Air pollution occurs when gaseous substances are released into the atmosphere. Industrialization is the major source of air pollution. An alteration in the gaseous composition of the atmosphere is called air pollution. Air pollution is caused by the release of gaseous elements into the atmosphere (Schwartz 7). The gaseous substances contaminate the atmosphere and causes harm to living and nonliving things.
The chemical composition of the atmosphere can be seen below:
The composition table shows that gaseous elements can combine to cause adverse effect on humans and the atmosphere. Gaseous emissions from the atmosphere can cause short and long-term hazards. Air pollutants can be divided into primary and secondary pollutants.
Classification of Air Pollutants
Air pollutants can be classified into two types namely: Primary and secondary pollutants
Primary Pollutants: Gaseous substances released into the atmosphere are called primary pollutants. These substances have direct access to the atmosphere and can cause great danger to human health and the environment. When these gases are released in large quantities they combine to form a harmful product. These substances include compounds of carbon, Nitrogenous compounds, compounds of sulphur, compounds of halogen and solid particles (koop 4).
Secondary Pollutants: Primary pollutants react to form secondary pollutants. The accumulation of gaseous elements produces secondary air pollutants. Secondary pollutants include acidic oxides which are formed from the release of nitrogen oxides.
Characteristics of Air pollutants
- Particles of matter: Pollutants in this category consist of residues from bush burning, construction sites, combustion engines, dust particles, soot or smoke and heavy metals. When this particulate suspensions are inhaled there cause harm to the respiratory system.
- Nitrogen oxides: Oxides of nitrogen are released from heavy-duty engines. Accumulation and deposition of this substance can damage the ozone layer and affect the visibility of the environment.
- Oxides of sulphur: The emission of this substance produces a pungent smell. Oxides of sulphur are released into the atmosphere during gas flaring. Sulphur dioxide cause irritation of the skin and affects the lungs.
- Oxides of carbon: This gas is not visible; it is a colorless gas and has an adverse effect on human health. Oxides of carbon are produced from the combustion engines. High volumes of this substance can cause brain damage and immediate death.
- Depleted Ozone: when gaseous substances are released into the atmosphere, they cause depletion of the ozone layer. Ozone depletion is caused by the emission of primary pollutants into the atmosphere. The ozone becomes depleted and causes damage to the central nervous system.
- Lead particles: The burning of crude oil produces huge deposits of lead. The accumulation of this pollutant in the atmosphere can cause severe damage to the reproductive organs, lungs and the central nervous system.
- Toxic and radioactive pollutants: Toxic pollutants are found in products containing gasoline. Toxic substances increase the mortality rate in children and affect the female reproductive organs. Radioactive pollutants can cause breast cancer and other respiratory diseases (Wai 4).
The table below shows a list of some common pollutants and their sources
Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
Previous literatures indicate that air pollution is a major source of health problems globally (Daly and Zannetti 3). Air pollution has short and long term effect; it affects the climate and human beings. Depletion of the ozone layer is a long-term effect of air pollution. Health workers believe that the rate of gaseous emission has increased geometrically, this account for the health hazards and death of children.
Children are more vulnerable to air pollutants because the accumulated chemical substance would reduce the metabolic rate in the body (Daly and Zannetti 5). Health workers argue that the high rate of infant mortality and abnormalities is caused by the accumulation of gaseous substances in the atmosphere. Children have been diagnosed with lung cancer, a trend that began with industrialization. There are many other ailments associated with air pollution.
The table below summarizes the effects of air pollution on human health.
The table below summarizes the effects of air pollutants on the environment
Effect of Air Pollutants in the Environment
Finally, air pollution must be controlled in order to guarantee a safe environment. Burning of fuels must be controlled and proper care must be taken to ensure proper management of these air pollutants.
Works Cited
Daly, Arter and Zannetti Paker 2007, Introduction to Air Pollution. PDF file. Web.
Koop, Gary 2002, Measuring the Health Cost of Air Pollution. PDF file. Web.
Schwartz, Joel 2006, The Health Effects of Air Pollution. Web.
Wai, Wong 2008, Air Pollution and Health Studies in China: A Literature Review. Web.