Question

Name and briefly explain four ways by which pollution of air is caused by humans.

Answer 1

Part 1: Air pollution :

• Air pollution is defined as when the concentration of hazardous or unwanted compounds in the air is such that it interferes with human health or is harmful to plants or animals as a result of man's or nature's activity.

Part 2: Four ways by which pollution of air is caused by humans :

• Thermal power plants: Thermal power plants consume a considerable amount of coal to generate energy. These plants emit massive volumes of smoke and ash into the atmosphere, which can be noticed up to 20 kilometers away from the power plant.
• Vehicle Pollution: Vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel emit a lot of smoke and Carbon monoxide. Vehicle pollution is a major issue in major cities like Delhi, and Mumbai. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter are all emitted by automobiles.
• 'Chulhas' or stoves: Smoke, ash, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide are all produced when wood, coal, or kerosene oil are burned in improperly designed 'chulhas' or stoves.
• Burning of garbage or plastic bags: When garbage is burned especially plastic bags, causes a lot of air pollution.