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Definition of the Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a problem that affects not only our health, but also our environment. Smoke, chemicals, gases and other fumes are all forms of air pollution. While some pollutants are visible, such as the thick, dark smoke we see coming out of buses and trucks, other forms are invisible to the naked eye, such as carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases. The effects of air pollution are dangerous and can even be deadly, making it a serious health and environmental concern.

  1. Health Effects

    • Repeat exposure to air pollutants can cause a person's lungs to become coated with toxins, leading to a number of respiratory illnesses ranging in degree of severity. Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; asthma; emphysema; lung cancer; and heart disease are just some of the health effects caused by air pollution. Effects on infants and children may be more severe and can even be fatal.

    Nature Effects

    • Emissions of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water molecules in the atmosphere, which results in acid rain. Acid rain acidifies streams and lakes, killing off freshwater fish. Other aquatic species have also been declining due to the effects of acid rain. The air pollutants found in acid rain are also harmful to plants, destroying large areas of vegetation. Chemicals like ammonia cause plant tissues to dry out. Other harmful effects of air pollution include reduction in photosynthesis as well as reduced leaf, pollen and tree growth.

    Atmospheric Effects

    • Air pollution damages the atmosphere by depleting the ozone layer. The ozone layer absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet light, preventing it from damaging life on Earth. Depletion of the ozone in the Earth's stratosphere results in ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Other atmospheric effects include ozone gases in the Earth's troposphere that form photochemical smog. Damage in the ozone layer allows this smog to reach the Earth, resulting in respiratory ailments in humans.

    Global Effects

    • Air currents carry pollution all over the world. As a result, air pollution has a global effect. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are increasing the global surface temperature, resulting in global warming. These gases include carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide. Effects of global warming include increased climate, melting polar ice caps, migration of animals to cooler areas, increased precipitation, extreme weather occurrences and rising sea levels.

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