Air pollution, also known as pollution or air pollution, is characterized by the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere, in a corner and duration that are harmful to humans, plants and animals.
These pollutants can result from anthropogenic fuels such as industrial activities, vehicle emissions, open pit underground burning, natural fuels such as fires, sandstorms or volcanic eruptions.
- All of these contaminants are harmful to health.
- Which can cause breathing problems.
- Skin irritation.
- Eyes and mucous membranes.
- Aggravation of respiratory diseases and even increase the risk of developing cancer.
It is therefore important to take preventive measures to contribute to the reduction of air pollution, such as increasing the use of renewable energy, the use of public transport, fire prevention and the increase of green spaces, for example.
Air pollutants can be divided into primary and secondary; primary pollutants are those emitted directly from sources of contamination and secondary pollutants, which form in the atmosphere through a chemical reaction between primary pollutants and natural constituents in the atmosphere.
In turn, primary contaminants can be classified into natural and anthropogenic:
Natural pollutants derived from natural sources and volcanic gases, sand and octopus storms, animal and vegetation decomposition, forest fire particles, cosmic octopus, natural evaporation, gas decomposition of organic and organic matter from the seas and oceans.
Anthropogenic pollutants are those that result from human action, as in the case of industrial pollution fuels, vehicles that use fossil fuels, burn open fuels, use volatiles, burn fuels in industry and in these. Thermoelectric plants and emission of chemical processes.
The main pollutants of the outdoor air and their consequences for health and the environment are:
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic and flammable gas that causes most tobacco emissions and incomplete fuel combustion, as released by motor vehicles.
Consequences: This contaminant reduces the ability of the blood to transport oxygen from cells to tissues, which could affect perception and thought functions, delay reflexes, cause headaches, drowsiness, illness, nausea, heart attacks, agony, damage in the baby’s development. during pregnancy and in young children; it can also aggravate diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and anemia; at very high levels causes collapse, coma, brain and brain damage.
It is an irritating gas that results mainly from carbon burning and strong acceptance in thermoelectric plants, industries and vehicle diesel combustion, which in the atmosphere could become sulfuric acid.
Consequences: Sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma and bronchitis, producing effects on vision, in addition, it can become sulfuric acid by storage in the soil, causing damage to trees and aquatic life by acid rain.
Nitrogen dioxide is an irritating gas, highly toxic and with oxidizing power, which in the atmosphere can be transformed into nitric acid and organic nitrates, a pollutant that causes much of the combustion of fuels in motor vehicles, thermoelectric installations and industries.
Consequences: Nitrogen dioxide can cause irritation and damage to the lungs, aggravate asthma, chronic bronchitis and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, as well as help reduce the visibility and degradation of nitric acid resulting from its transformation into the atmosphere. , could damage trees, water and aquatic life in lakes.
Suspended particles the particulate matter in all particles, small droplets and ligaments that are suspended in the atmosphere so they have a small size The composition of these particles depends on the polluting source such as: carbon burning in thermoelectric plants and industrial installations, combustion of diesel by automobiles, cement manufacturing industries , fires, construction activities and aerosols.
Consequences: These particles can cause nose and throat irritation, lung damage, bronchitis and asthma. Toxic particles consist of lead, cadmium, polychlorobiphenyls and dioxins, which can cause mutations, fertility problems and cancers. In addition, some particles also reduce visibility. , causing damage to trees, water and aquatic life.
Lead is a toxic metal that results from painting old buildings, metal refineries, lead manufacturing, batteries and leaded gasoline.
Consequences: This contaminant builds up in the body causing damage to the central nervous system, such as mental retardation, digestive problems and even cancer, which also negatively impacts the rescue.
Ozone is a highly reactive and irritating gas that results from emissions from motor vehicles and industrial installations. Ozone in the upper layers of the atmosphere protects it from ultraviolet rays from the sun, however, when it is near the top, it behaves like a more concentrated. pollutant during periods of heat, strong solar radiation and the environment.
Consequences: Like other contaminants, ozone can cause breathing problems, irritations in the eyes, nose and throat, aggravate chronic diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, reduce resistance to respiratory infections and accelerate lung ceiling aging. In addition, it also contributes to the destruction of plants and trees and to the reduction of visibility.
Air pollution could be reduced by taking measures such as
Sustainability of fossil fuels through renewable energies;
Prefer active and sustainable mobility such as cycling, walking and public transport;
Remove old vehicles from the road;
Increased urban green space and reforestation of degraded areas;
Promote the conservation of forest areas;
Reduce the use of pesticides or pesticides;
Reduces open burns;
Encourage industries to use equipment such as catalysts and filters to retain moisture and contaminants.
It is very important to monitor air quality frequently to develop pollution reduction programs and assess their effectiveness in air quality control.
Air quality analysis is critical to inform policymakers, potential impacts and potential risks, enabling them to plan public actions and policies.