Air Pollution

Air Pollution (by: Priscilla Velez)

As we continue on in industrialization, the phrase “a breath of fresh air” may no longer be used, as industrialization introduces hazardous pollutants into the air. Due to the introduction of such pollutants into our air, the environment, along with human and wildlife health, becomes negatively affected.

DEF: The presence of or introduction of substance into the air that has harmful or poisonous effects on the environment or on the life of organisms

Sources of Air Pollution:

The sources of air pollution can be broken down into 4 categories...

1. Mobile: Emission sources that are capable of moving. There are two types:
   “On Road”- cars, trucks, and buses

           “Off-Road”- lawn and farm equipment, boats, planes, and trains

2. Stationary: Sources that remains in one spot. Includes power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories
3. Agricultural: Sources dealing with the raising of crops and animals, such as farms, livestock, and fertilizers
4. Natural: dust storms, wildfires, and volcanoes

*Though all of the sources mentioned above are contributors of air pollution, it’s important to realize that mobile, stationary, and agricultural sources, those that are man-made, are the greatest contributors.

Here are some examples of how these sources can lead to air pollution:

• Automobiles: cause air pollution during operation, refueling, manufacturing, and disposal. Such chemicals that are released include nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases.
• Factories: the chemicals released as a result of factory activities include greenhouse gases and ozone.
• Fossil Fuel Burning: the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and petroleum releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide.
• Agricultural Activities: if pesticides and fertilizers are misused, their chemicals can be released into the atmosphere. Manure from animals releases ammonia.

Here is a chart concerning some of the types of pollutants: (NOTE: These are the most common)

 

Pollutant:	Sources:	Environmental Effects:	Health Effects:
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX)	-Industrial processes -Fossil fuel burning	-Acidification -Nutrient Enrichment (eutrophication) -Biodiversity loss	-Airway inflammation -Lung irritation -Bronchitis
Carbon Monoxide (CO)	-Combustion processes -Fossil fuel burning -Automobiles	- Contributor in the formation of CO2 and ozone	-Reduces oxygen delivery to organs and tissues -Chest pain -Worsens heart disease -Visual impairment
Oxides of Sulfur (SOx)	-Automobiles -Industrial processes	-Acidification of water and soil -Vegetation injury	-Wheezing and shortness of breath -Worsens asthma -Chest tightness
Lead (Pb)	-Automobiles -Industrial processes	-Harms plants and wildlife -Accumulates in soil	-Damages developing nervous system -IQ loss -Affects memory, learning, and behavior in children -Cardiovascular effects
Ammonia (NH3)	-Agricultural operations	-Eutrophication of surface water -Nitrate contamination of groundwater -Smog formation -Soil acidification	-Burning of throat and respiratory tract -Skin and eye irritation
Ozone (O3)	Formed by the reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides in the presence of heat and sunlight	-Damages vegetations and reduces photosynthesis -Loss of biodiversity -Warms atmosphere (is a greenhouse gas)	-Decreased lung function -Coughing and shortness of breath -Aggravates lung diseases

Environmental Effects of Air Pollution:

1. Global Warming: Air pollution causes global warming because large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, trap extra heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, which increases the Earth’s temperature. Air pollution also plays a role in climate change, which includes rising sea levels, severe weather events, increased ocean acidity, and more.
2. Acid Rain: When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine with water and oxygen, the end result is the formation of acid rain. Acid rain kills trees and harms wildlife. Acid rain also acidifies bodies of water and soil, making it difficult for wildlife to survive.
3. Eutrophication: As a result of air pollution, rainwater may contain nitrogen and phosphorus. When it rains, nitrogen and phosphorus are deposited into bodies of water. In appropriate amounts, these elements are essential to life, as they allow organisms to support their biological processes. But, when nitrogen and phosphorus are present in excessive amounts, eutrophication occurs, which has a reverse effect on the life of animals. Eutrophication causes an accelerated growth of marine plants and algae. Due to their accelerated growth, plants and algae take in large amounts of oxygen to support cellular respiration, leaving little oxygen left. Bodies of water become hypoxic, meaning that oxygen amounts are low. As a result, marine animals begin to die.
4. Affects Wildlife: Exposure to air pollutants can lead to birth defects, reproductive failure, and disease.
5. Ozone Depletion: Ozone in the stratosphere forms a protective layer that protects life on Earth from the bombarding of UV radiation. Pollutants may deplete the ozone layer, consequently increasing the amount of UV radiation to reach the Earth. Overexposure to UV radiation leads to impaired immune systems and skin cancer. UV radiation also decreases crop production.