Air Pollution

In this assignment, I will conduct an extensive analysis and evaluation on Air pollution. The first step will involve providing an extensive definition of the term air pollution. The next step will examine the different sources of this form of pollution so that the assignment will cease to generalize matters pertaining pollution as a whole. The third step will involve an extensive discussion into the resultant effects of the topic study: air pollution. The last section will portray a conclusion upon which I will provide a personal opinion so as to bring the motion at a rest.

Air pollution refers to the contamination of both internal and external environmental surroundings by way of emitting chemicals, physical matter or biological matter that will go ahead to alter the natural phenomenon of the existing atmosphere. In a simple language air pollution refers to the introduction of chemicals, physical matters and/ or biological matter which in turn causes a level of discomfort to both human beings as well as other living micro-organisms (Miller, 1990).

The earth has continued to be affected by pollutions since the loss of capability to purify itself. Unlike the ancient times, the modern world exhibits an immense level of growth that results in setting up of industries which emit unreasonable amount of pollutants into the air. Factors such as motorized vehicles, the exorbitant level of population growth as well as industrialization have continued to play an insignificant role in polluting the air.  Substances which are responsible for the pollution of air are referred to as pollutants and these pollutants can either be classified as primary or secondary (Breuer, 1980).

Primary pollutants are the groups of pollutants that are linked directly to toxic-emitting processes such as those emitted during volcanic eruptions, carbon dioxide is the gas emitted from the exhausts of motorized vehicles and cycles or even the substance sulfur dioxide emitted from industries (Breuer, 1980). Secondary pollutants are indirectly produced from primary reactions such that there is either a reaction or interaction between substances in the air. Homes are not exempted from air pollution since it has been reported that nearly one-third of buildings in the U.S are contaminated with air pollutants. In offices, photocopying machines, electrical cables, furniture as well as cigarette smoke forms the major sources of pollution.

In urban areas automobiles used for transportation purposes, industrial combustions and combustions for residential houses produce carbon dioxide which is evidently far much the greatest pollutant in the atmosphere. It’s stipulated that carbon dioxide level increases at a rate of 4% each year. As much as oceanic water helps in absorbing carbon dioxide, with the recent changes in the global climate the waters has lost its capacity to absorb more carbon dioxide hence a higher percentage of carbon dioxide has been left itinerant in the atmosphere. Current statistics indicates that carbon dioxide is responsible for 57% of global warming. Both nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are responsible for minimizing the stratospheric ozone. Sulfur and chlorofluorocarbons are other pollutants that affect the atmosphere as sulfur is immensely produced during the burning of sulfur containing fuels as well as during the production of sulfuric acid. These pollutants are made to cover the earth’s exterior with wet snow or rain that is sometimes referred as acidic rain. Smog is the other pollutant which is manifestly produced by the burning of savannah grasslands. Its unpleasantness causes photochemical reactions that are formed through burning of large masses of coal (Breuer, 1980).

Pollutions have also been transferred to plants. Trees for instance aid in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis carbon dioxide is converted into useful product called carbohydrates which is consumable by man. It also converts the same carbon dioxide into the useful gas oxygen which is in turn used for respiration purposes. Excessive emissions of gases such as sulfur and nitric oxide reduce the capacity of trees to perform this function and thus wither altogether thus affecting the cycle.

In conclusion it will be wise to minimize if not deal away with emissions made up of pollutant gases by encouraging people to walk to work, use bicycles or use public transport so that in essence the effect of emission is reduced to a minimum level.