What are the top 10 causes of Pollution?

Given below are the top 10 causes of pollution –

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels – such as coal, oil, gasoline to produce energy for electricity or transportation
2. Automobiles – gases emitted from vehicles
3. Agricultural Activities – the insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers emit harmful chemicals. Burning stubble and farm residue also contribute to pollution.
4. Factories and Industries – emits carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals.
5. Mining Activities – dust and chemicals are released while extracting minerals from the earth
6. Domestic Sources – household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals
7. Construction and Demolition – raw materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze and foul air
8. Open burning of Garbage waste
9. Microbial Decaying process – Decaying of the microorganisms present in the surrounding releases methane gas which is highly toxic.
10. Volcanic eruptions- volcanoes release enough sulfur dioxide into the air and influence global cooling.

Further Readings – 

1. Air Pollutants
2. National Clean Air Programme – NCAP
3. Pollution measurement – Air Quality Index (AQI)