Environmental Pollution

Introduction

Saving the environment has been one of the major issues these days. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about environmental pollution, but coping with it has been next to impossible. 

So, it is safe to describe environmental pollution as atmospheric contamination, including the physical and biological states. Environmental pollution usually happens in various ways.Usually, air and water pollution will quickly come to people’s minds when discussing environmental pollution. But, those are not the only types of environmental pollution.

Types of environmental pollution

Air Pollution

We can say that air pollution is one of the most crucial types of environmental pollution. It indicates the contamination of the air with poisonous gases and dangerous gases. One of the top examples of air pollution is the fumes from vehicles’ exhausts.

Air pollution primarily affects living species, like humans and animals. It makes it hard for these species to breathe and utilise the air for essential functions. Such pollution can trigger numerous health issues like asthma in humans.

Sulphur, dust particles, other particulates, even specific hydrocarbons serve as the main air pollutants. Also, some industries emit poisonous gases that lead to air pollution.

Water Pollution

The case of water pollution entails the contamination of water bodies, and one will agree that a water body is an encompassing term. Once anything that can change the components of water bodies comes in contact with it, they are experiencing water pollution.

When water pollution occurs, it makes the water bodies inhabitable. Therefore, affecting aquatic plants and animals. These species then become homeless, and it disrupts the ecosystem balance.

Also, there is the case of communities not having access to drinkable water, resulting from water pollution. Water pollution can happen through the infusion of chemicals, pesticides, and more.

Land Pollution

It should not be surprising that land pollution also comes under environmental pollution. According to the data, more than 20 % of the major population is related to land. Many people do not dispose of their garbage properly, which is one of the main reasons for land population.

Therefore, the land is exposed to toxins and chemicals that can even affect the growth of plants. Asides from that, it also leads to health issues. Health issues such as mercury toxicity can cause carcinogenic reactions in the body. In addition, garbage should only be put in their assigned bins and not on the road.

Noise Pollution

The type of pollution which eventually leads to disruption of peace in the surrounding will ultimately lead to noise pollution. Furthermore, it can even lead to ear damage in humans. For example, it could be your neighbour blasting songs from their speakers on the highest volume, loud traffic horns etc.

Industrial Pollution

Industrial pollution has also grown in recent years. Some industries emit chemicals/substances into the atmosphere and contaminate the air, land, or water. Some of the hazardous substances include high degrees of Co2 gases, gravel and dirt, scrap metal, certain solvents, resins, residue, plastic waste, etc. 

Thermal Pollution

Often, people engage in activities that disrupt the temperature of the environment. Such actions can lead to thermal pollution. When there is a change in the temperature of an environment, it affects the species and may even lead to death affecting the overall biological systems. 

Light Pollution

Under the types of environmental pollution, people tend to overlook light pollution. Light pollution typically happens at night or in dark environments when people want to alter the lighting after cessation of natural light.

For example, you are using artificial methods to light up the skies at night. But, of course, not everyone would be comfortable with such developments. Bright lights might affect some people’s eyes, causing headaches.

Radioactive Pollution

Beta rays are dangerous to many species, and their emission is defined as radioactive pollution. Experts term it to be the most dangerous type of environmental pollution.

Less than 14% of such waste is disposed of correctly. Radioactive pollution usually happens through nuclear power waste. It can linger in the environment for decades, which is why experts call it one of the most hazardous pollution types.

Causes of Environmental Pollution

Indeed, you already have an idea of some causes of environmental pollution. But, we will still go ahead to highlight them.

They are:

Industries

Industries stand as some of the top causes of environmental pollution in different ways. They affect the environment through water, air, land pollution and more. Most authorities have not enforced strict laws to regulate these industries. The government needs to take action against industries that cause environmental pollution; hence other industries will desist from such activities.

Transportation

People have to move from one point to another, but most of the means of transportation usually cause environmental pollution. For example, the vehicles’ exhaust emits carbon monoxide through its fumes, causing air pollution and triggering health challenges for individuals. Therefore, transportation is also one of the top causes of environmental pollution.

Agriculture

Agriculture serves as a means of livelihood for more than 70% of people in India. It is the primary source that provides food for humans. However, we see that some farmers use harmful chemicals while farming, which can be very harmful to the environment. Typically, they say that such chemicals help in pest and weed control. But, they also cause environmental pollution. Therefore, we advocate that farmers use safer pest and weed control.

Conclusion

Environmental pollution is a top menace of society. Hence, there should be strict laws against it, and everyone needs to work together. There are eight types of environmental pollution. Also, since you know the effects of environmental pollution, you can start avoiding the triggers.