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Air pollution in India is one of the biggest concerns every Indian is facing today. With the alarming increase in air pollution levels, major Indian cities are coming under the HAZARDOUS air quality category. Most North Indian states didn’t even meet the International air quality standards.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills approx seven million people worldwide every year. Also, data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds the air quality limit set up by WHO.
Every one of us is struggling for clean air throughout the year. Now the question every Indian wants to ask is: What we are breathing today, and how is it impacting our health. The air we breathe is full of airborne pollutants, which is not safe for our health, and it is a cause of many respiratory issues.
In this article, we will be discussing in detail: What is Air pollution?, What are the causes of Air Pollution in India?, Harmful effects of Air pollution in India, and what could be the possible solutions to this issue?
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of pollutants in the air that are harmful to humans, other living creatures, and our planet. In other words, air pollution is any alteration in the physical, chemical, or biological environment of air. Air pollutants include gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons), biological molecules, and particulates.
Air pollution could be a result of both natural processes and human activities. Pollutants from Natural processes include carbon monoxide and smoke released from wildfire, dust produced from natural sources, volcanic activity, and many more. Man-made sources include manufacturing units, fossil fuel power stations, factories, automobiles, and many more.
Causes of Air Pollution in India
Human civilization is going to pay a heavy price for the urbanization happening around the globe. Air pollution level is increasing at an alarming rate. The sad part is we are not doing much to stop it. Let’s take you into detail. Below described are some common causes of air pollution in India.
1. Automobiles
Automobile pollution is one of the key causes of air pollution in India. Vehicles burn petroleum and emit harmful pollutants like smoke, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and many more into the environment.
As per The Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, all vehicles need to have a valid fitness certificate along with the registration certificate. Still, many vehicles are running without a fitness certificate. These vehicles emit harmful pollutants into the air and contribute hugely to environmental pollution.
2. Industrial Emission
Harmful emission from industrial activities is also a key contributor of air pollution in India. Industries burning coal and wood for the production purpose produce harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the most importantly, particulate matter 2.5 and 10.
These pollutants cause many health issues like eye and throat irritation, breathing issues, lung disease, and many more.
3. Burning Fossil Fuels
The burning of fossil fuels contributes to the air pollution level way more than we can ever imagine. In rural areas of the country, people still burn fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gasoline daily for carrying out different activities.
The burning of fossil fuels produces Carbon monoxide, a key air pollutant among the other air pollutants produced during the burning process. Inhaling this air frequently reduces the ability of your heart to pump oxygen.
4. Agricultural Activities
You must be thinking, how agricultural activities can cause air pollution?. But yes, you heard it right, these activities are also a cause of air pollution in India. Using insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizer for agricultural activities pollutes the air and causes air pollution.
Also, crop burning is common practice in India. It releases harmful gases into the air. Ammonia, one of the most poisonous gas, is also a byproduct of agricultural activities.
5. Indoor Air Pollution
Not only Outdoor air, but indoor air also gets polluted, even it is more polluted than the air outside. Many factors contribute to indoor air pollution, some of which are paint, household cleaning products, fragrances, perfumes, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and many more.
Lack of ventilation also contributes to indoor air pollution. The combustion activities release harmful gases, and if the ventilation facility is not up to the mark, it remains stuck inside your home.
6. Burning of Garbage Waste
It is common in India to burn the plastic and other waste found in the home instead of throwing them. Burning plastic releases poisonous gases like sulfur dioxide, dioxins, furans, and particulates in the air.
Inhaling this air can lead to different health issues. It can cause heart disease, asthma, nervous system damage, and many more. It not only affects humans but also causes damage to our environment.
7. Burning Firecrackers
In India, firecrackers also contribute majorly to air pollution. During the Diwali festival, people forget about the air pollution, and they indulge themselves in burning firecrackers. You can see the results yourself. Next day pollution level is the breaking news of every single news channel.
Also, not only Diwali but many marriages and big celebrations include firework. These activities impact the air quality hugely, making it full of poisonous gases.
Harmful Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution impacts our environment and every living being present on this planet. Let us discuss some of these impacts in detail.
1. Global Warming
Global warming is one of the worst impacts of air pollution the world is facing today. It is a gradual rise in the average air temperature of the planet.
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere absorb the heat reflected from the surface. An increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is also because of increased air pollution.
It is causing a worldwide temperature rise, increase in sea levels, rise in ocean temperature, melting glaciers, extreme heat waves causing thousands of deaths, and much more.
2. Health Problems
Air pollution impacts our health directly. It not only affects our environment but also causes many health issues. It can cause mild to chronic health problems.
Exposure to air pollutants can cause skin and eye irritation and many skin problems.
Not only that, long-term exposure to air pollution can cause asthma, chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, lung disease, and many more.
3. Ozone Depletion
Ozone depletion is thinning of the ozone layer present in the stratosphere. The ozone layer protects the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation by absorbing most of them.
Harmful air pollutants like Chlorofluorocarbons and halons cause depletion of the ozone layer leading to more UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface.
Thinning of ozone is impacting humans, plants, and animals. In humans, it can cause skin cancer and eye cataract.
4. Acid Rain
Acid rain is another impact of air pollution the world is facing today. Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide present in the air reacts with the water droplets to form nitric acid and sulphuric acid.
Acid rains have adverse impacts on forests, life forms present in water and soil, and human health. It causes corrosion of steel structures and weathering of stone buildings and statues.
Ways to Control Air Pollution in India
Air pollution in India can only get controlled when each one of us will address the severity of this issue. We cannot just sit ideal and assume that everything will get done by the government.
It is not the sole responsibility of the government. Instead, it is the responsibility of every Indian to combat the air pollution issue. Everyone should follow the laws formed by the Indian government and work as a team to overcome the challenges. Below mentioned are few ways to control the air pollution level in India.
1. Using CNG based Public Transport
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based products. Also, the emission of smoke and other air pollutants is comparatively less, thanks to its less carbon content, making it a better choice. You will find the CNG buses in the capital of India, Delhi. Hopefully, in the coming times, you will be able to see it in other cities as well.
2. Stop burning Plastic and House Waste
The burning of house waste is a common problem in India. It needs to get stopped if we care for our environment and people. Also, the government should take the right step to make it work. There should be some strict fines associated with this act.
3. Using Houseplants and Air Purifier
Air-purifying houseplants and air purifiers are the best solutions to keep your home free from air pollutants. Using houseplants not only purifies the air but also acts as mood boosters. Air purifiers are the best investment in today’s time, keeping in mind the rising air pollution in India.
4. Using Bicycles
Using bicycles for commuting purposes not only saves our environment from harmful air pollutants but also keeps you active and fit. Avoid using four-wheelers and use bicycles as much as possible.
5. Using Clean Energy Resources
Using clean energy resources like solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy reduces air pollution. Solar panels get installed in your house, and they will take care of your electricity needs.
6. Avoid using Firecrackers
By avoiding firecrackers during festivals and marriages, you can also contribute to the reduction of air pollution. Every year after the Diwali festival, Delhi’s air is not breathable; the only thing you can see is smog. Avoiding firecrackers makes a visible difference in the air quality of your city.
7. Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle
Follow the concept of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. It is a smart way of contributing to the reduction of air pollution. Instead of throwing an item, try using it for some other purpose.
Conclusion
Increasing air pollution is a significant threat to the planet and humankind. It needs to be addressed more seriously by both the government and the people together. We have already discussed the impacts it is having on our planet. If the right steps don’t get implemented on time, we will see more disastrous results in the coming future. We can control the situation by following the ways we have mentioned above.
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