What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful or excessive substances in the Earth’s atmosphere. These pollutants may be natural or human-made and can harm human health and the environment.
Common Air Pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (O3)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Sources of Air Pollution
- Vehicular emissions
- Industrial discharges
- Power plants
- Construction dust and materials
- Burning of fossil fuels and biomass
- Agricultural activities
Health Effects of Air Pollution
1. Respiratory System
- Short-term: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks
- Long-term: Chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, lung cancer
2. Cardiovascular System
Air pollution increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease.
3. Nervous System
Exposure to pollutants may cause cognitive decline, increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and impact brain development in children.
4. Reproductive and Developmental Health
Air pollution is linked to premature births, low birth weight, and developmental issues in children.
5. Immune System
Prolonged exposure can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
Vulnerable Populations
- Children
- Elderly individuals
- People with respiratory or heart conditions
- Pregnant women
Global Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths each year. It contributes to climate change and severely affects developing countries. Global Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths each year. It contributes to climate change and severely affects developing countries.
Preventive Measures
- Use of masks and indoor air purifiers
- Avoid outdoor activities on high-pollution days
- Support clean and renewable energy sources
- Adopt public transport, cycling, and walking
- Plant more trees and reduce industrial emissions
- Strict environmental regulations by the government
Let’s take action today to breathe cleaner air tomorrow. Your small steps make a big difference!
MCQs on Air Pollution and Health
1. Which of the following is a primary pollutant?
- 🔘 A) Ozone (O₃)
- ✅ B) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- 🔘 C) Formaldehyde
- 🔘 D) Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)
2. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 may cause:
- 🔘 A) Common cold
- ✅ B) Chronic bronchitis
- 🔘 C) Appendicitis
- 🔘 D) Skin tanning
3. Which age group is most vulnerable to air pollution?
- 🔘 A) Teenagers
- ✅ B) Children and the elderly
- 🔘 C) Adults aged 25–35
- 🔘 D) Office workers
4. Which of the following is not a source of air pollution?
- 🔘 A) Industrial emissions
- 🔘 B) Burning of fossil fuels
- ✅ C) Drinking clean water
- 🔘 D) Vehicle exhaust
5. What can be a preventive step against air pollution?
- 🔘 A) Increasing fuel use
- 🔘 B) Deforestation
- ✅ C) Using renewable energy sources
- 🔘 D) Ignoring air quality levels
✔️ Correct answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-C, 5-C
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths every year.
You can learn more about pollution standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Air pollution is closely linked to the causes of pollution, especially in industrial areas. Understanding its impact helps us relate to climate change and global warming as well. If you’re a student trying to explore environmental chemistry, check out our guide on how to study chemistry effectively using AI.
