Air Pollution Essay in English in 500 Words
Air Pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic substances in the air in such a concentration that can be hazardous to humans and their surroundings. These toxic particles are commonly known as pollutants. They are known to degrade air quality. Out of these pollutants, oxides of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulphur are particularly harmful.
Some of the other pollutants include dirt, smoke, combustion gases, chlorofluorocarbons, and fossil fuels. Air pollution not only harms humans but also endangers plants and animals. It is an environmental issue that poses a huge threat to billions of organisms surviving on our planet.
It has been increasing at an alarming rate with an increase in the concentration of pollutants. Air pollution is changing the dynamics of our ecosystem. The contamination of air by these hazardous pollutants has disrupted the natural balance in our environment. The quality of life has reduced.
Wildlife, Flora and Fauna, even the man-made objects have not been spared. Air pollution has caused innumerable diseases like bronchitis, asthma, and many other respiratory diseases. Moreover, we have reached a point where even our atmosphere has been affected. Harmful radiations can penetrate through the layers and can cause significant damage.
One of the instances is the rise in global temperature. Reports from NASA state that this results in adverse conditions. Glacial retreats, warming oceans, extreme droughts, and increased sea levels are the effects of air pollution. Today finding a breath of fresh air has become all too difficult.
Causes of Air Pollution
There are two primary phenomena which cause air pollution. One of them is the natural phenomenon which comprises of volcanic eruptions, wildfires, radioactive elements, and volatile organic compounds. The other most important cause is human activity. The latter is more disastrous. Human activities which significantly cause air pollution include:
Industrialization – With the increase in the number of industries, the contamination in the air automatically increases. Fuels and chemicals which are utilized in factories, mills, and industries release harmful chemicals to the air. These are in the form of organic compounds, gases, particulate matter, ash, and other volatile substances.
CFCs – Chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFCs, are another potent reason for air pollution. These chemicals get released from leaky refrigerants, spray tins, burning plastics and various other sources. They deplete the Ozone layer and allow the harmful UV rays to enter our atmosphere. This, in turn, causes serious illnesses. It is also responsible for smog in urban cities. Smog impairs visibility and can lead to accidents.
Greenhouse Effect – Carbon dioxide solely accounts for almost 57 per cent of the air pollution. Greenhouse gases and Carbon dioxide together contribute to global warming. They also cause acid rains which are harmful to plants and man-made objects like ancient monuments.
Automobile Exhausts – Vehicular emissions caused by the burning of fuels are another source of air pollution. Carbon monoxide from automobile exhausts is harmful to the environment. Air pollution increases with the increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
Deforestation – All living beings require oxygen to survive. Green trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. This helps maintain equilibrium in nature. However, cutting down trees to build skyscrapers and factories have led to severe consequences. Deforestation has reduced the oxygen levels, increased greenhouse emissions, and damaged our ecosystem.
The Exploitation of Natural Resources – Population explosion has directly resulted in the exploited natural resource supplies. Petroleum and other fossil fuels used in the automobiles release toxic fumes. Thermal power plants pollute the air by emitting fly ash, Sulphur dioxide, and other volatile compounds. Burning of fossil fuels (like coal) for energy produces greenhouse gases. And the greenhouse gases, in turn, raise the overall temperature of our planet.
Disposal of Wastes – Waste disposal without proper treatment is another factor of air pollution. They release foul smell, spread diseases and degrade our surrounding atmosphere. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes must be identified and discarded separately. Biomedical wastes and E-wastes must be disposed of in an authorized manner.
Agricultural Practices – For better yield, farmers tend to use fertilizers and pesticides. These contain hazardous chemicals like ammonia. The ammonia which gets released is a major pollutant. The soil gets degraded, and the plants get affected. Infected crops ingested by humans and animals can lead to diseases.
Effects of Air Pollution
With the air quality deteriorating, our future is at stake. Increasing air pollution can cause serious health hazards like cancer and cardiovascular issues. Children suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia.
Irritation of nose and throat, asthma attacks, pulmonary diseases are all outcomes of air pollution. Another major effect of air pollution is extreme climate change. Disrupting food chains, extinction of species, depleting ozone layer are some of the grave issues we face today.
Solutions and Prevention of Air Pollution
The air we inhale is degrading every day. If we do not act now, it will be too late. It is our responsibility to keep our environment clean and healthy. The growing numbers of industries have largely affected the air we breathe.
Firstly, industries must be set up further from residential areas. Secondly, industries must utilize proper measures to curb air pollution. The Air Pollution Act forbids power sectors and high-scale industries from releasing particulate matter beyond a certain level.
Chimneys, Electrostatic precipitators, and filters must be implanted to lessen the damage caused by the emissions. People must be made aware of the grave conditions of air pollution. The government has taken a huge step to sensitize people regarding the consequences of air pollution.
We must do our part as well. Using the means of public transport will ensure less number of vehicles. Lesser vehicles mean lesser emission of pollutants. Greenery is essential. Planting more and more trees can help solve this crisis.
Reforestation in mining areas is also an effective step. Conservation of energy is of prime importance. Renewable sources of energy like solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric power, and Natural gas, must be utilized.
We must avoid burning dry leaves at our homes and must indulge in the habit of composting. The implementation of Eco-friendly methods will ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and Biogas are some Eco-friendly substitutes of fuels. Together, we must strive to bring a change. Our efforts matter because they will bring in the much-needed change. After all, everyone wants to live on a healthy planet.
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