3. WHAT IS AIR
POLLUTION??
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals,
particulate matter, or biological materials that cause
harm or discomfort to humans or other living
organisms, or cause damage to the natural
environment or built environment, into the
atmosphere.
4. TYPES OF AIR POLLUTION
There are several main types of air pollution. These include
smog, acid rain, the green house effect and hole in the ozone
layer.
One type of air pollution is the release of particles into the air.
Another type of pollution is the release of poisonous gases.
5. Smog is a type of large scale outdoor pollution. It is caused by chemical
reactions between pollutants derived from different sources.
6. ACID RAIN
o It is caused when a pollutant
combines with droplets of water in
the air.
o The effects of acid rain on the
environment can be serious.
7. EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN
Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams .
It contributes to the damage of trees and many sensitive forest
soils.
It accelerates the decay of building materials and paints, including
irreplaceable buildings, statues, and sculptures that are part of our
nation's cultural heritage.
8. GREEN HOUSE
EFFECT
It generally comes
from the build up of carbon
dioxide gas in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide is
produced when fuels are burnt.
In this type of pollution
sun rays go to the atmosphere
and they are trapped by green
houses gases. So the temperature
on the earth raise.
9. It is another result of air pollution.
Chemicals released by our activities affect
the stratosphere.
Release of CFC from heating, aerosol
cans , refrigerator equipments remove
some of the ozone , causing “ HOLES” .
10. CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION
Dust raised on the ground during dust storms.
Stone dust raised by crushing of stones in quarries.
Smoke emitted by vehicles.
Smoke from forest fires.
11. Smoke raised by burning of coal in powerhouses.
Burning of wood, cow dung cakes, garbage etc.
Germs from coughing and sneezing.
12. Some individuals are much more sensitive to polluntants than are others.
Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short term
and long term effects.
Many different chemicals in the air affect the human body in negative ways.
Older people are highly vulnerable to diseases induced by air
pollution. Those with heart or lung disorders are under additional risk.
Children and infants are also at serious risk.
Air pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide also
have harmful effects on natural ecosystems. They can kill plants and trees
by destroying their leaves, and can kill animals, especially fish in highly
polluted rivers.
13. Below are a few efforts that you can make to help clean our air-
Car Pool : Forming and implementing a car pool will reduce the number of
cars, thereby, preventing air pollution by cutting down the use of fossil
fuels. This way, it will help in the sustainable use of fossil fuel and its
conservation for the future generations.
Vehicle Care : Timely servicing of the car helps to keep it in a good
condition, and also minimizes fuel exhaust. Driving the car at an average
speed and turning off in traffic are the thumb rules to save fuel. Make sure
to use unleaded petrol and opt for regular pollution checking of your car.
14. Public Transport: Whenever possible, try to travel by public transports. This helps
in two ways; prevents air pollution and increases public income. If you are going to a
nearby place, go by walking or use a bicycle, instead of using your vehicle. The objective is
to minimize the use of fuels as far as possible.
Alternative Energy Source: Another effective way to prevent air pollution is to
use alternative energy sources such as solar energy, hydroelectric energy, and wind energy.
Nowadays, sophisticated technologies such as wind turbine, solar water heaters are
introduced to generate electricity and other energy forms for household uses.
Saving Energy: Saving energy will, of course, help to prevent air pollution. Switch
off the lights, fans, air conditioners, televisions, and other appliances, when not in use. You
can also share a room with others when the air conditioner or fan is on, instead of
switching them on in every room.
15. Minimize Air Pollutants: Always try to minimize smoke emission, as it contributes a lot
to air pollution. One way is to compost dried leaves and kitchen waste, instead of burning them.
Composting will also give you organic fertilizer for your garden. Other tips include replacing old
wood stoves or gas furnaces, avoiding solvents, and most importantly, do not smoke in the home.
Recyclable Materials: Recycling is a simple approach to reduce pollution in two ways;
save energy which is required for disposing and minimize the pollutants released during
manufacturing. The list of recyclable materials include plastic bottles, aluminum cans and
utensils, paper, craft papers, cardboard and glass bottles.
Smart Purchasing: Remember to carry paper bags and minimize using plastic
bags. While buying the products, always choose air-friendly and recyclable products that
will minimize the emission of pollutants. Also, shop for only energy-efficient appliances
that use less packaging.
