Introduction to Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution results from the presence of undesirable components, either particulate or gaseous, in the atmosphere. These unhealthful components are known as pollutants. Some pollutants undergo further reactions in the atmosphere to form new, undesirable components.

Causes

• Natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires and dust storms cause air pollution. But human activities also release pollutants. These activities include the burning of fossil fuel for transportation and running industries; using air conditioners, refrigerators and aerosol products; the burning of plastic foam products; and mining. In turn, pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons and greenhouses gases are released into the atmosphere.

Control

• Controlling natural causes of air pollution is beyond the scope of human beings. But people can reduce their contribution to air pollution by using alternative forms of energy such as solar energy and wind energy instead of fossil fuels. Adopting environmentally friendly habits such as recycling, using public transport and carpooling to work can also control air pollution.

Effects

• Sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide cause respiratory diseases, fatigue and headaches. Sulfur oxides and nitrous oxides cause acid rain, which damages crops and buildings. Chlorofluorocarbons damage the ozone layer, which protects life forms from the harmful rays of the sun. Greenhouse gases cause global warming.