Air Pollution or Air Pollution is the result of the release of large quantities of gases or liquid and solid particles into the atmosphere, which cause environmental impact and human health problems.
Among the polluting substances we have industrial dust, aerosols, black smoke, solvents, acids and hydrocarbons.
In several countries, the level of air pollution is above that considered acceptable by WHO (World Health Organization).
Although China is often remembered as one of those countries, many efforts are being made to reverse this serious situation.
In the list of countries that release the largest amount of carbon dioxide, Brazil appears in the first places.
Causes
Air pollution can be caused by natural sources or by human activities.
Natural sources
Some natural processes are responsible for the release of polluting gases into the atmosphere :
Human activities
Human or anthropogenic activities also release a large amount of toxic and polluting gases:
- Industrialization
- Burns
- Vehicles and burning fossil fuels
- Mining
- Use of aerosols
- Electricity production
Main Pollutants
Among the main pollutants that cause the imbalance in atmospheric air are:
- Carbon monoxide : Product resulting from incomplete burning of fuels.
- Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides : products of combustion of sulfur present in fossil fuels.
- Carbon dioxide : Product resulting from the burning of any organic matter. It is found naturally in the atmosphere, but when released in large quantities, it causes imbalances, including the greenhouse effect.
- Lead : Product used in gasoline to increase its octane rating. In Brazil, lead was replaced by anhydrous ethyl alcohol, as an additive to gasoline for the same purpose.
- Ozone : Ozone gas has different functions depending on where it is found. When it is in the troposphere, it causes pollution and acid rain, being harmful to plants and human health.
- Chlorofluorocarbons : These gases are responsible for destroying the ozone layer.
- Particulate matter : Result of burning fossil fuels, such as soot. These materials are extremely polluting.
Consequences
The consequences of air pollution compromise the quality of the environment and people’s health.
Environmental problems
Air pollution can affect cultural heritage as a result of acid rain . They gradually erode the monuments.
Another effect is under the ozone layer . Naturally, this layer protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation to living beings.
However, polluting gases form holes in the ozone layer and prevent the sun’s rays from being partly absorbed.
In addition, the increase in polluting gases in the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect and gives rise to global warming .
Diseases
In addition to environmental problems , air pollution also causes health problems.
Air pollution is one of the most serious problems in cities. Pollutants cause irritation in people’s eyes and throats, especially in large cities and megacities.
As a result, its effects on humans are numerous and serious.
In the breathing process, the binding of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin reduces oxygenation of the brain and cells.
In small concentrations it can cause headaches, vertigo, sensory disturbances, among other problems. In high doses, it can lead to death by asphyxiation.
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause or worsen respiratory problems, such as: asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and pulmonary edema.
Lead causes nerve disorders, especially in children. In addition to anemia, it hampers the synthesis of hemoglobin in the blood.
Discover other types of pollution :
- Pollution
- Types of pollution
- Water pollution
- Thermal pollution
- Ground pollution
- Visual pollution
- Noise pollution
- Radioactive pollution
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