Question

What are the two activities which are majorly responsible for air pollution?

Answer 1

Air pollution: The presence of substances in an increased concentration when released into the environment causes harm to human beings and their environment.

Pollutants: These are the toxic materials that are responsible for causing air pollution. They lead to various climatic problems, a decrease in air quality, respiratory problems, visibility, as well as an overall decline in the health of both plants and animals. These could be:

1. Harmful gases like the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen
2. Suspended particulate matter
3. Ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons
4. Unburnt hydrocarbons
5. Smog

Activities that are majorly responsible for air pollution:

1. Burning of fossil fuels: The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas releases sulfur dioxide in the environment and is a major cause of air pollution.
2. Chemicals released from the industries: The manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide depleting the quality of air.