Air Pollution Effects - Report Example

Air pollution Outline Introduction Causes of Air Pollution Man-made sources Natural sources Effects of air pollution Effects on humans Effects on trees, plants, forests and other environment Effects on animals Conclusion Introduction Air pollution is caused by solid, liquid or gaseous substances which are released into the atmosphere by either natural or anthropogenic (man-made) resources, which are harmful to both humans and the surrounding environment. These substances change the characteristics of the environment thereby posing a threat to the existence of humans, animals and other organisms. These pollutants can be primary or secondary in nature. Primary pollutants includes those which are directly released into the atmosphere such as from power generating plants while secondary pollutants are those which result from the chemical reactions that occur between the primary pollutants and the other elements present in the atmosphere resulting in their transformation to secondary type pollutants (Air pollutants General Overview). In addition, air pollutants are transboundary in nature as they travel freely from the source in which they are produced to other locations and thereby spread the pollutants throughout the region. This nature has resulted in health affects for humans, animals as well as negative environmental impacts on trees, plants and forests which have in turn incurred economic losses through medical expenses and other damages (Air Pollution Effects). Air Pollution – Causes Man-made sources The major causes of air pollution come from human activities while on a minority result from natural causes. The beginning of the industrial revolution has brought with it tremendous growth of industries, population and globalization which have hugely contributed to the growing air pollution across the world. The industrial growth resulted in the establishment of several sectors such as power and biofuel industries, refineries, residential sector and the development of road, rail, and air transport. Each of these sectors has liberated pollutants into the air in the form of gases, solid or liquid particles. Among the major gaseous form of pollutants, sulfur-dioxide, which is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is released during combustion of fossil fuels. The generation of power through electricity and the consequent production of heat produce a cocktail of air pollutants. The combustion of coal, which is a widely used source of energy in the power sector, produces sulfur-dioxide in large amounts in addition to other greenhouse pollutants such as arsenic, lead, and mercury. Other industries which release large amounts of sulfur-dioxide into the atmosphere are the manufacturing and construction industries and those which produce non-ferrous metals. The next major gaseous pollutant released is nitrogen oxides which is present in two major forms: nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. These are produced during the combustion of fossil fuels, motor fuel combustion from vehicles, from power plants, and deforestation. Carbon monoxide which is a highly toxic colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is also mainly produced during deforestation, combustion of biofuels and vehicular combustion. Ammonia gas, which has a pungent odor and hazardous in nature is produced through agricultural practices such as livestock farming and animal waste. The ozone, which is a colorless, poisonous gas with an irritating odor, is present in the stratosphere and troposphere layer of the atmosphere. While the ozone in the stratosphere layer protects the earth against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, that in the troposphere is a secondary pollutant which is produced as a result of a chemical reaction between other pollutants in the presence of sunlight. Other air pollutants includes solid or liquid airborne particles which are suspended in the atmosphere, volatile organic compounds such as pure hydrocarbons or organic compounds and other persistent pollutants such as pesticides like DDT (Air Pollution Causes). Natural sources The natural sources of air pollutants include forest fires, volcano eruptions, vegetation, marine and terrestrial organisms and soil decay processes. Sources of sulfur are marine phytoplankton’s that produce dimethyl sulfide, soil decay processes and vegetations that produce hydrogen sulfide and volcanoes that release sulfur dioxide. Soils also release nitric oxide into the atmosphere. Ammonia is released from the decomposition of urea in animal wastes and uric acid from poultry wastes. Other sources of ammonia include fertilizers, oceans, vegetation and burning of biomass. About 1000 volatile organic compounds are released from several natural sources including tropical forests and organic molecules synthesized by plants. Airborne particles are generated by soil erosion, evaporation of sea water droplets, volcanoes, forest fires and other live vegetation (Air pollutants General Overview). Effect on humans The effects of air pollution are long and varied with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems being the major organs affected by the pollutants. The response of each individual to these pollutants depends on the type of pollutant to which they are exposed, the degree of exposure and the health condition of the individual. The effects range from simple biochemical and physiological changes which can progress to difficulty in breathing, wheezing, acute respiratory and cardiac problems if the disease progresses. These problems can lead to increase consumption of medication, doctor visits, and hospital admissions. If the treatment is unsuccessful could result in the untimely death of the individual (Health effects of Air Pollution). The effect of particular pollutants on humans, organisms and the environment is as follows. Exposure to sulfur dioxide by humans can cause eyes, nose and throat irritation, acute and chronic asthma, bronchitis and emphysema and also lung cancer in advanced stages. Nitrogen dioxide pollution can cause increased risk to respiratory diseases, resistance to airflow due to inflammation of the airways which could also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung tissue damage, emphysema, pulmonary edema, and in case of infants can cause death due to respiratory or cardiovascular problems. The toxicity associated with the inhalation of carbon monoxide is higher as it can attach to hemoglobin molecules within the bloodstream and hinder the process of oxygen transport. Though the gas does not affect the eyes, nose or lungs directly, the effect of the gas in the long run can lead to serious bodily problems. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause toxicity of the central nervous system and the heart. Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea and even unconsciousness if inhaled in higher concentrations, which can in turn lead to convulsions and finally death. In some case loss of vision and decreased muscular movements and abdominal pain can also occur. In case of pregnant women, carbon monoxide can have severe effects on the growing fetus and also in case of people who are previously suffering from heart and lung problems. Another pollutant that can have a damaging effect on the human body is the ozone, which is present in the troposphere region of the atmosphere. It is here that the ozone gas reacts with other pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds and forms the photochemical smog in the presence of sunlight. When humans are exposed to ozone the chief organ affected is the lungs in which it wrecks havoc by weakening the immune cells and thus breaking through the cell walls. Once the cellular fluid enters the lungs it results in rapid, shallow and painful breathing. Repeated exposure causes lung tightening and difficulty in breathing. Other problems associated with ozone exposure include: watery eyes, burning nose, chest tightening, irritation of the throat along with coughing and wheezing, inflammation of the lung lining and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, fatigue and cancer in advanced cases. Ammonia gas can also cause serious problems or even death when inhaled in large amounts. The respiratory problems associated with inhalation of ammonia include: nose and throat irritations, inflammation and subsequent destruction of the airways, pulmonary edema, chronic diseases of the lungs, asthma and lung fibrosis. As the gas is hazardous in nature contact with skin can cause skin burns, dermatitis, burning sensation in the eyes, ulceration and perforation of the cornea which can lead to blindness and cataract and glaucoma formation in the eyes. The volatile organic compounds such as ethanol, propane, benzene and methanol are also highly toxic and can cause serious health injuries. In case of benzene short-term exposure can cause dizziness and rapid heart rate along with headache and confusion. Long-term exposure can even lead to death. Other chronic effects include damage to the bone marrow, anemia, suppression of the immune system and leukemia. In case of 1,3-butadiene, fatigue, low blood pressure, blurred vision, headache and nausea may occur when exposed for a short period of time. Long-term exposure may cause cardiovascular problems and cancer. Airborne particles such as small sized dust particles, when inhaled, can penetrate and deposit in deeper areas within the lungs which can cause health problems in the long run. Other problems include nose and throat irritations, burning eyes, wheezing, diseases of the lung and cardiovascular problems. When young children are exposed to such particles it can result in low-birth weight, infant death or reduced functioning of the lungs. The problems are exaggerated in people with previous lung and heart problems (Air Pollution Effects; Air Pollutant Types). Effect on animals Acid rain, which is produced by the transformation of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere, can destroy the freshwater ecosystem when it falls on streams and lakes. Similarly polluted plants such as pea plants exposed to sulfur dioxide can affect animals that feed on them. Exposure to excessive ozone gas can cause skin cancer and also cause lung disease in animals. Effect on forests, trees and plants and the environment The leaves of the plants are the primary organs which are affected by air pollution. Exposure to ozone gas causes brown spotting in between the veins of the leaves, sulfur dioxide causes bleaching, nitrogen dioxide causes white or brown lesions at the leaf edges and ammonia causes leaf dryness and discoloration. Sulfur dioxide in particular has caused the destruction of large areas of vegetation in several parts of the world. Lichen species are extremely sensitive to higher concentration of sulfur dioxide. The major effects of sulfur dioxide pollution on plants and trees include disruption of cellular metabolism, injury and loss of leaves, reduced reproductive ability, and increased susceptibility to attack by insects. Nitrogen dioxide and ozone also affect the photosynthetic ability of the plants. In addition, ozone gas blocks the stomata thus preventing the respiration process. Acid rain can destroy the leaves and kill plants and by infiltrating the soil it can contaminate their nutrition and habitat. All these effects will result in a reduction of forest greenery and also agricultural yields across the world (Air Pollution Effects; Air Pollutant Types). Thus in addition to health problems air pollution affects the purity of the natural resources and the environment. This has only resulted in increased medical expenses, income and productivity losses, reduced yield of crops and decreased greenery. Hence it is extremely important to curtail air pollution so as to save mankind and earth from destruction. Reference 1. “Air pollutants General Overview and Characteristics”. Tropical Rainforest Animals.com. Apr. 2008. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/Air-Pollutants-Overview.html 2. “Air Pollution Effects”. Tropical Rainforest Animals.com. Nov. 2008. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/air-pollution-effects.html 3. “Air Pollution Causes.” Tropical Rainforest Animals.com. Nov. 2008. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/air-pollution-causes.html 4. “Health effects of Air Pollution”. 16 May 2006. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/index-eng.php 5. “Air Pollutant Types and Classification”. Tropical Rainforest Animals.com. June 2008. 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