AIR POLLUTION

Introduction
Air pollution occurs in many forms but can generally be thought of as gaseous and particulate
contaminants that are present in the earth's atmosphere. Gaseous pollutants include sulfur
dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic
compounds (VOC), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and various gaseous forms
of metals. These pollutants are emitted from large stationary sources such as fossil fuel fired
power plants, smelters, industrial boilers, petroleum refineries, and manufacturing facilities as
well as from area and mobile sources. They are corrosive to various materials which causes
damage to cultural resources, can cause injury to ecosystems and organisms, aggravate
respiratory diseases, and reduce visibility.

Particulates come in both large and small or "fine" solid forms. Large particulates include
substances such as dust, asbestos fibers, and lead. Fine particulates include sulfates (SO4) and
nitrates (NO3). Important sources of particulates are power plants, smelters, mining operations,
and automobiles. Asbestos and lead affect organisms, while sulfates and nitrates not only cause
health problems, but also contribute to acid rain or acid deposition and a reduction in visibility.
Particulate matter, a term sometimes used instead of particulates, refers to the mixture of solid
particles and liquid droplets found in the air.

Toxic air pollutants are a class of chemicals which may potentially cause health problems in a
significant way. The sources of toxic air pollutants include power plants, industries, pesticide
application, and contaminated windblown dust. Persistent toxic pollutants, such as mercury, are
of particular concern because of their global mobility and ability to accumulate in the food chain.
More research is needed to fully understand the fate and effects of mercury and the many other
toxic pollutants.

Primary pollutants are those that are emitted directly into the air from pollution
sources. Secondary pollutants are formed when primary pollutants undergo chemical changes
in the atmosphere. Ozone is an example of a secondary pollutant. It is formed when nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are mixed and warmed by sunlight. Ozone
(O3) is a major component of what is often referred to as smog. The ozone which is present in the
troposphere, or the atmosphere that is close to the ground, should not be confused with beneficial
ozone that is located in the stratosphere or upper atmosphere. This beneficial ozone in the
stratosphere helps protect the earth from harmful ultraviolet light from the sun.
 AIR POLLUTION

Sources of Air Pollution

Stationary and Area Sources

A stationary source of air pollution refers to an emission source that does not move, also known
as a point source. Stationary sources include factories, power plants, dry cleaners and degreasing
operations. The term area source is used to describe many small sources of air pollution located
together whose individual emissions may be below thresholds of concern, but whose collective
emissions can be significant. Residential wood burners are a good example of a small source, but
when combined with many other small sources, they can contribute to local and regional air
pollution levels. Area sources can also be thought of as non-point sources, such as construction
of housing developments, dry lake beds, and landfills.

Mobile Sources
mobile source of air pollution refers to a source that is capable of moving under its own power.
In general, mobile sources imply "on-road" transportation, which includes vehicles such as cars,
sport utility vehicles, and buses. In addition, there is also a "non-road" or "off-road" category that
includes gas-powered lawn tools and mowers, farm and construction equipment, recreational
vehicles, boats, planes, and trains.

Agricultural Sources
Agricultural operations, those that raise animals and grow crops, can generate emissions of
gases and particulate matter. For example, animals confined to a barn or restricted area (rather
than field grazing), produce large amounts of manure. Manure emits various gases, particularly
ammonia into the air. This ammonia can be emitted from the animal houses, manure storage
areas, or from the land after the manure is applied. In crop production, the misapplication of
fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can potentially result in aerial drift of these materials and
harm may be caused.

Natural Sources
although industrialization and the use of motor vehicles are overwhelmingly the most significant
contributors to air pollution, there are important natural sources of "pollution" as well. Wild
land fires, dust storms, and volcanic activity also contribute gases and particulates to our
atmosphere.
https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/nature/airpollution.htm
 AIR POLLUTION

Effects of Air pollution

1. Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution are alarming. They are known

to create several respiratory and heart conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the

body. Several millions are known to have died due to direct or indirect effects of Air pollution.

Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly suffer from pneumonia and

asthma.

2. Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is

witnessing due to Global warming. With increased temperatures worldwide, increase in sea

levels and melting of ice from colder regions and icebergs, displacement and loss of habitat have

already signaled an impending disaster if actions for preservation and normalization aren’t

undertaken soon.

3. Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the

atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combines with

these air pollutants, becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid

rain can cause great damage to human, animals and crops.

4. Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a condition where high amount of nitrogen present in some

pollutants gets developed on sea’s surface and turns itself into algae and adversely affects fish,

plants and animal species. The green colored alga that is present on lakes and ponds is due to

presence of this chemical only.

5. Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air

pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to move to new place and
 AIR POLLUTION

change their habitat. The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect

sea animals.

6. Depletion of Ozone layer: Ozone exists in earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for

protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to

the presence of chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As ozone

layer will go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin and eye related

problems. UV rays also have the capability to affect crops.

AIR POLLUTION