Causes of Air Pollution
Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles, as well as some gases suspended in the air. Automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles can emit these particles and fumes. Aerosols are particles that are both solid and liquid that are suspended in our atmosphere. When solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, and certain gases wind up in our atmosphere, they cause air pollution. Because these particles and gases can be damaging to the environment and our health, it is vital to keep track of them.
Many aerosols reach the atmosphere when humans burn fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, as well as wood. These particles can be found in a wide range of environments, including automotive exhaust, industry, and even wildfires. Some particles and gases are directly discharged from these sources, while others are generated as a result of chemical interactions in the air. Ozone is a major contributor to air pollution in cities.
Ozone is beneficial in our atmosphere at high elevations. It aids in the blocking of harmful solar rays. When ozone is closer to the earth, though, it can be exceedingly damaging to our health. Ground-level ozone is created when sunlight mixes with certain chemicals emitted by sources of burning fossil fuels, such as factories or car exhaust. Smog is generated when airborne particles react with ozone. Smog is a type of air pollution that appears as hazy fog and impairs visibility. All the causes can be listed as follows-
Burning of Fossil Fuels
Toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide are released into the atmosphere by fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide is released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum for energy in power plants, and other industrial combustibles are burned.
Increase usage of Vehicles
The increased usage of automobiles contributes to the release of hazardous gases.
Agricultural Activities
Various processes occur during agricultural activities, such as ammonia emissions and excessive use of insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. In agricultural methods, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers have all become more common.
Emissions from Factories
Manufacturing plants generate considerable amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the atmosphere, reducing air quality.
Mining Activities
Mining operations increase the discharge of toxic chemicals. Dust and chemicals are thrown into the air throughout the process, resulting in significant air pollution.
Domestic Activities
Domestic sources of pollution include the use of chemical paints and excessive usage of air conditioners. Hazardous chemicals are released into the air by household cleaning products and painting supplies, damaging the environment.
Air Pollution
Air pollution reflects the bad quality of the air. The pollution of polluted particles in the air is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI). Any chemical, biological or physical change that contaminates the air leads to air pollution. Healthy air has an optimum concentration of atmospheric gases if that increase or decreases that leads to air pollution which indirectly causes global warming.
Table of Content
- What is Air Pollution?
- What is Air Pollutant?
- Types of Air Pollutants
- Man-Made Pollutants
- Natural Pollutants
- Primary Pollutants
- Secondary Pollutants
- Air Quality Index
- Hazardous Air Pollutants
- Pollution Effects on Health
- Causes of Air Pollution
- Burning of Fossil Fuels
- Increase usage of Vehicles
- Agricultural Activities
- Emissions from Factories
- Mining Activities
- Domestic Activities
- Air Pollution Solutions
- Environmental Impact of Air Pollution
- Air Pollution and Climate Change
- Air Quality Monitoring
- Reducing Air Pollution
- Effects of Air Pollution
- Human Disease
- Global Warming
- Acid Rain
- Ozone Layer Depletion
- Effects on Living Organisms
- Air Pollution Control Measures
- Avoid using Automobiles
- Energy Conservation
- Use of Clean Energy Resources