Air pollution is the combination of gases and solid particles in the air. Due to the greenhouse gas emission, toxic gases mix with the air and it increases the temperature of the atmosphere. Besides this, chemicals from factories and dust can increase the level of aerosol in the air. Aerosol can absorb more heat and raise the temperature. Discussion

Causes of air pollution

The burning of fossil fuel

Due to the burning of fossil fuel toxic gases and solid particles mix in the air that increase the level of carbon monoxide in the air. Fossil fuels are used in transportation to produce energy. It can increase the level of greenhouse gas in the air that causes air pollution.  

Industrial emission

Industrial emission is one of  the causes of air pollution. Toxic gases, solid particles can affect the quality of the air and increase the level of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide in the air. 

Indoor air pollution

Use of toxic products and inadequate ventilation can be another causes of air pollution inside the home. Besides this, smoking a wood stove can increase the level of air pollution inside the house. 

Wildfires

Air pollution is the cause of global climate change, and it affects the environment and human life as well. Climate change increases the chance of the wildfires and due to the wildfires Pollen creates smog and  chemical gases mix in the air, and it is the one of the causes of air pollution.

Microbial decaying process

Fungi and bacteria play a significant role in air pollution. Due to the decaying of the microorganism, it releases “methane gas” that is highly toxic for the air, and it causes air pollution.

Effects of air pollution

There are some effects of air pollution that become harmful for human life and the ecosystem also. These are:

  • Air pollution increases the level of aerosol that absorbs heat and increase the temperature of troposphere
  • Due to the increasing temperature glaciers are starting to melt, and it is the cause of the rising sea level. It can be the cause of floods. These are the causes of global climate change, and it is happening due to excessive levels of air pollution
  • Air becomes toxic and full of chemical gases due to the air pollution. It affects the respiratory system of the human body, and it is the cause of different heart problems
  • Acid rain and different skin diseases are other effects of the air pollution. Acid rain can destroy various architectural buildings by damaging valuable marble in buildings like Taj Mahal in India
  • Air pollution can destroy the ozone layer and due to that reason, UV rays can enter the atmosphere and increase the temperature and affect human health

Government policies to prevent air pollution

  • In the “control of pollution” scheme the “central government” has announced a policy that is “National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)”. This is a long-term project to prevent air pollution within a targeted time. The government has taken initiatives to decrease the level of air pollution by 10%-20% within 2024
  • The central government has highlighted the “Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP)” in 2018 to reduce the air pollution in “NCR and Delhi”

Measurement criteria of air pollution

Quality of air can be measured by using “Air quality index (AQI)”. It is similar to a thermometer that has a measurement index from “0 to 500 degrees”. AQI can indicate the amount of pollutants in the air. It indicates clean and polluted air and highlights the amount of pollution in the air. 0-50 is the good value for the air according to the AQI matrix.  

Measures to control air pollution

There are some measures to control air pollution. These are:

  • Avoid the private transport which uses fossil fuels to generate energy
  • Use eco-friendly material that will not harm our environment
  • The government will apply recycle and reuse concept for those industries who are the culprit for the air pollution, and they should use filters for their chimney
  • Use such material that can be decomposed easily
  • The government will set a standard criterion for every city to measure the air pollution and after exceeding the criteria the city have to paid for this

Conclusion

Air pollution affects the environment and human life; it is not only outside the house but indoors too. There are different measures to indicate different levels of pollution in the air. It will help to control the air pollution and keep the environment and human life safe. People should be aware about the cause and effect of air pollution and take preventive measures to control it.