Air Pollution and Its Effects

Post date: Oct 24, 2017 11:58:53 PM

What is it?

Air pollution, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is "the presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects". In simpler terms, air pollution is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases. These gases mainly comprise of oxides of substances such as carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. Some examples of air pollution include:

* Exhaust fumes from vehicles

* The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)

* Radiation spills/Nuclear accidents

* Harmful off-gasing from things like paint and plastic production

So what?

Air pollution is the cause of cancers and health problems. Of some are:

* Lung cancer

* Severe asthma (from bacteria)

* Burning of eyes and nose

* Birth defects

* Nerve damage

How can I help?

Although they may seem insignificant, any small step you make towards the prevention of air pollution can help a lot. For instance, instead of driving to a close destination, try walking or biking there. If it is far away, you can carpool with friends. Generators and washing machines are also known to pollute the air, so hand-washing your laundry and using electric generators will help.