Causes and Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution refers to the contamination of air using harmful gases, smoke, and dust. It may also be defined as the release of any substances that may hinder the atmosphere or the wellbeing of the living things in it. It is a rising trend in the world today as technology necessitates the release of more and more gases into the atmosphere (“Causes, Effects and Solutions of Air Pollution – Conserve Energy Future”, n.d.). There have been many campaigns that want to promote the discontinuation of all activities that cause air pollution. This paper intends to analyze the causes and effects of air pollution and determine if there are any activities that can be engaged to stop it(“Air Pollution – Its Nature, Sources, and Effects – Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)”, n.d.).

The first and most prevalent cause of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. Many engines rely on the burning of fuels for power. In the process, greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Another cause of pollution is agricultural activities. Agricultural activities sometimes promote the use of ammonia and other products which if released into the atmosphere become a threat to the environment. The exhausts from companies and industries also cause air pollution. Indoor activities like the use of paints and household cleaning products also causes pollution (“Air Pollution Causes, Facts, and Solutions to Air Pollution | NRDC”, n.d.).

The reason why air pollution is trending in our societies is due to the effects it has on the environment, the people and on other living things. It has many effects ranging from health issues to destruction of the environment (“The Causes, Effects & Solutions for Air Pollution | LIVESTRONG.COM”, n.d.).

The first major effect of air pollution is global warming. Global warming occurs when greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. These gases form a blanket-like covering on the atmosphere preventing the heat that is produced or received on the earth’s surface from escaping. When this happens, the global temperatures start to rise gradually. Global warming is also to blame for the change in climate that has been evidenced in the recent past. When climates change, living things are forced to extinction or to move to other areas with favorable climates (“Environment Canada – Environmental Indicators – Impacts of Air Pollution”, 2012).

Air pollution also participates in the increase in chronic diseases. It has been responsible for many deaths either directly or indirectly. Areas where air pollution is prevalent have been associated with higher rates of cancer, asthma, and heart diseases. Most of these diseases are very troubling to the patients and their rates of recovery are minimal. These diseases also turn out to be too expensive for the common citizen to treat (“Health Effects of Ozone and Particle Pollution: State of the Air 2011 – American Lung Association”, 2013).

Air pollution also causes acid rain. Acid rain is formed when gases which are released to the atmosphere react with rain water. Acid rain causes to metallic structures and roofing and also affects plant growth. Acidic rain is also harmful to aquatic life (“Effects of Air Pollution on humans, plants and animals”, n.d.).

In conclusion, while everyone completely understands the need for those activities that cause air pollution, there is great necessity to invent ways to help the situation. Air pollution is destructive to almost the entire population of living things. If air pollution is not reduced, the future will be especially difficult (Infoplease, 2012).

References

Infoplease, (2012). air pollution: Effects on Health and the Environment. Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/air-pollution-effects-health-environment.html

Air Pollution – Its Nature, Sources, and Effects – Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/airpollution.htm

Air Pollution Causes, Facts, and Solutions to Air Pollution | NRDC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.nrdc.org/air/

The Causes, Effects & Solutions for Air Pollution | LIVESTRONG.COM. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/170951-the-causes-effects-solutions-for-air-pollution/

Causes, Effects and Solutions of Air Pollution – Conserve Energy Future. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php

Effects of Air Pollution on humans, plants and animals. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://eschooltoday.com/pollution/air-pollution/effects-of-air-pollution.html

Environment Canada – Environmental Indicators – Impacts of Air Pollution. (2012, June 18). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.ec.gc.ca/indicateurs-indicators/default.asp?lang=en&n=D189C09D-1

Health Effects of Ozone and Particle Pollution: State of the Air 2011 – American Lung Association. (2013). Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.stateoftheair.org/2011/health-risks/