Question

What form of pollution do you consider to be the most damaging impact that humans have on the environment? As good stewards, what specifically can we do to minimize the impact of this form of pollution?

Answer 1

Air pollution created due to the actions of humans can be considered to have the most damaging impact on the environment.

AIR POLLUTION

                                       Air pollution can be defined as the introduction and presence of unwanted chemicals, particulate matter or biological materials that cause harm or difficulties to humans & other living organisms, or results in damage to the natural environment or built environment ; into the atmosphere.

TYPES OF AIR POLLUTION

There are several types of air pollution including mainly Indoor Air Pollution as well as Out Door Air Pollution. These include smog, acid rain, the greenhouse effect and hole in the ozone layer.

One type of air pollution is the release of particles into the air and another type of pollution is the release of poisonous gases.

OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Smog is a kind of large scale outdoor pollution & caused by chemical reactions between pollutants derived from different sources.

ACID RAIN

It is caused when a pollutant combines with droplets of water in the air. The impact of acid rain on the environment is very much hazardous.

EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN

Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams.

It results in the damage of trees as well as many sensitive forest soils.

It accelerates the decaying of building materials and paints including irreplaceable buildings (E.g.. – Taj Mahal), statues and sculptures that are part of our nation's cultural heritage.

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

• It generally comes from the deposition or building up of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide is produced when fuels are burnt.

• In this type of pollution sun rays go to the atmosphere and they are trapped by greenhouse gases. So the temperature on the earth rises.

Hole in the ozone layer

It is another result of air pollution. Chemicals released by our activities affect the stratosphere. Release of CFC from heating, aerosol cans, and refrigerator equipment remove some of the ozone, causing “HOLES”.

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

It is more dangerous than outdoor pollution because we do everything in enclosed environments where air circulation may be restricted.

SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

- TOBACCO SMOKE

- COOKING AND HEATING APPLIANCES

– VAPORS FROM BUILDING MATERIALS

CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION

The dust raised on the ground during dust storms.

• Stone dust raised by crushing of stones in quarries.
• Smoke emitted by vehicles.
• Smoke from forest fires.
• Smoke raised by burning of coal in powerhouses.
• Burning of wood, cow dung cakes, garbage etc.
• Germs from coughing and sneezing.

HEALTH EFFECTS

• Some individuals are much more sensitive to pollutants compared to others.
• Air pollution affects our health in many ways resulting in both short term & long term effects.
• Different chemicals in the air affect the human body in negative ways.
• Older people are generally more vulnerable to diseases caused by air pollution.
• People with heart or lung disorders are under additional risk.
• Children and infants also come under the highly sensitive group.
• Air pollutants including ozone, oxides of sulphur and nitrogen also have harmful effects on natural ecosystems. They have the capacity to cause damage to plants and trees by destroying their leaves and also affect animals, especially fish in highly polluted rivers.

METHODS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION.

• Car Pooling: one of the modern ways that adopt the idea of sharing. People having a common work place or destination shares cabs or cars. Thus forming & implementing a carpool will decrease the number of cars thereby preventing air pollution by cutting down the use of fossil fuels. This way it also helps in the sustainable use of fossil fuels and its conservation for future generations.
• Vehicle Care: Servicing the car on time helps to keep it in a good condition and also helps in minimizing fuel exhaust. Driving the car at an average speed & turning off in traffic are the major rules to be considered for saving fuel. Use unleaded petrol if possible & have regular pollution checking routine of the car.
• Public Transport: Whenever possible try to utilize public transports. This helps in 2 ways; prevents air pollution and also increases public income. If we are going to a nearby place go by walking or use a bicycle instead of using the vehicle. By adopting these ways we can minimize the use of fuels as far as possible.
• Alternative Energy Sources: Another appropriate way to prevent air pollution is by using alternative energy sources like solar energy, hydroelectric energy & wind energy. We have sophisticated technologies now like wind turbine; solar water heaters are introduced to generate electricity and other energy forms for household uses.
• Saving Energy: This method will of course helps in preventing air pollution. Switch off the lights, fans, air conditioners, televisions and other house hold appliances when not in use. Also share a room with others if possible when the air conditioner or fan is on, instead of switching them on in every room.
• Minimize Air Pollution: Try to minimize smoke emission as much as possible as it contributes a lot to air pollution. One method is to compost dried leaves and kitchen waste instead of burning them. Composting will also give you organic fertilizer for your garden. Other tips include replacing old wood stoves or gas furnaces, avoiding solvents, and most importantly, do not smoke in the home.
• Recyclable Materials: Recycling is a very simple approach to reduce pollution in two ways; by saving energy which is required for disposing of & minimize the pollutants released during manufacturing. The list of recyclable materials includes plastic bottles, aluminium cans and utensils, paper, craft papers, cardboard and glass bottles.
• Smart Purchasing: Remember to carry paper bags & minimize or avoid using plastic bags. While buying products always choose air friendly & recyclable products that minimizes the emission of pollutants. Also shop for only energy-efficient appliances that uses less packaging.