AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution occurs when the air contains gases, dust, fumes or odor in harmful amounts. That is, amounts which could be harmful to the health or comfort of humans and animals or which could cause damage to plants and materials. The substances that cause air pollution are called pollutants. Pollutants that are pumped into our atmosphere and directly pollute the air are called primary pollutants. Primary pollutant examples include carbon monoxide from car exhausts and sulfur dioxide from the combustion of coal.

 Further pollution can arise if primary pollutants in the atmosphere undergo chemical reactions. The resulting compounds are called secondary pollutants. Photochemical smog is an example of this.

The Importance Of Air

Other planets have sunlight, but the Earth is the only planet we know that has air and water. Without air and water, the Earth would be unable to sustain life. A diverse community of plant and animal life has thrived on this planet for millions of years, sustained by the sun and supported by the soil, water and air.

Factors that cause it:

natural

factors - the ones that are caused by the natures power, as sand storms, burnt caused by rays and volcanic activities; artificial factors - the ones that are caused by mans activity, as cars combustible emission, burnt of general fossils combustible, radioactive material, burns etc.

Pollutant
Particles (API) - Air Particle Index

Source
Internal combustion engines (eg, cars and trucks); Industry (eg, factories); Burning wood; Cigarette smoke; and Bushfires.

Human Health Effects

Long term exposure is linked to: Lung Cancer; Heart Disease; Lung Disease; Asthma Attacks; and Other health problems.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Motor Vehicles are the biggest Exposure to high levels of contributors; NO2 may lead to: Other combustion processes; Lung damage; or Respiratory Disease. It has also been linked to: Increased hospital admissions for asthma and respiratory problems; Increased mortality.

Ozone (O3)

Formed by various complex Ozone effects the chemical reactions involving the lining of the lungs; exposure of the oxides of nitrogen lining of the respiratory tract; and some hydro-carbons. and Ozone is the main ingredient of causes eye irritation. photochemical smog in summer Ozone also damages plants, and early autumn. buildings and other materials. When inhaled Carbon Monoxide enters the bloodstream and disrupts the supply of oxygen to the bodys tissues. A range of health effects may result depending on the extent of exposure.

Carbon Motor vehicle exhaust and Monoxide (CO) burning of materials such as coal, oil and wood. It is also released from industrial processes and waste incineration

Lead (Pb)

Is largely derived from the combustion of lead additives in motor fuels as well as lead smelting. Lead pollution from vehicle emissions is declining due to the introduction of unleaded fuels and reductions in lead levels in leaded fuel. Other atmospheric sources of lead include waste incineration and renovation of old houses (from leaded paint).

Lead retards learning in children and the development of their nervous system; Lead effects almost every organ in the body, whether it is inhaled or ingested. Young children are particularly susceptible;

Hydro-carbons (HC) - chemical compounds composed of Hydrogen and Carbon atoms

Most fuel combustion processes result in the release of hydro carbons to the environment. The largest fuel sources are natural gas and petrol. Note that hydrocarbons can enter the environment both as evaporative emissions from vehicle fuel systems, or in exhaust emissions. They are also a component of the smoke from wood fires.

Exposure can cause headaches or nausea, while some compounds may cause cancer. Some may also damage plants.

What Can You Do To Reduce Our Air Pollution?

Everybody has the power to make a difference to the quality of the air and the environment. To improve the quality of the air we breathe we must think about our individual contribution to pollution. We all add to air pollution in one way or another.

It is important to: Think for yourself Communicate with others Get involved

 You can act personally, at home or at school, or by doing something with others in the community. Walk or ride your bike instead of getting a lift in a car. Use products made close to your home: This reduces pollution from the transportation of goods. Where possible, use public transport instead of riding around in your parents car. Suggest that your class holds a discussion on air pollution. You could discuss the main sources of air pollution in your area, and how they could be reduced. Get a guest speaker to come to your school and talk about air pollution. Join a local environment group. You can find out about these by contacting your local council.