When chemicals, particles, or other harmful elements pollute the air quality, the phenomenon is known as air pollution. It can have adverse effects on the health of humans, animals, and plants.
Also, the damage is not limited to living beings – it also affects human-made structures, like buildings.
According to World Health Organization’s recent reports, over seven million people die each year because of air pollution. Another similar report tells that nine out of ten human beings on the planet are breathing polluted air.
This essay on air pollution will focus on the causes, effects, and solutions of air pollution. You may also use some key points for your coming speech, debate, or other activity.
It will also make you aware of your responsibilities as a decent and nature-loving human being.
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is caused by harmful chemicals and particles mixed in the air, which pollute the air, and the occurrence is known as air pollution.
These toxic substances in the air pose severe environmental and health threats.
Some air pollution comes from natural sources like volcanic eruptions and wildfires. However, most air pollution is the result of human activities. There are various types of air pollution.
Moreover, every kind of air pollution relates directly or indirectly to human assistance. The most common emissions contributing to air pollution are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Also, these greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and other factors leading to the worst air quality.
Causes of Air Pollution
It is not possible to witness air pollution with the naked eye.
However, it becomes visible in the high density of smoke and smog. Since we cannot see this type of pollution with open eyes, it is essential to know about the sources that are the causes of air pollution.
1. The Fossil fuel burning
The essential needs of today’s world are electricity and transportation. Humans have depended on fossil fuels for o long times to meet these needs.
This burning of coal, gasoline, and natural to drive industry and transportation is one of the primary causes of air pollution.
Carbon monoxide is in higher concentrations when more fossil fuels are burnt. This process also emits toxic pollutants, which causes the air quality to go down rapidly.
Similarly, breathing such air leads to various heart diseases and respiratory problems.
2. Indoor causes of air pollution
You must have witnessed the usage of volatile organic compounds and other toxic compounds in your home or your surroundings. Such products and chemicals are part of people’s lives and are used daily.
Whether you are in the comfort of your home or office, such items of daily usage contribute to air pollution in one way or another.
Also, smoking indoors and using gas-powered heaters can cause suffocation and indoor air pollution.
Similarly, these indoor pollution factors can lead to numerous diseases and respiratory problems.
3. Wildfires
Climate changes due to air pollution are increasing wildfires spiking air pollution. This burning of trees and other forest residue causes an increase of particl3s in the air.
Similarly, this increases the density of smoke particles and leads to more significant threats like smog. It would help if you had an idea about the smog, which makes the air hazy, and people find breathing difficult.
4. Vehicles and transport
You cannot deny that transportation is the primary cause of air pollution. Hundreds of millions of engines continuously run every day, producing air-polluting gases.
Most polluted air is often observed in urban areas with more vehicles.
Your vehicle is responsible for increasing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and other particulates in the environment. Drastic health issues are becoming a routine because of the holes in the ozone layer.
Similarly, those holes in the ozone layer are caused due to unfriendly elements emitted from your vehicle.
Did you know that if you breathe gasoline engine gases, it is equivalent to smoking ten cigarettes?
5. Industrial Emissions
The industrial revolution introduced the concept of mass production to humans. It made their lives easier and products cheaper. However, it also brought a curse on nature through air pollution.
Industrial emissions are one of the primary causes of air pollution around the globe. Most industries of the world rely on fossil fuels as the primary power source.
Ultimately, an excess of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
During the second industrial revolution, a few industrial towns were wiped out due to bad air quality.
6. Burning of Garbage
Recycling garbage through proper means is a better way to move forward. However, when an excess of waste is burnt in the open air, it is only causing more problems rather than solutions.
Furthermore, it can cause serious health issues, including liver issues, cancer, and damaging immune systems.
7. Agriculture
Pesticides and fertilizers are used to increase the productivity of crops. However, the same agents are one of the air pollution causes worldwide.
Using the wrong method of agriculture can even lead to a large number of deaths. Ultimately, the life-giving resource can be a life-taking thing, if not used properly.
8. Chemicals and Other Synthetic Products
You cannot overlook indoor air pollution and only consider outdoor pollution. Household chemical products cause more health issues and problems than outdoor air pollution.
Furthermore, when you inhale poor indoor air quality, it can cause respiratory diseases like Asthama’and other lung problems.
Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution affects all living things, directly or indirectly. It is the primary cause of various respiratory and skin diseases. More than ninety percent of the world’s population is affected by it.
From greenhouse gases to climate change, it has a more profound impact on the environment than you think. A few significant effects of air pollution are discussed in upcoming paragraphs.
1. Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
In 1952 more than 4000 people died due to dense smog. Similarly, according to a report published by WHO, more than seven million die each year due to air pollution.
Children and the elderly already suffering from various diseases are affected most by air pollution.
It would be best if you did not take it lightly because most of the world’s urban population is at a higher risk due to air pollution. Also, it is gradually increasing with each passing day.
You may check the air quality and its attributes in your area to avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities or visits.
Furthermore, it can cause Coughing, headache, fatigue, cancer, congenital disabilities, nervous system damage, and even death.
2. Effects on Plants and Animals
Just like humans are affected by air pollution, plants and animal are also at significant risk in one way or another. Their respiratory system is often damaged among animals, and skin irritations can also happen.
There is a structure in plants called stomata which are damaged due to ozone pollution.
Some plants can protect themselves against this threat, but others cannot. In the end, it can cause a massive loss of crops or other natural resources.
3. Air Pollution Causes Acid Rain.
When harmful gases are released into the atmosphere, they mix themselves in the rain system. Similarly, the winds can take thousands of miles away.
Finally, when it rains, the rainwater has higher acidity, which can cause skin disease in humans and animals. Aside from damaging vegetation and crops, it can also damage buildings and other structures.
Acid rain is known to spawn more than five billion dollars of damage each year.
4. Sunlight Reduction
Plants and animals depend on sunlight to grow. Similarly, humans rely on animals and plants. The pollutants in the air cause the sunlight to go dim, and a more small amount of the sun reaches the earth’s surface.
The plants grow little, and animals cannot live up to their full potential.
5. Excess of Nitrogen
Air pollution caused by agricultural pesticides, chemicals, and car emissions can cause an increase in nitrogen levels in the soil.
Plants need nitrogen to grow, but its access can halt the growth of a few plants while increasing the development of others.
It disrupts the natural ecological balance and can lead to the worst situations.
Solution of Air Pollution
Where there is a problem, there is a solution. You have read about many effects and causes of air pollution, and now you will read some of the answers to air pollution.
These solutions are pretty straightforward and straightforward, and if you adopt them and spread them, they can save millions of lives each year and healthily affect nature. Your kids will breathe in cleaner and safe air.
1. Use Public Transports
Since most of the world’s air pollution is caused due to vehicles and transportation, you can save your money, resources, and environment by using public transport.
If more people travel by public transport, fewer vehicles will come out, and less gasoline will burn. Finally, it will have a significant and fruitful impact on the air quality and the environment.
2. Save Electricity
Electricity is a cleaner energy source if it is hydro, wind, or solar-generated.
But unfortunately, to meet the rising demands of voltage around the globe, many countries use gas turbines, coal-powered turbines, and nuclear facilities to generate enough electricity.
Suppose you will switch off unnecessary lights and use them with care. In that case, you will not only contribute towards saving an essential resource, but you will also be contributing towards cleaner air and the environment.
3. Reduce Smoking
If you are a smoker, it will be an astonishing fact that trillions of cigarettes are smoked each week around the globe. Smoking less might reduce many harmful and cancer-causing elements in the air.
When a smoker is exhaling smoke, he is causing other nearby people to inhale the smoke. This process of smoking is often referred to as passive smoking.
By quitting smoking, you will save yourself from various diseases and others as well.
4. Preferring Fans Over Air Conditioning
Air conditioning uses a lot of electricity and adds heat to the environment. If you adopt this solution of air pollution, you will save money and keep the environment healthy.
Also, it prevents numerous diseases caused by sudden changes in body temperature when exiting or entering an air-conditioned room or building.
Conclusion: Essay on Air Pollution
You have read the effects, causes, and solutions to air pollution. At this point, you must have an idea and deep understanding of this critical issue surrounding human beings.
As a surface dweller, a person’s primary duty is to keep these solutions in mind and implement them in daily life.
Most disasters and calamities that befell humans were always the consequences of their deeds and actions. Similarly, air quality today has declined and will continue falling if this carefree attitude continues.
Using public transport, avoiding extra chemical usage, saving electricity, using filters, and eliminating the usage of crackers can contribute to fresh and healthy air.
Why do you leave money and other resources for future generations? The answer is simple – for their better future and ease of life. Similarly, why not leave them a cleaner air and environment?
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