WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION ?

The add unwanted and harmful substance are added to the air by factories, motor vehicles, forest fires, the development of large housing estates and the extensive use of chlorofluorocarbon. The addition of unwanted and harmful substances to the air is known as air pollution. The unwanted and harmful substances are called the pollutants. Air pollutants are due to mans activities. Man must control his activities so that they do not pollute the air, because clean air is essential for a healthy life. The harmful effects of air pollution Air pollution causes harmful effects on living things, including man and on the environment. Some of these harmful effects are explained below. Health problems Harmful gases, dust and soot in the air cause several health problems such as: Headaches Skin diseases Asthma Bronchitis Lung and throat cancer Depletion of food resources Dust and soot on the leaves of plants reduce the rate of photosynthesis, causing less food to be produced by plants. Acid rain causes plants to die because they become unable to absorb water.

Destruction of habitats As a result the natural habitats are destroyed.

Extinction of species Destruction of natural habitats has caused many plants and animals to die and several species become extinct.

Destruction of property Acid rain is corroding buildings and important historic monuments.

Controlling air pollution Air pollution must be controlled so that its harmful effects can be reduced. Some ways for controlling air pollution are explained below: Rubbish Do not allow open burning in residential areas. Burning should be done only in approved site or in incinerators built for the purpose.

Motor Vehicles Fix catalytic converters to the exhaust pipes of motor vehicles so that harmful exhaust gases can be converted to harmless substances. Ensure that the engines of motor vehicles do not give out excessive exhaust gases and black smoke.

Factories Build tall chimneys in factories so that smoke and waste gases are discharged high up in the air and can be easily blown away by wind. Fix electrostatics percipitators on the chimneys to attract particles in the waste gases to prevent them from escaping into the air.

Agriculture Advise the farmers to reduce the use of pesticides. Encourage farmers to use biological control ways to kill pest. For example, suitable owls reared in oil palm plantation to catch rat.

Chlorofluorocarbon Reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbon and other gases which destroy the earths ozone layer. Use ozone friendly gases such as hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)

Nuclear Substances Store and throw radioactive in the recommended ways. Ban nuclear tests through an international agreement to be organized by the United Nations.

Reforestation Replant forest for absorbing carbon dioxide. These reduces global warming.

 Educating The Public Educate the members of the public to be aware of the dangers of air pollution and how to control them. This can be done through campaign in schools, and talks over radio and television.

Ways to keep the air clean Run campaigns to discourage cigarette smoking. Run campaigns to explain what individuals must do to keep the air clean. Ban smoking in public places such as in hospitals, cinema halls, supermarkets and offices. Ban open burning of rubbish. Prevent forest fires. Introduce laws to force factories to threat their waste gases before releasing them into the air. Ensure motor vehicles use catalytic converters. Find motor vehicles which give out excessive black smoke. Practice reforestation trees cut down must be replanted. Keep a strict watch on the disposal of radioactive Habits that keep the air clean Do not smoke in public places. Do not burn rubbish in open air. Use less electricity. This will reduce the use of fuels in power stations and so reduce air pollutants. Walk or cycle instead of going by cars. This will reduce exhaust gases from motor vehicles. Reduce the use of insecticide sprays and hair sprays. This will reduce chlorofluorocarbon(CFC) in the air. Ensure your motor vehicles do not give out excessive black smoke. Plant trees in your house compounds and in open spaces.