Air pollution is actually the addition of any harmful substances to the atmosphere,

which causes the damaging of the environment, human health and the quality of

life. With the development in industry, came along the increase in air
pollution, which occurs inside homes, schools, offices even in the
countryside. Consequently there has been an increase in the death rates

resulting from various diseases caused by air pollution varying from

breathing problem to lung cancer. Air pollution does not only affect people but it
also damages the whole ecological system in which plants and animals are
harmed as well. Air pollution has reached such a critical stage where it affects
the earth's atmosphere as it lets in more harmful radiation from the sun.
Consequently, our polluted atmosphere is becoming a better insulator, thus,
preventing heat from escaping back into space. That is why there is a global rise

in temperature which scientists refer to as " global warming". As

a result of this rise in temperature the world food supply and sea level will be
affected, also there is the probability of increase in the tropical disease. If we try
to investigate the major sour

10 Causes of Air Pollution

There are many different chemical substances that contribute to air pollution. These
chemicals come from a variety of sources.
Among the many types of air pollutants are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, and
organic compounds that can evaporate and enter the atmosphere.
Air pollutants have sources that are both natural and human. Now, humans contribute
substantially more to the air pollution problem.
Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, wind erosion, pollen dispersal, evaporation of organic
compounds, and natural radioactivity are all among the natural causes of air pollution.
Usually, natural air pollution does not occur in abundance in particular locations. The
pollution is spread around throughout the world, and as a result, poses little threat to
the health of people and ecosystems.
Though some pollution comes from these natural sources, most pollution is the result
of human activity. The biggest causes are the operation of fossil fuel-burning power
plants and automobiles that combust fuel. Combined, these two sources are
responsible for about 90% of all air pollution in the United States.
 Some cities suffer severely because of heavy industrial use of chemicals that cause air
pollution. Places like Mexico City and Sao Paulo have some of the most deadly
pollution levels in the world.

By Nicole LaMarco, eHow Contributor

1.

Air pollution is caused by a wide variety of things. The earth is great at

cleaning the air on its own. However, air pollution has grown so much, the
earth can no longer clean all of it. This is starting to have adverse effects on
the environment such as causing acid rain, smog and a wide variety of health
problems.

Combustion Engine Exhaust

2. Cars, trucks, jet airplanes and other combustion engine vehicles cause air
pollution. The exhaust from these contains carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide
and gaseous oxide. This type of air pollution creates smog (as seen in Los
Angeles) which causes respiratory health problems and holes in the ozone
layer, which increases the exposure to the sun's harmful rays.

Factories

3. Factories, office buildings, homes and power-generating stations burn

fossil fuels, which cause air pollution. The burning of oil and coal (fossil fuels)
also contributes to smog. This air pollution destroys plants, damages
buildings and creates oxidation on iron.

Petroleum

4. Petroleum refineries release hydrocarbons and various particulates that

pollute the air.

Power Lines

5. Some power lines are not insulated and are high voltage. This creates air
pollution.
 Pesticides

6. Pesticides used to kill indoor and outdoor pests, insecticides used to kill
insects and herbicides use to kill weeds all cause air pollution.

Radioactive Fallout

7. Radioactive fallout causes air pollution from the nuclear energy dispersed,
which is a dust.

Fertilizer Dust

8. Dust from fertilizers used to help plants grow causes air pollution.

Indoor Air Pollution

9. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is the term used when there is indoor air
pollution. This happens when there is not enough ventilation to disburse the
toxic fumes from new carpet, paint and/or cleaning chemicals that are used
indoors. Mold can also cause SBS.

Mining Operations

10.Mining causes air pollution by releasing a variety of particles.

Mills and Plants

11.Mills and plants, include paper mills, chemical plants, iron mills, steel mills,
cement plants and asphalt plants, release emissions into the air causing

Read more: 10 Causes of Air Pollution | eHow.com

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How you can help to prevent Air Pollution:

• Carpool- This will help to reduce the number of vehicles on the already congested roads.
• Always keep your car tuned properly so that it remains in a good condition.
• Save energy- Try to use minimum amounts of natural gas and even electricity. Whenever
possible, avoid the use of air conditioner and use a fan instead.
• Always buy recycled products.
• Reuse things such as paper and plastic bags, paper etc. This will contribute a lot towards
reducing the effects of air pollution and global warming.
• Avoid the use of firecrackers. You don’t really need it to express your feeling of
happiness.
• Go in for water-based paints instead of varnishes.
 • If you really cannot avoid using your car, plan your work systematically to reduce air
pollution.

The causes of air pollution can be many to name if one really scrutinizes this subject closely. With
a little effort from our side, we can help to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution so that we
can breathe in a clean and healthy environment.

Air Pollution Effects: Carbon Monoxide

• Toxicity of the central nervous system and heart

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea and unconsciousness

• Loss of vision

• Decreased muscular coordination

• Abdominal pain

• Severe effects on the baby of a pregnant woman

• Impaired performance on simple psychological tests and arithmetic; loss of judgment

of time

• In cases of prolonged exposure to high CO concentrations, unconsciousness,

convulsions and death would occur

Carbon monoxide pollution effects are exacerbated in weaker people, specifically in those
with heart and lung diseases. (25)

• Burning nose and watering eyes

• Tightening of the chest

• Coughing, wheezing and throat irritation

• Rapid, shallow, painful breathing

• Susceptibility to respiratory infections

• Inflammation and damage to the lining of the lungs

• Aggravation of asthma

• Fatigue

• Cancer

On the respiratory system :

 Ammonia Fertilization
Australia, c. 1975
Photo: Rae Allen

• Nose & throat irritation and burns (their severity increasing with the increased
ammonia concentrations)

• Swelling of the throat and airways; airways destruction

• Pulmonary edema

• Chronic lung disease

• Cough

• Asthma

• Lung fibrosis

• Inhaling large amounts of ammonia can be fatal

Ways To Prevent Air Pollution

The fact is that human activities contribute the most to air pollution. Considering the harmful
effects of air pollution, now it is very essential that everyone should contribute a bit to prevent air
pollution. There are certain ways that one can help to reduce the emission of air pollutants in the
atmosphere. Following are some tips for preventing air pollution:

Car Pool: Forming and implementing a car pool will reduce the number of cars, thereby,
preventing air pollution by cutting down the use of fossil fuels. This way, it will help in the
sustainable use of fossil fuel and its conservation for the future generations.

Vehicle Care: Timely servicing of the car helps to keep it in a good condition and also minimizes
fuel exhaust. Driving the car at an average speed and turning off in traffic is a key to save fuel.
Make sure to use unleaded petrol and opt for regular pollution checking of your car.

Public Transport: Whenever possible, try to travel by public transports. This helps in two ways;
prevents air pollution and increases public income. If you are going to a nearby place, go by
walking or use bicycle, instead of using your vehicle. The objective is to minimize the use of fuels,
as far as possible.

Alternative Energy Source: Another effective way to prevent air pollution is to use alternative
energy sources such as solar energy, hydroelectric energy and wind energy. Nowadays,
sophisticated technologies such as wind turbine, solar water heaters are introduced to generate
electricity and other energy forms for the household use.

Saving Energy: Saving energy will, of course, help to prevent air pollution. Switch off the lights,
fans, air conditioners, televisions, and other appliances, when not in use. You can also share a
room with others when the air conditioner or fan is on, instead of switching them on in every
room.

Minimize Air Pollutants: Always try to minimize smoke emission, as it can contribute to air
pollution. One way is to compost dried leaves and kitchen waste, instead of burning them.
Composting will also give you organic fertilizer for your garden. While buying the products, always
choose air-friendly and recyclable products that will minimize the emission of pollutants.

Social awareness about air pollution is the most essential step to be taken for the prevention of
air pollution. Awareness programs and/or advertisements should be encouraged, so that people
understand the potential health hazards of air pollution. Improvement of transport facilities and
proper use of land for the sake of social benefits are equally important for controlling air pollution.