Air pollution: causes and effects

Air pollution: causes and effects

There is no doubt that air which is an invisible mixture of gases is essential to all lives on Earth. In other words, without air, life does not exist. Air, nonetheless, has been remarkably being polluted, being one of the most crucial environmental issues in the modern world. According to “State Of Global Air 2018” report, air pollution contributed to 6.1 million deaths all over the world in 2016 (State Of Global Air 2018 14). Hence, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the causes and primary effects of air pollution and to suggest some solutions to this serious problem.

Clearly, Earth’s atmosphere is mainly made up of Nitrogen and Oxygen, with the percentage in the total component of air is 78% and 21% respectively, and the remaining is the other gases such as Argon, Carbon Dioxide, and the like (Helmenstine). However, by some reasons, the number of certain gases and particles in the air reach at such levels that cause harm to humans, aminals, and plants, leading to air pollution (National Geographic). The primary pollutants that are emitted directly into the air are Carbon Monoxide , Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Particulate matter (PM), and Ammonia (NH3) (Scottish Environment Protection Agency).

These dangerous chemicals and particles are caused by not only natural factors but also human activities. Unexpectedly, nature movements occasionally influence on the air that is a natural element, two most noticeable of which will be further discussed. Firstly, wildfires which occur in wooden areas because of season changes and precipitation shortage create smoke and Carbon Monoxide, contributing to carbon levels in the atmosphere (Williams). Secondly, air could be polluted due to terrific amounts of Sulfuric, Chlorine, and ash products, which are released into the atmosphere by volcanic eruptions. Nevertheless, nature events occupied a small proportion of air pollution creation while the key reasons for this alarming issue are man-made. One of the most fundamental movements resulting in the unfresh air is agriculture and animal management. In fact, CO2 emissions from crop and livestock production increased from 4.7 billion tonnes in 2001 to over 5.3 billion tonnes in 2011 (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Moreover, NH3 is a very common product from agriculture activities and is one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere (Conserve Energy Future). More importantly, burning fossil fuels is substantially responsible for this issue. Obviously, fossil fuels play an important role in our daily lives, from simple activities, such as cooking, heating, vehicles, to industry sector including factories, power plants, and the like. Because of that expansive consumption, burning fossil fuels provide a wide range of CO2, the figure of which of total United States CO2 emissions is about 94% (U.S. Energy Information Administration).

Completely, these causes have negative impacts on humans, the environment, and economy. The first effect, which is considered as the most serious one, is making human health worse. High air pollution can cause immediate health problems including cardiovascular aggravation, stress addition to heart and lungs, and damaging cells in the respiratory system (Spare The Air). World Health Organization estimates that the yearly average number of deaths as a result of lungs diseases and cancer and heart diseases is 1.8 million and 2.4 million respectively (World Health Organization). The next influence is on nature. Air pollution can lead to various environmental consequences such as acid rain, eutrophication, ozone depletion, global climate change, and the like (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environment Affairs). Subsequently, animals, plants, and other wildlife, which suffer these phenomenons, are harmed or killed. And the last but not least, the effects of dirty air on human health and the environment have economic impacts. For instance, the Environmental Defense Fund reported that acid rains annually cause $6 billion in crop, forest, lake, and building damage. (Environmental Defense Fund). Generally, in 2013, $5.11 trillion in welfare losses was used for dealing with air pollution, one of the top risks leading to early death worldwide (Wolrd Bank).

To recapitulate briefly, no one can deny that the atmosphere is critical to humans, animals, and vegetation. Thus, both governments and civilians have responsibilities to improve the air quality in not only local areas but also all over the world. There are myriad efficient methods to reduce air pollutants such as turning off the electric devices if they aren’t in need, using renewable or green energy, solar power for example, or participating in hydrogen vehicles and promoting shared mobility. From the simple to the complex actions, everyone is able to join hands to protect our lives as well as our Earth.