Air pollution includes the release of chemicals and particles into the atmosphere. We also talk about air pollution. Some of the gases we classify as pollutants include nitrogen oxides, CFCs, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The letters CFC stand for chlorofluorocarbons.
When nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react with sunlight, they produce ozone and smog. The Environmental Pollution Center defines air pollution as:
“The presence of toxic chemicals or compounds (including those of biological origin) in the air, at levels hazardous to health.”
“In a broader sense, air pollution means the presence of chemicals or compounds in the air that are not normally present and that reduce air quality or cause harmful changes to quality of life ( such as damaging the ozone layer or causing global warming).
Air pollution is a type of pollution
Pollution refers to the presence of harmful or toxic substances in the environment. Toxic means poison. Substances that we call “contaminants” can be harmful to human health. May also be harmful to other animals and plants.
Pollution occurs when a harmful particle enters the environment faster than its dispersal rate.
The three main types are water, air and land pollution. Water pollution refers to the pollution of, for example, oceans, groundwater, aquifers, lakes and rivers.
Air pollution and weather
According to the British Lung Foundation, air pollution levels can change depending on the weather and time of year.
For example, in the summer, on a windless day, it is harder for air pollutants to disperse. As a result, the concentration of hazardous particles or substances tends to increase significantly. During foggy winter days, air quality can deteriorate for the same reason.
Air pollution – the result of human activity
In most cases, the air pollutants are caused by humans. In other words, they come from human activity. Some air pollutants can be natural. For example, volcanoes release natural pollutants into the atmosphere when they erupt. Human activities such as construction, transportation, industrial production and mining significantly pollute our atmosphere. Agriculture is also responsible for a number of air pollutants.
Man-made pollutants, unlike natural pollutants, do not come and go. In fact, emissions from human activity tend to get worse and worse.
Air pollution – human health
Air pollution harms us all; Some more than others. People who live in big cities often experience irritation in the airways. Some people may also experience a cough, runny nose, and itchy eyes when the air quality is particularly poor.
However, for the elderly, infants, young children and people with asthma, air pollution can be deadly. People with chronic lung disease should stay indoors when air pollution levels are high.
Some studies have linked air pollution to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
According to the World Health Organization:
“Ambient air pollution (outdoor air pollution) is a major cause of death and disease globally. Health effects range from increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits to an increased risk of early death.
“An estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide are linked to ambient air pollution, mainly from heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and sugar infections. Acute respiratory failure in children.
Cause of death
The World Health Organization says that globally, air pollution accounts for:
- 43% of all deaths and illnesses due to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- 25% of all deaths and morbidity due to ischemic heart disease. Ischemic heart disease refers to heart problems caused by narrowing of the heart’s arteries.
- 24% of all stroke deaths.
- 17% of all deaths are due to acute lower respiratory tract infections.
- 29% of all deaths and illnesses from lung cancer.
Air pollution – labor productivity
A recent study found that severe air pollution can reduce worker productivity. Researchers from the National University of Singapore spent more than a year collecting and analyzing data from several Chinese factories. They also interviewed plant managers.
Liu Haoming, associate professor in the Department of Economics, said:
“We found that an increase in PM2.5, adding 10 micrograms per cubic meter over 25 days, would reduce daily production by 1%, harming businesses and workers. The effects are subtle but very significant.
“High levels of particles are visible and can affect an individual’s health in many ways. As well as entering through the lungs and into the bloodstream, there can also be psychological factors.
“Working in a heavily polluted environment for long periods of time can affect your mood or work attitude.”
