Air Pollution PDF

Air Pollution 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...

Air Pollution 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. **air pollution**, release into the [atmosphere](https://www.britannica.com/science/atmosphere) of various [gases](https://www.britannica.com/science/gas-state-of-matter), finely divided solids, or finely dispersed liquid [aerosols](https://www.britannica.com/science/aerosol) at rates that exceed the natural capacity of the [environment](https://www.britannica.com/science/environment) to dissipate and dilute or absorb them. These substances may reach concentrations in the air that cause undesirable health, economic, or [aesthetic](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic) effects. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important sources of morbidity and mortality.  WHO data show that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds [WHO guideline limits](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228) and contains high levels of [pollutants](https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-and-health/health-impacts/types-of-pollutants), with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures. Sources of air pollution 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. **Fossil fuel** is a generic term for non-renewable energy sources such as coal, coal products, natural gas, derived gas, crude oil, petroleum products and non-renewable wastes. These fuels originate from plants and animals that existed in the geological past (for example, millions of years ago). Fossil means Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, natural gas, oil shales, bitumens, tar sands, and heavy oils. All contain carbon and were formed as a result of geologic processes acting on the remains of organic matter produced by photosynthesis, a process that began in the Archean Eon (4.0 billion to 2.5 billion years ago). OIL GAS FORMATION **The formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is given by: °F = °C × (9/5) + 32. By using this formula, we can convert any given temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit (C to F).** **To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, we use a formula that is (°C × 1.8) + 32. This means we multiply the temperature in Celsius by 1.8, then add 32 to get the temperature in Fahrenheit.** 1. Convert these temperatures to Fahrenheit a.35^o^C b. 100^o^C c. 70^o^C d.37^o^C 2. Convert the following ^o^F temperatures to degrees Celsius a.273^o^F b. -50^o^F c. 220^o^F The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius is C = 5/9(F-32). Fahrenheit and Celsius are the same at -40°. At ordinary temperatures, Fahrenheit is a larger number than Celsius. For example, body temperature is 98.6 °F or 37 °C *Temperature conversions use the following formulas: Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) = (Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) \* 9/5) + 32. Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) = (Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) - 32) \* 5/9.* CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION The rising number of air pollutants has made breathing fresh, clean air next to impossible. The causes of air pollution have left everyone worried about their health. Air pollution being the largest environmental killer, kills over 17 billion people worldwide. While calculating, that's up to 2.2 years lost on an average. As pollutants in the air cannot be seen with our naked eyes, we don't realize the sources of the increasing pollution levels. In order to understand the sources of air pollution, we need to first go through the basic causes of air pollution. ### **1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels** Most of the air pollution takes place due to the incomplete burning of fossil fuels. These include coal, oil, and gasoline to produce energy for electricity or transportation. The release of CO at a high level indicates how much fossil fuel is burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides into the air. Inhaling air induced with pollutants due to the burning of natural gas and fossil fuel [reduces the heart's ability to pump](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/5-facts-air-pollution-affects-family/) enough oxygen. Hence causing one to suffer from various respiratory and heart illnesses. Furthermore, the nitrogen oxides are responsible for acid rain and the formation of smog.  When fossil fuels are burned, they emit more than just CO2. - Coal-fired power stations alone account for 35% of harmful mercury emissions in the US. - Two-thirds of SO2 emissions cause acid rain - The great majority of dust (particle pollution) is released in our air due to fossil fuel burning. ### **2. Industrial Emission ** Industrial activities emit several pollutants in the air that affect the air quality more than we can even imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, NO2, SO2, and CO are [key pollutants that are emitted](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/monitoring-air-quality-data/) from industries that use coal and wood as their primary energy source for the production of their goods. Industrial pollution effects associated with your health can range from - Irritation in your eyes and throat - Breathing issues - At times can even lead to chronic illness - VOCs and other emissions from industries can aggregate respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis. - O3 is also released from industries that can increase in asthma attacks.  Huge amounts of organic chemicals like CO2, hydrocarbons, etc. are released by the industries including other toxicants. They furthermore affect the climate as CO2 causes a greenhouse effect. Hence, causing the heat to be trapped within the earth's atmosphere. Therefore, the temperature and humidity increase. More and more industries are being built as the demand grows. And as a result the emissions also increase day by day. We are already observing the after-effects of this, as the earth's temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius per decade. ### **3. Indoor Air Pollution** Use of toxic products also called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), inadequate ventilation, uneven temperature, and humidity level [can cause indoor air pollution](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/in-house-air-quality/), whether you are in an office, school, or at your comfortable home. House air pollution can take place due to ignorant factors, for instance, [smoking tobacco inside a room](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/cigarettes-smoke-air-pollution/) or leaving mold-infected walls untreated. The use of wood stoves or space heaters is capable of increasing the humidity level which can directly affect the health of a person in no time. Carcinogens and toxins from indoor air pollution cause 17% of deaths from lung cancer. ### **4. Wildfires ** Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but also spiking air pollution. [Burning stubble and farm residue ](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/stubble-burning-impacts-our-environment/)is also a major contribution to wildfire. It causes increased [PM2.5](https://www.pranaair.com/blog/particulate-matter-pm-2-5-sources-impacts-measures/) in the air which collides with other harmful substances like chemical gas and pollen creating smog. Smog makes the air hazy and people find it difficult to breathe. Visibility also decreases as a result of this smog. Difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, itchiness in the respiratory tract, etc. are all symptoms of inhaling smog.  - As many as 90% of the wildfires are caused by anthropogenic reasons, a small spark can tur n acres of forest area into ashes. - The soot and dust particles, smoke (that contains several toxic chemicals) can stay suspended in the air for days. - The average temperature is increasing day by day due to the greenhouse effect. As a result, the rise in [temperature affects the rate of wildfires](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/effects-of-forest-fires-and-rising-temperature/). - More the temperature, more the cases of wildfires and forest fires. Wildlife, plants, and animals are all impacted by wildfires. ### **5. Microbial Decaying Process** Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of CO, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and organic compounds which contaminate our environment. Bacteria and fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying of these microorganisms present in the surroundings releases methane gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may lead to death. Decaying process releases carbon, methane, and nitrogen that can affect the quality of air to some extent. As these microbes stay suspended in the air, they can cause - Asthma aggregation - Many other discomforts - Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. - Chances of having skin allergies also increases.  ### **6. Transportation** Cars on the roads are increasing day by day. There is no denying that vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban cities, where car ownership rates are more as compared to rural areas. When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits: 1. Carbon monoxide, 2. Hydrocarbons, 3. Nitrogen oxide, and 4. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) When vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone layer contributing to smog and causing various health issues. Large numbers of cars and other vehicles on the roads contribute to traffic congestion on the roads, affecting the air quality of that particular area to a great extent. This necessitates the need to [monitor the air quality](https://www.pranaair.com/air-quality-monitor/ambient-air-monitor/) at local level, for each area, so that identifying the sources and taking the proper measures can be done. Taking proper and effective measures as individuals to control vehicular emissions such as carpooling, using public transportation (metros, buses, rails) will help in reducing the vehicular emissions. ### **7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste** Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the environment than one may think. As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health. [Delhi generates](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/diwali-fireworks-badly-affect-delhi-air-quality/) a whopping 9500 tons of waste every day, which makes it India's second waste dumping city. Exposure to open burning of garbage waste can pose serious health risks including: 1. Cancer 2. Liver issues 3. Impairment of the immune system 4. Reduced reproductive functions 5. Can also affect the developing nervous system. Open air garbage burning releases toxins such as black carbon, soot, and carcinogens. It actively contributes to the greenhouse effect, and in turn to climate change. Black carbon and soot gets deposited on the ice peaks, which results in their meltdown.  Open garbage burning causes skin irritation, aggravates asthma and other respiratory diseases and illnesses, increases the risk of heart diseases, and difficulties in breathing, nausea and headaches. ### **8. Construction and Demolition** During the clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered the highest number of air pollution complaints in the [Delhi NCR due to construction pollution](https://www.pranaair.com/solutions-by-industry/pm2-5-monitoring-air-pollution-by-construction-sites/) and demolition activities. With the rise of population in the city, construction and demolition is a part of the ever-going development phase of the national capital. Several construction sites and raw materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze and foul air which is hazardous for people especially, children and elderly citizens. Why is air quality a concern at construction and demolition sites? This is due to the following reasons: - Construction and demolition sites are a rich source of PM and other air pollutants including VOCs, etc. - People living near these sites experience various health concerns like difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, etc. - The workers and personnel working on-site are exposed to these air pollutants everyday. These pollutants affect their health to a great extent as well. - Therefore, it becomes important to [monitor the air quality at construction](https://www.pranaair.com/solutions-by-industry/pm2-5-monitoring-air-pollution-by-construction-sites/) and demolition sites to comply with the standards. - It is important to maintain the air quality at these sites, so as to maintain the air quality standards and limit the excessive usage of toxin and PM generating activities. - ### **9. Agricultural Activities** Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality. To begin with, pesticides and fertilizers are the main sources that contaminate the surrounding air. Nowadays, pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick growth of the crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of the pesticides are left in the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground which not only destroys the crops but also causes numerous health-related issues. ### **10. Use of chemical and synthetic products** Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous for our lives but never talk about indoor air pollution. [Household products cause indoor air pollution](https://www.aqi.in/blog/us/household-cleaning-products-indoor-air-pollution/) which is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution. We spend more than 90% of our lives indoors, which makes the indoor air pollution impacts more serious and concerning. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and personal care products such as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common health issues. These are silent killers that can cause risks like asthma or other respiratory issues and lung disease are other issues caused by inhaling poor house air quality. - The vast variety of sources indoors release various harmful toxins that affect children, old age people, and even pets. - These sources include cooking, smoking, furniture, paints, hobby craft, furnaces, coal powered heaters, and many more. Indoor air pollution has caused over 4 million premature deaths per year. - Healthy air is very important for development in children, even in their prenatal phase. Air pollution has caused more than 50% of all cases of respiratory infection in children less than 5 years old. - It is responsible for various lung and heart diseases in children and old people such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and aggravation of asthma. [Monitoring the indoor air quality](https://www.pranaair.com/air-quality-monitor/sensible-plus-air-monitor/) will not only give you the power of seeing the invisible air pollutants, but will also assist you in maintaining your indoor air quality. **air pollution**, release into the [atmosphere](https://www.britannica.com/science/atmosphere) of various [gases](https://www.britannica.com/science/gas-state-of-matter), finely divided solids, or finely dispersed liquid [aerosols](https://www.britannica.com/science/aerosol) at rates that exceed the natural capacity of the [environment](https://www.britannica.com/science/environment) to dissipate and dilute or absorb them. These substances may reach concentrations in the air that cause undesirable health, economic, or [aesthetic](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic) effects. Major air pollutants -------------------- Criteria pollutants ------------------- Clean, dry [air](https://www.britannica.com/science/air) consists primarily of [nitrogen](https://www.britannica.com/science/nitrogen) and [oxygen](https://www.britannica.com/science/oxygen)---78 percent and 21 percent respectively, by volume. The remaining 1 percent is a mixture of other gases, mostly [argon](https://www.britannica.com/science/argon-chemical-element) (0.9 percent), along with trace (very small) amounts of [carbon dioxide](https://www.britannica.com/science/carbon-dioxide), [methane](https://www.britannica.com/science/methane), [hydrogen](https://www.britannica.com/science/hydrogen), [helium](https://www.britannica.com/science/helium-chemical-element), and more. Water vapour is also a normal, though quite variable, component of the atmosphere, normally ranging from 0.01 to 4 percent by volume; under very humid conditions the moisture content of air may be as high as 5 percent. There are six major air pollutants that have been designated by the U.S. [Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Environmental-Protection-Agency) (EPA) as ["criteria" pollutants](https://www.britannica.com/topic/criteria-air-pollutant)---criteria meaning that the concentrations of these pollutants in the atmosphere are useful as indicators of overall air quality. The sources, acceptable concentrations, and effects of the [criteria](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criteria) pollutants are summarized in the table. ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Criteria air pollutants** **pollutant** **common sources** **maximum acceptable concentration in the atmosphere** **environmental risks** **human health risks** Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency **carbon monoxide (CO)** automobile emissions, fires, industrial processes 35 ppm (1-hour period); 9 ppm (8-hour period) contributes to smog formation exacerbates symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain; may cause vision problems and reduce physical and mental capabilities in healthy people **nitrogen oxides (NO and NO~2~)** automobile emissions, electricity generation, industrial processes 0.053 ppm (1-year period) damage to foliage; contributes to smog formation inflammation and irritation of breathing passages **sulfur dioxide (SO~2~)** electricity generation, fossil-fuel combustion, industrial processes, automobile emissions 0.03 ppm (1-year period); 0.14 ppm (24-hour period) major cause of haze; contributes to acid rain formation, which subsequently damages foliage, buildings, and monuments; reacts to form particulate matter breathing difficulties, particularly for people with asthma and heart disease **ozone (O~3~)** nitrogen oxides (NO~x~) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial and automobile emissions, gasoline vapours, chemical solvents, and electrical utilities 0.075 ppm (8-hour period) interferes with the ability of certain plants to respire, leading to increased susceptibility to other environmental stressors (e.g., disease, harsh weather) reduced lung function; irritation and inflammation of breathing passages **particulate matter** sources of primary particles include fires, smokestacks, construction sites, and unpaved roads; sources of secondary particles include reactions between gaseous chemicals emitted by power plants and automobiles 150 μg/m^3^ (24-hour period for particles \