Air Pollution Control

May 08, 2023, 16:45 IST

A slogan rightly quoted is, "there is no future with pollution". This phrase needs no explanation as we are the living example of it.

This article aims to provide information about air pollution control. But before knowing the control measures for air pollution, we must mull over the causes, sources and effects of air pollution.

What is Pollution?

Pollution (environmental pollution), in a general sense, is the addition of harmful and impure substances to the environment. The components which cause the pollution are called pollutants or contaminants.

The basic types of environmental pollution include air, water, soil, and noise pollution. In addition to these, thermal and radioactive pollution, debris, and visual, light, and electromagnetic pollution are also taken into account.

This particular article will cover air pollution and its control. Keep on scrolling down to get a detailed idea of the topic.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution can be explained as the introduction of impure, unsafe, and harmful substances (air pollutants) into the Earth's atmosphere.

The pollutants can be in the form of certain gasses (like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxides), particulate matter (PM), organic and inorganic molecules, or toxic chemicals and metals.

What are The Types of Air Pollutants?

Pollutants can be solid particles, gasses, or liquid droplets. Also, it can be naturally released or man-made substances.

Pollutants can be categorized into two types according to the way they cause the pollution, namely;

• Primary air pollutants

The primary pollutants, once released into the atmosphere, cause air pollution directly.

Sulfur dioxide from chemical factories, carbon monoxide from automobile exhaust, ashes from naturally occurring volcanic eruptions, etc are some examples of primary pollutants.

• Secondary air pollutants

When primary air pollutants react or interact in the atmosphere, secondary air pollutants are formed. These are not produced directly from any process but rather formed from interactions of primary pollutants.

An example of a secondary pollutant is ground-level ozone.

It is also important to know the causes and sources of air pollution so that measures can be taken.

Below written are the causes and prevention to minimize air pollution.

Causes of Air Pollution

Most of the causes and sources of air pollution are man-made and also more hazardous. Listed below are the major causes of air pollution.

• Automobile exhaust

Vehicles emit harmful greenhouse gasses and are a major cause of air pollution.

• Industries and factories

Many industries and factories release poisonous gasses like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals into the atmospheric air.

• Indoor sources

The use of wood and kerosene for domestic uses also contributes to the rise in pollutants in the air.

• Combustion of fossil fuels

Burning and combustion of fossil fuels produce a large amount of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc.

• Mining and agricultural activities

Extracting minerals from the ground releases fine dust particles which are very harmful.

Certain agricultural practices like slash-and-burn agriculture produce a lot of smoke and ashes. Ammonia is released as a pollutant during many agricultural activities.

Air Pollution Control

Now that we have an overall idea of sources of air pollution, it is easier to take measures to minimize air pollution. Following are some of the basic ways to control and check air pollution:

1. Using public transport instead of using vehicles individually.
2. Introducing rules to upgrade engines of old vehicles.
3. Using CNG and other gasses has less carbon content than fuels.
4. Efficient and frequent use of electric vehicles.
5. Laying down strict emission regulations.
6. Giving instructions to factories and industries to lower the number of pollutants in their release.
7. Using LPG in domestic chores instead of kerosene and burning wood.
8. Switching and using more renewable energy.
9. Avoiding unnecessary biomass burning.
10. Organizing and setting up committees with the involvement of maximum countries all over the world.

Why is Air Pollution Control Necessary?

There are many adverse effects on us when we inhale the polluted air.

Irreversible lung damage, lower immunity, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, lung cancer, headache, and cough are some of the effects of air pollution on human health.

We will be understanding the value of clean air by taking the case study of Delhi. Based on a survey conducted by WHO, pollution in Delhi is the worst. It also affects cities nearby Delhi. To your surprise, air pollution is the fifth largest killer in India. Respiratory tract diseases, chronic lung diseases, and asthma are some of the common diseases that make people suffer because of poor air quality.

On 25 November 2019, the Supreme court made a statement that Delhi has become worse than hell. The air quality index of Delhi deteriorates to severe and hazardous during October.

On 15 November 2021, the air quality index of Delhi reached "very poor". The CM of Delhi announced to shut off schools so that children will not be affected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How does air pollution affect the main environment?

Ans. Air pollution lowers the quality of atmospheric air. In addition to this, smog formation, eutrophication, ozone layer depletion, and acid depositions occur as consequences of air pollution.

Q2. How does air pollution spread?

Ans. Spreading and dispersion of air pollutants occur mostly because of natural physical processes like air, wind, air humidity, rain, cloudiness, weather, etc.

Q3. Should people stay indoors during a major air pollution outbreak?

Ans. It will be beneficial to stay indoors when air quality is very poor outside. But it is also important to note the pollution level indoors also. Passive smoking, burning of wood, using kerosene, etc. may increase the pollution level indoors too.