AIR POLLUTION

By: Iyiola Oluwatosin Damilare

The effect of air pollution need to be emphasized on as so many factors has occurred claiming lives. The subject matter need to be studied and analyzed with ease for better understanding of dear reader of this health talk. It is not only that air pollution is inimical to our environment, it is to our health.

An acceptable definition from reliable source, explained that “air pollution” is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, or biological materials that cause discomfort, disease or damage other living organisms such as food crops, or damage the natural environment or built environment. A substance in the air that can be adverse to humans and the environment is known as an “air pollutant”. Pollutants can be classified as primary or secondary. Usually primary pollutants are directly produced from a volcanic eruption, the carbon monoxide gas from motor vehicle exhaust or sulfur dioxide released from factories. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Rather, they form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact. (1)

Strictly from the definition, the existence of air pollution is mainly from anthropogenic sources (manmade sources) mostly related to burning different kinds of fuel. From mobile sources, the release of carbon monoxide into the air by cars, aircrafts, and trunks etc pollute the air making it harmful to man, and industrial release of gasoline and inflammable into the air is also a major pollutant of air.

Obviously, air pollution is deadly and capable of sending man to a journey of no return. Air pollution causes many types of diseases. For example, human being can develop asthma due to an air polluted environment. Air pollution can also cause inflammation of the lungs and infections, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Accumulation of smoke in the lungs can cause a disease knows as emphysema. Lung cancer can also be caused by air pollution. Lastly, air pollution can lead to heart disease including heart attack and stroke.

Pollutant associated with climate change is sulfur dioxide, a component of smog, sulfur dioxide and closely related chemicals as known as a cause of acid rain.

Also, lack of ventilated room and building aggravate the pollutant air making it inconvenient for man to inhale freely. No wonder why we often hear cases of family being killed by carbon monoxide release from generator or power plant.

From the noted point, it is necessary to address the importance of air pollution in our environment. Air pollution as much has it negative effect also help to warm the earth, regulating a constant temperate environment. Sulfur dioxide a component of smog reflect light when released in the atmosphere, which keeps sunlight out and causes earth to cool. Volcanic eruptions can spew massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, sometimes causing cooling that lasts for years.

Recent research in industrialized countries has proof that sulfur dioxide, smog, and smoke help to improve people’s health. Sulfur dioxide from volcanoes can aid the planet by blocking sunlight through, warming the earth.

Globally, we are faced with the challenge of how to strike a balance in the air effect. Varieties of measure have been taken to curb the negative effect of air pollution. On a personal view, we need to take a step forward to limit the air released from mobile sources by flying less, recycling and using well engine mobile.

Finally, government need to take a measure to increase power supply level to reduce the supplier of power plant and well ventilated area should be strictly noted as a law before constructing a building.


References

1. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution
2. Www.ask.com.>Q&A>science>environment
3. Environment.naturalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution-overview/