PART-1

WHAT IS AN AIR POLLUTION?

Air pollution is contamination (Either indoor or Outdoor) of the atmosphere due to the release of harmful chemical, physical or biological substances (pollutants) in the air, which can cause a significant risk to the health of humans and other living beings and hazardous to the ecosystem, climate on the planet.

HOW IS THE AIR POLLUTION SEVERITY MEASURED?

The Air Quality Index is a tool used to measure Air Pollution's severity (AQI). The Air Quality Index categorises the quality of air based on the concentration of pollutants present in that air. The common pollutants monitored in AQI in India are:

1. Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)

2. Particulate matter (PM 10)

3. Nitrogen Dioxide

4. Sulpher Dioxide

5. Carbon Monoxide

6. Ground level Ozone

7. Ammonia

8. Lead

The Air Quality Index (AQI) categorises the quality of air or the severity of Air pollution into six categories:

1. Good (AQI- 0 to 50) - Minimal Health impact

2. Satisfactory (AQI- 51 to 100)- Can cause minor breathing problems in sensitive individuals.

3. Moderate (AQI- 101 to 200)-Breathing discomfort in people with respiratory tract illness, heart diseases, children and older adults

4. Poor (AQI- 201to 300)- Discomfort to even healthy people with prolonged exposure

5. Very Poor (AQI- 301 to 400)- Development of respiratory illness after prolonged exposure in healthy adults.

6. Severe (AQI- 401 to 500)- Discomfort even during light physical activity in healthy individuals.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION?

With each passing day, breathing fresh, clean air is becoming difficult and almost impossible due to the increased amount and concentration of pollutants. The air pollution-related illness, the largest environmental Killer, kills over 17 billion people worldwide.

The pollutants in the air are not visible to our naked eyes; thus, it is very difficult to realise the increasing levels of these pollutants until they become a serious issue. Understanding common sources of air pollution is the only way to reduce its severity.

 

THE COMMON CAUSES/SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION ARE:

 

1. Industrial Emissions – Toxic Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate matter released from the factories contaminate the air.

2. Vehicle Exhaust – Fuel (Petrol/Diesel) combustion exhaust from Cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc., releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, and hydrocarbons into the air. It results in air pollution.

3. Burning of Fossil Fuels – Harmful chemicals/pollutants generated during the combustion of Coal, oil, and gas for energy production contribute significantly to air pollution.

4. Agricultural Activities – Use of Fertilisers, pesticides, and the methane emissions associated with livestock degrades air quality.

5. Deforestation – Trees absorb carbon dioxide present in the air. Deforestation leads to a rise in carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of air pollution.

6. Household Pollution – Solid fuels used for cooking and heating in the household release smoke indoors and outdoors, harming our health.

7. Natural Disasters – Natural disasters like Wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms can significantly damage the air quality. They can be a major cause of the air pollution.

8. Burning of Crop Residue and garbage waste in the open: It generates pollutants/harmful gases that can rapidly damage the quality of air and can cause significant air pollution.

9. Construction and Demolition- This causes the release of a significant amount of particulate matter and dust in the air, which contributes to worsening air quality.

 

STATUS OF AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA.

The Problem and severity of air pollution in India is Significantly high. The quality of air or AQI in many Indian cities is very poor or severe. Currently, many Indian cities hold a higher rank as the most polluted cities in the world, with high levels of PM2.5 contributing to major health concerns. Almost the entire Indian population lives in areas that exceed WHO air quality guidelines. Significantly high air pollution in India has increased the risk of Health problems like respiratory illnesses and skin diseases and reduced life expectancy.

 

WHAT ARE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION?

Air pollution has several harmful effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Here are some of the major consequences:

1. Health Effects

• Respiratory Illness – Pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO₂), and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) increase the risk of or worsen the preexisting respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases.

• Cardiovascular Diseases – Long-term exposure to air pollutants can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure.

• Cancer – Airborne carcinogens like benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in polluted air can increase lung cancer risk.

• Neurological Disorders – Pollutants like lead and fine particles may cause cognitive (Intellectual activity) decline, Alzheimer's disease in adults and developmental disorders in children.

• Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation – Prolonged exposure to Smog and other pollutants can develop burning sensations in the eyes, nose and or throat, allergies, and sinus infections.

• Reduced Immunity – Prolonged Exposure to airborne pollutants/chemicals can weaken our immune system, making us more prone to infections.

• Birth Defects & Pregnancy Complications – Air pollution can lead to increased incidences of premature births, low birth weight, and developmental issues in infants.
  
  

2. Environmental Effects

• Global Warming & Climate Change – Due to excess pollution, Greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, etc.) trap heat in the atmosphere, increasing the atmospheric temperature (Global warming).

• Acid Rain –Excess Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide in the air can sometimes increase the risk of acid rain, which damages soil, water bodies, and buildings.

• Ozone Layer Depletion – Pollutants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer, which increases the risk of exposure to excess Ultraviolet radiation.

• Harm to Wildlife – Toxic air pollutants can also harm animals, reduce biodiversity and disrupt the ecosystem.

• Soil & Water Pollution – Airborne pollutants, when settled into soil and water can cause damage to agriculture and aquatic life.
  

3. ECONOMIC EFFECTS

• Healthcare Costs – Increased diseases lead to higher medical expenses for individuals and governments.

• Loss of Productivity – Illnesses caused by pollution reduce work efficiency and increase absenteeism.

• Damage to Infrastructure – Acid rain and pollutants corrode buildings, monuments, and vehicles.

• Agricultural Losses – Polluted air affects crop yield and soil fertility, leading to food shortages and economic losses.
  
  

4. Psychological & Social Effects

• Mental Health Issues – Chronic exposure to pollutants can increase the risk of suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Reduced Quality of Life – Poor air quality limits our outdoor activities, reduces life expectancy, and overall reduces the quality of life

 

 

 

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution

2. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know

3. https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1

4. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=110654

5. https://safar.tropmet.res.in/AQI-47-12-Details

6. https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

7. https://www.aqi.in/blog/en-in/10-main-causes-of-air-pollution/

8. https://www.nrdc.org/bio/vijay-limaye/indias-air-pollution-challenge-spans-rural-and-urban-areas#:~:text=Air Pollution Knows No Boundaries&text=Last year's annual PM2.5,of 5 µg/m3:

9. https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/listingpage/air-pollution-india-status-and-challenges#:~:text=In a study that appeared,is attributable to air pollution.