Atmospheric pollution

Atmospheric pollution Executive Summary Harmful gases, liquids or solids may be present in the atmosphere causing air pollution. There are however different types of pollutants of air. This paper discusses atmospheric air pollution and the resultant ecological problem, factors that lead to or that are affected by air pollution, in this regard, living and non living factors, the subsequent human impacts, considering positive and negative impacts, the current approaches taken for sustainability purposes, how such strategies may be achieved or attained, and the role of the government, society and international bodies. Introduction Air pollution is the availability of harmful substances in the atmosphere in gaseous, liquid, or solid form. Air pollution can be caused by various pollutants including: Particulate matter: this consists of aerosols in liquids, solids or gases suspended in the atmosphere due to burning of coal in industrial processes. The presence of aerosols in the air hastens the corroding and erosion of metals and building materials respectively. Inhalation of air containing particulate matter can interfere with the respiratory system of humans. This can result in cancer, asthma, bronchitis or other diseases (EPA, 2008). Sulphur oxides: these usually arise from the burning of coal and fumes from industrial processes. Due to the acid nature of the oxides, materials, human respiratory system and the vegetation end up being damaged (EPA, 2008). Carbon monoxide: this is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that humans have no protection against. Blood that is infiltrated with carbon monoxide carries less oxygen to other body parts. This can cause many health complications (EPA, 2008). Hydrocarbons: these are chemical compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen as the only elements. Just like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons are also emitted by motor vehicles and emissions from industries. They result when there is partial burning of engine fuel. Under sunlight, hydro carbons form ground level ozone which is manifested in smog. Besides that, ground level ozone can irritate the eyes, damage the lungs, and cause multiple respiratory problems (EPA, 2008). Nitrogen oxides: this usually results from high temperature combustions in motor vehicles and power plants. These oxides contribute raise the acidity in the air raising precipitation and smog production. Nitrogen oxides are dangerous to humans because they cause serious illness and deaths even though the exposure to nitrogen oxides may be short (EPA, 2008). Carbon dioxide: this is a gas that is described as natural in the atmosphere. It is produced by burning substances. It is vital for living organisms. There are other air pollutants that include the following: radioactive pollutants, ammonia, chlorofluorocarbons, toxic metals (like lead, copper and cadmium) and radioactive elements. All these pose a danger to the human health (EPA, 2008). Problem Description The presence of any pollutants in the air causes air pollution. Thus, the presence of all contaminants and toxins in the atmosphere forms atmospheric pollution which is also an ecological problem. Living organisms and the entire ecosystem suffer from health and ecological problems caused by atmospheric pollution. An average person inhales 20,000 litres of air per day. By breathing, we risk taking in dangerous substances or chemicals found in the air. Air is found anywhere and everywhere. Therefore, air pollution can be found in both indoors and outdoors. Pollution of the air can cause many diseases that include; cancer, tuberculosis, emphysema, among many others. The depletion of the ozone layer causes global warming which in turn results into the melting of the icecaps in Polar Regions hence the rising of the sea levels. The air was fairly clean until the industrial revolution. With the industrial revolution, many substances stated being burnt increasing the number of pollutants in the air. The rate of air pollutio n has been on the increase since then to date resulting in the growth of the hole in ozone layer above the Antarctica. This explains why the world leaders from the G 20 are worried and calling for frequent meetings concerning the global warming (Kurylo, 2010).