Question

Describe the sources and harmful effects of air pollution ?

Answer 1

Air pollution: Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically. Sources of air pollution are

1. Man-made (Artificial) sources -

1. Industrial exhaust
2. Automobile exhaust
3. burning of coal and wood for domestic and industrial purposes
4. Aeroplane exhaust
5. Exhaust from launching rockets etc.

2. Natural sources -

1. Volcanic activity
2. Forest fires
3. Methane, discharged by the breakdown of food by animals, etc.

Effects of Air pollution

1. Diseases: Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few decades.
2. Global Warming: Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air. This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s temperature is known as global warming.
3. Acid Rain: The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which damages human, animal and plant life.
4. Ozone Layer Depletion: The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.