We explain what air pollution is and its consequences. Also, its characteristics and possible solutions.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is a global environmental problem that originates from the emission of toxic substances into the atmospherewhich generates negative consequences for human health, ecosystems and the climate. The main emitters of polluting gases into the atmosphere are fossil fuels, industrial activity, transportation and energy production.
The main consequence of air pollution is climate change. Most of the gases emitted by human activities are greenhouse gases (GHG) that increase the atmosphere's capacity to retain heat and cause a progressive increase in the planet's temperature. This increase in temperature contributes to the intensification of extreme weather events such as droughts, storms and hurricanes.
Air pollution is a problem that intensified after the industrial revolution that began in the 18th century. Over time, this problem worsened to the point that in many cities air pollution levels are well above the maximum parameters considered harmful to health.
Types of air pollutants
According to their insertion process into the atmosphere, atmospheric pollutants can be classified into:
- Primary pollutants. They are pollutants that are expelled directly into the atmosphere, such as vehicle exhaust gases or factory emissions.
- Secondary pollutants. They are substances that are not harmful, but become toxic when they react chemically with other substances in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen dioxide.
According to their composition, two types of atmospheric pollutants can be identified:
- Gases. The different pollutants in gaseous or vapor form rise to the atmosphere as they are less dense than air and once there they exert a harmful effect. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and gases resulting from the burning of hydrocarbons (fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, coal, etc.) are examples of polluting gases.
- Aerosols. They are heterogeneous mixtures of solid or liquid particles that remain suspended in a gas. These particles can be inhaled and reach the bloodstream, which can cause various health disorders in people. Aerosols are mainly produced by the burning of fossil fuels and industries.
Polluting gases
The main polluting gases emitted into the atmosphere are:
- Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). It is a gas used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Its emission was practically stopped because it was proven that it negatively altered the ozone layer.
- Carbon monoxide (CO). It is a gas that is mainly emitted by the incomplete combustion of fuels in vehicles and heating equipment. It is very dangerous for animals and people.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2). It is a gas that exists naturally in the atmosphere. However, its concentration in the atmosphere has increased due to the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal. It is one of the main greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted into the atmosphere.
- Nitrogen oxide (NO). It is a gas emitted mainly by vehicles, power plants and industries. It contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2). Similar to the previous case, this gas is produced during the combustion of coal with sulfur content and in the atmosphere it generates sulfuric acid that is highly harmful to plant and animal life.
- Methane (CH4). It is another fundamental gas for the greenhouse effect. It is produced by the decomposition of organic matter. Animal fecal matter and the accumulation of organic waste are the main sources of emission of this gas.
Consequences of air pollution
The main effects of air pollution are:
- Deterioration of air quality. The reduction in air quality results in an increase in respiratory diseases, weakening of the immune system and possible complications derived from the presence of heavy metals or harmful substances in people's bodies.
- Smog formation. “Smog” is known as the suspension of polluting substances in the air, which usually form gray clouds that remain over cities for long periods of time. It occurs mainly in large cities with high levels of traffic and industrial activity.
- Climate change. Climate change is manifested in the increase in the global temperature of the planet, and in the intensification of extreme weather phenomena such as droughts, heat waves, storms and hurricanes.
- Destruction of the ozone layer. It is a layer of gas found in the atmosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone. The ozone layer is important because it acts as a protective shield for the Earth from the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. This radiation can weaken the immune system and cause cancer in people.
Health risks
The main health problems presented by people who are exposed to environmental pollution for a long time are:
- Respiratory problems. Exposure to pollution can cause asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
- Cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
- Cancer. Prolonged exposure to pollution can increase the risk of lung, skin, bladder, and other cancers.
- neurological problems. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as lead and mercury can damage the central nervous system and cause neurological problems of all kinds.
- Reproductive difficulties. Exposure to pollution can affect fertility in both men and women and increase the risk of miscarriages.
- Genetic malformations. Exposure to pollution can damage genetic material and produce malformations.
Cities with high air pollution
The cities with the greatest air pollution on the planet are those with the greatest vehicle circulation, most industrial activity and least controls by the State.
Some of the cities with the worst levels of air quality are:
- Delhi (India)
- Lahore (Pakistan)
- Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Jakarta (Indonesia)
- Dhaka (Bangladesh)
- Santiago de Chile (Chile)
- Karachi (Pakistan)
- Kathmandu (Nepal)
- Mumbai (India)
- Beijing (China)
Possible solutions to air pollution
Some of the strategies that environmental pollution specialists suggest to improve living conditions on the planet are:
- Promote the use of renewable energies. Energies such as solar or wind can help reduce levels of air pollution.
- Promote energy efficiency. Investment in sustainable technologies in industry can contribute to reducing the emission of polluting gases produced by the production of energy and fuels.
- Implement adequate waste management measures. Improving waste management can help reduce the amount of waste and minimize its impact.
- Promote environmental education. Educational practices focused on environmental education contribute to raising awareness about the importance of environmental care in public and private spheres.
- Promote research. The development of less polluting technologies for industries and vehicles can contribute to improving the planet's environmental conditions.
- Reduce the use of private cars. Encouraging the use of public transport and non-polluting vehicles such as bicycles contributes to reducing emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere.
International protocols
There are several international environmental protocols in force worldwide. Some of the most important are:
- Montreal Protocol. It is an international agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It has been in force since 1989.
- Kyoto Protocol. It is an international agreement to combat climate change by establishing objectives for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It has been in force since 1997.
- Stockholm Convention. It is an international agreement to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It has been in force since 2004.
- Paris Agreement. It is an international agreement to limit global temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has been in force since 2015.
References
- Mexican Academy of Sciences (2007) The effects of environmental pollution on our health. https://www.amc.edu.mx/
- Ambientum (2022) air pollutants. https://www.ambientum.com/
- ECLAC (sf) The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. https://observatoriop10.cepal.org/
- IQAir (2023) Ranking of cities for air quality and pollution. https://www.iqair.com/
- United Nations (sf) What is the Paris agreement? https://unfccc.int/
