, and determination, we can overcome this major challenge facing current and future generations. But we must act quickly and decisively.

Conclusion of Pollution Short Sample

Pollution remains a pressing global issue that threatens human and environmental health. Major pollution sources like industrial activity, transportation, agriculture, and waste have wide-ranging impacts, from reduced air and water quality to ecosystem degradation. However, pollution is a preventable problem.

Through increased environmental regulation, adoption of green technologies, responsible production and consumption, and public education, it is possible to effectively control and reduce pollution. But addressing this challenge requires effort across all levels of society. Ending the pollution crisis will lead to improved wellbeing for both current and future generations. With knowledge, commitment and cooperation, we can safeguard the planet from further pollution damage.

Essays on Air Pollution

As you embark on writing an air pollution essay, it's essential to structure your content effectively. Begin with the introductory paragraph, where you provide basic facts, statistics, and definitions to establish context. Depending on the scope of your essay, you may choose to focus on indoor or outdoor pollution. Tailor your introduction to set the tone and direction of your essay.

Delve into the heart of your essay by discussing the problem of air pollution and its sources. Explain why these sources exist and highlight the pollutants involved. Consider various air pollution essay topics, including respiratory issues, child health concerns, ozone layer depletion, and impacts on wildlife and cardiovascular health. From municipal waste management to green energy initiatives, explore potential solutions and effective strategies for mitigating pollution.

In crafting your essay, ensure you present a methodical approach and propose at least one viable solution to address the problem. Draw inspiration from examples of proposal essays, where statistical data and compelling facts enhance the narrative. Your main thesis statement should encapsulate the causes and effects of air pollution.

To add depth to your essay, consider discussing environmental issues in your local area and drawing comparisons to broader ecological challenges. Providing concrete examples and leveraging factual evidence will enrich your argument and make your essay more compelling.

Consider exploring examples of proposal essays on air pollution to gain valuable insights into structuring and presenting your ideas effectively. By incorporating relevant examples, factual information, and a persuasive argument, your essay will resonate with readers and contribute to greater awareness and action on this critical issue.

Hook Examples for Air Pollution Essays

Statistical hook.

Did you know that each year, air pollution causes over 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide? These startling statistics underscore the urgent need to address this global crisis.

Anecdotal Hook

Picture this: A bustling cityscape obscured by a thick haze of smog, where children play wearing masks. This is the stark reality faced by many urban areas grappling with air pollution.

Question Hook

How can we breathe easy when the air we inhale is increasingly toxic? Explore the consequences of air pollution and discover potential solutions to this pressing environmental issue.

Rhetorical Question Hook

Can we afford to ignore the invisible threat that hangs in the air we breathe? Delve into the hidden dangers of air pollution and its far-reaching impact on public health.

Quotation Hook

"The earth does not belong to us: we belong to the earth." — Marlee Matlin. Reflect on this thought-provoking quote as we delve into the environmental implications of air pollution.

Historical Hook

Travel back to the mid-20th century when air quality in major cities like London and Los Angeles was notoriously poor. Explore the historical context of air pollution regulation and its impact.

Definition Hook

What exactly is air pollution, and how does it differ from other environmental issues? Gain a clear understanding of this concept and its multifaceted nature.

Contrast Hook

Contrast the serene beauty of pristine landscapes with images of smog-choked cities. This stark juxtaposition highlights the importance of combating air pollution.

Narrative Hook

Step into the shoes of individuals living in heavily polluted areas and experience their daily struggles. Their stories shed light on the human side of the air pollution crisis.

Shocking Statement Hook

Prepare to be shocked by the surprising sources of indoor air pollution lurking within our homes. The danger may be closer than you think.

The Importance of Carbon Footprint

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Air Pollution: Causes and Effects

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Cases of Air Pollution in Malaysia

The urgent problem of pollution in modern world, negative impacts of air pollution and steps that the usa is taking to curb this problem, environmental pollution in the transport sector and the benefits of electric cars to our environment, ways you can reduce air pollution from your business , environmental factors and climate influences in california, environmental probelms in pakistan: issues in the big cities, evaluation of the health impact of air pollution in america and china, assessment of the ecological problem arising from air pollutants, analysis of the bronx air pollutants problem and the responsibility of the government, trees against world pollution, informative pollutions, their types, causes, impacts, and solutions, understanding the problem of air pollutants and its impact on temperature, the difficulties in mitigating the effects of climate change in the current world, analysis of the approach to better air quality and reduction of air pollution in the us, review of the documentary "under the dome" and the risks associated with air pollution in china, air filter in thailand, a study on the correlation between changes in air pollution and water sources, the serious problem of air pollution in saudi arabia and the solutions to the environmental issue, human impact on the carbon cycle.

Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Respiratory and heart problems, child health problems, mortality, global warming, acid rain, eutrophication, depletion of the ozone layer, negative effect on wildlife.

Policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry, and better municipal waste management can effectively reduce key sources of ambient air pollution.

A child born today might not breathe clean air until they are 8. Inhaling air pollution takes away at least 1-2 years of a typical human life. Pollutants that are released into the air, as opposed to land and water pollutants, are the most harmful. Rising levels of air pollution in Beijing has brought a new disease – Beijing cough.

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Home / Essay Samples / Environment / Environment Problems / Air Pollution

Air Pollution Essay Examples

How usa and china nations destroy humans respiratory system.

Respiratory health is of the utmost importance when considering our overall health and well-being. Our respiratory system is one of the most important organ systems in the human body. If we cannot exchange gases in our lungs, we will be poisoned by our own cellular...

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Mitigating Air Pollution: a Comprehensive Look at Solutions

Its rarely happen now with us like opening the door and breathing fresh air , but the question is how clean is the air we are breathing right now? The gases that we are breathing could be slowly harming us. Air pollution is now a...

Humanity's Impact on the Environment: before the Flood

Researching the topic 'Before the Flood essay' let's look at what topics the film covers and why they are important. In my opinion, this topic is very relevant and important in our time. Before the Flood is a documentary film published in 2016 that traces...

Pollution: a Case Study in Environmental Harm

Pollution is causing irreplaceable damage to the planet, and it is increasing every passing year at an alarming rate. It is a problem of environmental pollution, but what exactly is this pollution, why is it matter of such a big concern to understand. In persuasive...

Comprehensive Strategies for the Solution of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental issue that affects the health of millions of people worldwide. It is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of fossil fuels. In order to combat this problem, it is essential to...

Unveiling the Main Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution, a grave environmental concern, has far-reaching consequences for both human health and the well-being of the planet. This essay delves into the primary causes of air pollution, examining the human activities and natural processes that contribute to the degradation of air quality and...

The Relationship Between Edward I and Scotland

The point that achieved a longer period of stability between England and Scotland in the Middle Ages was thanks to the Anglo-Scottish agreement of 1217, establishing peace between the two kingdoms that would last for 80 years. In 1290, Scotland had a huge succession crisis...

The Environmental Challenges of the 21st Century

In recent years, certainly, environmental challenges like climate change, air pollution, and urbanization affect every human and species. In an article, Smith (2008) mentioned that all across the world, people are facing a wealth of new and challenging environmental problems every day. This shows how...

Energy Consumption and Co2 Emissions in the Uae

The revelation of oil in 1958 in Abu Dhabi and 1966 in Dubai changed the economy significantly, empowering the nation to push far from a subsistence economy toward an advanced, modern base. In a few regards, be that as it may, it appears, the energy...

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About Air Pollution

Air pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or compounds (including those of biological origin) in the air, at levels that pose a health risk.

Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people's nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs.

Supporting sustainable land use, cleaner household energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry, and better municipal waste management.

A child born today might not breathe clean air until they are 8. Children are most vulnerable to air pollution – but we are all affected Inhaling air pollution takes away at least 1-2 years of a typical human life. Pollutants that are released into the air, as opposed to land and water pollutants, are the most harmful. Air pollution is one of the UK’s (and the world’s) biggest killers

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Essay on Air Pollution

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Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

Elisavet Stavropoulou

Agathangelos Stavropoulos

Eugenia Bezirtzoglou

Approach to the Problem

Sources of Exposure

Climate and Pollution

Air Pollutants

Particulate Matter (PM) and Health

Ozone Impact in the Atmosphere

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Nitrogen Oxide (NO 2 )

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 )

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs)

Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs)

Effect of Air Pollution on Health

Environmental Impact of Air Pollution

Author Contributions

Conflict of Interest

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