Introduction
Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the environment through intentional or unintentional discharge of pollutants into the ambient air that can pose significant threats to both human health and the environment. Many pollutant types are included: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5); nitrogen oxides (NO2); sulfur dioxide (SO2); carbon monoxide (CO); and ground level ozone (O3). Increasing global industrialization, urbanization, and increasing automobile usagehave led to increased levels of air pollution globally.
Air Pollution Sources
Automobiles: Automobiles and diesel-powered commercial vehicles are significant contributors to air pollution by emitting pollutants into the atmosphere.
Manufacturing Facilities: Factories create harmful gaseous emissions through smoke, hazardous wastes, and dust.
Agricultural Methods: Crop residue disposed by burning contributes to the addition of particulate matter and pollutants to the surrounding environment.
Home Heating and Cooking: Use of coal, wood, and kerosene for hot cooking or heating creates smoke.
Health Impacts
Health Conditions: Respiratory ailments (e.g., asthma and bronchitis), heart disease, and lung function decline occur secondary to air pollution.
Impact on the Environment: Air pollution creates impact on water and soil, produces toxic chemicals that potentially harm crops and ecosystems, and may create acid rain.
Impact on the Climate: Increase in greenhouse gases as a result of air pollution will lead to additional increases in the world’s temperatures through global climate change.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI is expected to measure levels of air pollution.
0-50: Good
51-100: Satisfactory
101-200: Moderate
201-300: Poor
301-400: Very Poor
401-500: Severe
Ways to Reduce Air Pollution
Promote use of renewable energy (solar and wind).
Encourage mass transit use and decrease personal car utilization.
Establish and enforce stricter emission standards for transportation and manufacturing sources.
Increase public education and awareness regarding ways to reduce air pollution at home and within their communities.
Conclusion Air pollution will lead to the degradation of overall health.