We understand as air pollution all the presence in the atmosphere of matter, energy and/or substances that can be a nuisance, danger or risk for people and the environment. It can also affect animals and their way of life.
This pollution can affect our lives in many ways. Although it is not always seen, we often see a dense, dark cloud over large cities, which is where it is most concentrated due to the high concentration of human activity.
By now we have all heard about this type of pollution and the serious consequences it can have for our survival. But it is not always clear to us how it arises and what its consequences are. Here is what we have to say:
What are the causes of air pollution?
There are two sources of air pollution. Human activity (which is the main cause of this type of pollution) and natural processes:
Sometimes, natural phenomena are produced that can emit substances or polluting materials from the atmosphere. This is to a lesser extent compared to that produced by human activity, but it also occurs. It is mainly when there is a volcanic eruption, because gases and particles are emitted that affect the gases that are in the atmosphere naturally. It is also when there is an unprovoked fire, with dust storms and pollen and plant spores.
Causes of pollution due to human activity:
Extraction of materials in mines: when materials are extracted in mines, chemical materials and machines that emit polluting gases are used.
Using too many pesticides: in agriculture, pesticides are used to treat food. These end up filtering and altering the soil, and also facilitate the accumulation of contaminating gases in the air.
Massive deforestation: plants and trees clean the air, but because of deforestation there are fewer and fewer plants that can do this function of cleaning the air and reducing air pollution. The amount of oxygen they produce is also reduced.
Burning fuel: any means of transport burns fuel (which is converted into gases) in order to circulate. These gases also accumulate in the atmosphere and are very difficult to remove.
The consequences of pollution in the atmosphere:
The consequences of air pollution are many, because it not only affects locally, but can have global consequences, and this in both the short and long term.
For people: it can lead to various respiratory diseases, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, headache, eye irritation, accelerated skin aging, acne and many others.
For the environment: the polluting clouds that we have mentioned before appear. Climate change occurs. The ozone layer deteriorates and holes appear. The phenomenon called acid rain also appears, which is when there is precipitation mixed with the polluting gases present in the air.
Learn how to reduce air pollution:
We must all take steps to avoid using polluting products or practices.
- One of the first measures we can do is to use public transport and use non-polluting means of transport, such as the bicycle.
- Ask our city council to implement more green areas. So that they help us to clean the air.
- Try to produce as little waste as possible. To do this, the 3 R’s rule is ideal. If we generate less waste, there will be fewer polluting products and we will reduce the pollution that is produced when making these products.
- Use fossil fuels and the different sources of energy we have in a responsible way.