Types of Air Pollution

The problem of air pollution is a major concern in the 21st century and has resulted in degradation of the overall quality of life. Industrial revolution lead to the development of many sources which contribute greatly towards air pollution. Any substance/material that alters the natural composition of air in a negative manner can be termed as air pollutant. In an increasingly mechanized and industrialized world, rise in air pollution is bound to happen. The different causes of air pollution should be identified and measures taken to minimize it.

Different Types of Air Pollution

The industries and various modes of transportation continuously stay in operation. This results into the generation of pollutants in a far greater degree than other sources. The industrial, vehicular and dwelling-related pollution are 3 types of air pollution that are considered to be important.

Industrial Air Pollution
There are many factors which contribute to industrial pollution. The different industries which play an important part towards increasing the levels of air pollution are petroleum, cement, steel, thermal power plants, paper factories, atomic, pharmaceutical, sugar, other foods and pesticides.

Transportation and Air Pollution
The air pollutants viz., hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides together with moisture present in air create smog. A hot and humid weather condition increases the chances of smog development. This problem resulting from vehicular emissions occurs in big cities. The emissions of vehicles also contain many poisonous gases that are harmful for health.

Pollution Resulting from Dwelling
The pollution resulting from dwelling are those caused by aerosols and other such chemicals. High density of population is also one of the causes of this type of air pollution.

Air Pollution Caused by Accidents
The causes of air pollution resulting from accidents are varied. Accidents could be anything like forest fires, blasts that occur in industries, etc. The accidents caused to vehicles which transport petroleum products also result into air pollution.

Types of Air Pollutants

The types of air pollution can also be determined on the basis of agents which pollute the air. Different air pollutants are discussed below.

Carbon Monoxide: The inhalation of carbon monoxide can be life-threatening. This is because the amount of oxygen that is being delivered to the tissues and organs of body gets reduced due to carbon monoxide. Other effects of air pollution resulting from carbon monoxide are dizziness and headaches.

Nitrogen Oxide: The percentage of nitrogen oxide pollution which results from vehicles is 34%. Out of the 34%, heavy diesel vehicles produce 42% nitrogen oxide, while the light vehicles including cars account for 52%. The remaining amount is contributed by other vehicles.

Hydrocarbons: Vehicles account for 29% hydrocarbon production. The hydrocarbons are responsible for health problems associated with respiratory tract. Lung tissues also get damaged by the inhalation of hydrocarbons.

Particle Matter: Transportation and industries are both responsible for production of particle matter. The majority of portion is however, contributed by industries. Particles (pollutants) in solid and liquid state together create a condition called haze.

Information presented above, takes into account the mode/action which results into air pollution. Causes/pollutants responsible for air pollution must have also helped you understand its harmful effects.So get going and protect the environment to live a healthy life and maintain the same for future generations.