Air Pollution: Back to Basics

Patricia

Air pollution is the emission of different types of pollutants into the atmosphere. These particles are harmful for human health and the health of all the creatures on this planet. Let’s find out more about the subject.

Causes of Air Pollution

Typically, common resources of pollution include industries that use coal for energy generation. The burning of fossil fuels emits a large amount of chemicals and gases into the environment. The two most common types of these gases are methane and carbon dioxide. Another common type of these gases is called smog. This type of gas accumulates in the air when the UV radiation comes into contact with warmer air.

Effects

Although we have made considerable progress during the past 4 decades, climate change may create more difficulties down the road as far as controlling pollution is concerned.

Smog

Smog is the biggest type of air pollution. Actually, it’s a mixture of smoke and other pollutants in the environment. Typically, smog is formed when the smoke from the burning of fossil fuels comes into contact with sunlight.

Smog can cause severe irritation to your throat and eyes in addition to damage your lungs. People who work outside are more prone to the damaging effects of smog. Plus, the sufferers of asthma and allergies also suffer from intense symptoms and asthma attacks.

Air pollutants

These pollutants may cause severe health risks. Some of the common pollutants include benzene, dioxins, lead and mercury, to name a few. Typically, these are emitted when you burn coal or gas in an industry. Aside from this, it is formed when you burn gasoline as gasoline contains benzene. According to experts, benzene can cause lung, skin and eye irritation due to the short-term exposure. On the other hand, it can cause blood disorders due to prolonged exposure.

Greenhouse gases

The atmosphere around the earth traps heat, which forms greenhouse gases. As a result, you face warmer temperatures and climate change. According to a research study, carbon dioxide makes up at least 80% of the total greenhouse gas release. Plus, at least 11% consists of methane.

Mold and pollen

The air also carries a lot of grass, weeds and trees. They are a byproduct of the climate change and may cause severe health risks. Although they are government-regulated, they are part of air pollution. Mold grows when a building suffers water damage and produces airborne pollutants that are quite allergenic. Long-term exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

How can you Reduce Air Pollution?

First of all, the burning of gasoline produces a huge amount of pollution, which causes climate change. So, it’s better to walk or ride a bike rather than drive. If you really want to drive, you may want to use an electric car. This is just one way of reducing air pollution.

Long story short, this is just an introduction to air pollution. If you want to reduce air pollution in your house, we suggest that you get a good quality air purifier.

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