AIR
Air is the ocean we breathe. Air supplies us with
oxygen which is essential for our bodies to live. Air is 99.9% nitrogen,
oxygen, water vapour and inert gases. Human activities can release
substances into the air, some of which can cause problems for humans,
plants, and animals.
There are several main types of pollution and
well-known effects of pollution which are commonly discussed. These
include smog, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and "holes" in
the ozone layer. Each of these problems has serious implications for our
health and well-being as well as for the whole environment.
One type of air pollution is the release of particles
into the air from burning fuel for energy. Diesel smoke is a good
example of this particulate matter . The particles are very small pieces
of matter measuring about 2.5 microns or about .0001 inches. The exhaust
from burning fuels in automobiles, homes, and industries is a major
source of pollution in the air. Some authorities believe that even the
burning of wood and charcoal in fireplaces and barbeques can release
significant quantities of soot into the air.
Another type of pollution is the release of noxious
gases, such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and
chemical vapours. These can take part in further chemical reactions once
they are in the atmosphere, forming smog and acid rain.
Air pollution also needs to be considered inside our
homes, offices, and schools. Some of these pollutants can be created by
indoor activities such as smoking and cooking. It is important to
consider both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
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