Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution is a serious environmental and public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. While human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes, are major contributors to air pollution, there are also non-human sources that significantly impact air quality. These natural sources of pollution include wildfires, volcanic eruptions, dust storms, and biological decay, which release harmful substances into the atmosphere and can have far-reaching consequences for human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural sources | Wildfires, dust storms, volcanic eruptions, wind-blown dust, windblown sand, desert dust, radon gas, smoke from wildfires, ash from volcanoes, gases like methane |
| Human-made sources | Burning fossil fuels, vehicles, airplanes, power plants, factories, cigarette smoke, e-cigarette smoke, industrial processes, oil and gas development, waste management, agriculture, nuclear weapons, toxic gases, germ warfare, rocketry, coal, oil, fracked gas, methane leaks, construction, transportation, heating, manufacturing, coal mines, agricultural processes, iron, steel, rubber product manufacturing, electricity generation, fuel oils, natural gas, chemical production, household combustion devices, residential energy for cooking and heating, waste incineration, industrial facilities, forest fires, paint fumes, hair spray fumes, varnish fumes, aerosol spray fumes |
| Health effects | Respiratory and other diseases, morbidity, mortality, DNA damage, harm to the reproductive system, lung cancer, asthma, cardiac problems, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer |
| Environmental effects | Global warming, rising sea levels, extreme weather, heat-related deaths, increased transmission of infectious diseases, damage to crops, reduced crop yield, harm to young trees and other plants, damage to buildings, air haze, visibility issues |
What You'll Learn
Forest fires and volcanic eruptions
Forest fires are a major source of black carbon, a super pollutant that has detrimental effects on the climate and human health. Black carbon intensifies heatwaves, alters weather patterns, and accelerates the melting of ice and snow. It is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, transportation, and industrial processes. Forest fires also release other pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can combine with existing air pollution, exacerbating their harmful effects on human health and the environment.
The increase in wildfires is a direct consequence of the climate crisis and land use changes. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change create an environment more susceptible to fires. This vicious cycle perpetuates itself as wildfires release greenhouse gases and black carbon emissions, further fueling climate change. According to the EU Commission, the 2022 and 2023 wildfire seasons were among the five worst on record, with global wildfires generating around 1,940 megatonnes of carbon monoxide in 2024 alone.
Volcanic eruptions are another natural source of air pollution. They release various gases and particles into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, volcanic ash, and sulphuric acid. The extent of the volcanic ash cloud during an eruption depends on particulate size, wind speed and direction, and eruption type. Smaller particulates allow the ash cloud to extend further, while wind speed and direction influence how far and at what rate the cloud spreads.
The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, which has been erupting since 1983, is a notable example of volcanic air pollution. The eruption released sulphur dioxide and volcanic smog, known as "vog," which posed significant health risks to nearby populations. Similarly, the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens resulted in an international pollution event, with ash reaching around the world in 15 days. Volcanic emissions can have widespread impacts on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, affecting human populations and various organisms.
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Radon gas
Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. It is mainly caused by mobile sources such as cars, buses, and trucks, stationary sources such as power plants, and natural sources such as wildfires. However, one significant non-human source of air pollution is radon gas.
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in rocks and soils. This gas has no smell, colour, or taste, making it impossible to detect without specific testing. Radon escapes from the ground and decays in the air, producing further radioactive particles. While radon quickly dilutes to very low concentrations outdoors, it can accumulate in enclosed spaces such as buildings, mines, caves, and water treatment facilities.
The main route of exposure to radon is through inhalation of the radioactive particles it produces. These particles can deposit on the cells lining the airways and damage DNA, potentially leading to lung cancer. Radon concentrations are typically higher indoors and in areas with minimal ventilation. Factors influencing indoor radon levels include the building's construction, ventilation, and air-tightness, as well as the geology of the surrounding area.
Radon can enter buildings through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, gaps around pipes or cables, and drains. It can also be released into the indoor air from household water or building materials, particularly in uranium-rich geological areas. The use of certain materials, such as lightweight concrete with alum shale or old uranium tailings, can contribute to higher indoor radon levels.
The health risks associated with radon exposure are well-documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines for radon in drinking water and has published resources such as the "WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective." Additionally, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established Radon Zones to help people understand their level of exposure and provide regional information.
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Industrial processes
Another organic compound emitted by industrial processes is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen. PAHs are by-products of manufacturing processes, particularly in the iron, steel, and rubber industries, as well as power generation. These compounds have been linked to adverse health effects, with 15 out of over 100 known PAHs listed in the Report on Carcinogens.
Carbon monoxide is also released in large quantities by industrial activities. This toxic gas is a significant air pollutant and a health hazard, contributing to respiratory issues and other illnesses. Additionally, industrial processes emit chemicals, including benzene, which is associated with serious health risks, such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Furthermore, industrial processes contribute to the emission of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which can be inhaled deeply into lung tissue, causing serious health problems. PM 2.5 from industrial sources, particularly coal, has been linked to a higher mortality risk, with higher levels of sulfur dioxide, black carbon, and metals. The release of these harmful substances into the atmosphere has severe consequences for both human health and the environment, leading to respiratory issues, cancer, and other health disorders.
The burning of fossil fuels in industrial processes also contributes to the formation of smog, which is ground-level ozone. When emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight, smog is formed, causing irritation to the eyes and throat and damaging the lungs, especially in vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly.
In summary, industrial processes emit a range of pollutants, including organic compounds, toxic gases, chemicals, and particulate matter, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. These emissions contribute to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other health issues, highlighting the urgent need for regulations and sustainable practices to mitigate their impact on the planet and human well-being.
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Agriculture and livestock
Agricultural practices, such as burning crops and using diesel-powered equipment, release various pollutants into the atmosphere. For example, the burning of crop residues and the use of fertilizers contribute to the emission of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.
Livestock operations, particularly those involving large numbers of animals, also contribute significantly to air pollution. Animal waste is a major source of ammonia emissions, which, in turn, account for a significant portion of particulate matter pollution in urban areas. In addition, livestock production can lead to emissions of hazardous pollutants such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
The impact of agriculture on air quality extends beyond the immediate vicinity of farms and croplands. Chemical drift, which occurs when pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are carried by wind or other means to nearby lands or neighbourhoods, can result in poor air quality in surrounding areas.
To address these issues, various measures and guidelines have been proposed. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed conservation reference guides for cropping systems, livestock production, and land management to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, some states have taken initiatives to monitor and regulate livestock emissions, as federal laws currently exempt farmers and ranchers from reporting air emissions.
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Wildfires and dust storms
Natural sources of air pollution, such as wildfires and dust storms, can sometimes be significant but do not usually create persistent air pollution issues like human-induced sources. Nonetheless, natural sources can still have a substantial impact on air quality and public health.
Wildfires
Wildfires are a significant contributor to air pollution, particularly as the world warms. The number of wildfires is projected to increase by almost 15% by 2030 and 30% by 2050, according to a UNEP-backed report. Climate change and wildfires are mutually exacerbating. Climate change prolongs and intensifies fire seasons through increased drought and strong winds, while wildfires release vast amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
Wildfires emit fine particles known as PM2.5, which are particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. These particles can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and can be carried by wind over long distances, affecting regions far from the source of the fire. When inhaled, PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing or exacerbating respiratory issues such as asthma and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. The health implications of wildfire pollution are a significant concern, as evidenced by a WMO report that tracked air pollution during the 2021 fire season in North America and Russia.
Dust Storms
Dust storms are atmospheric events characterised by strong winds lifting large amounts of dust particles from dry, loose soil and carrying them over a wide area. They primarily occur in arid or semi-arid regions and are influenced by factors such as drought, desertification, and human activities like agriculture or construction.
Like wildfires, dust storms release fine PM2.5 particles into the air, reducing visibility and degrading air quality. These particles can remain suspended for long periods and, when inhaled, can cause respiratory irritation and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma. Dust storms can also transport pollutants, allergens, and harmful microorganisms, further compromising air quality and posing sudden health hazards, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.
To mitigate the health risks associated with wildfires and dust storms, it is essential to monitor air quality and follow protective measures such as staying indoors, using air filters or purifiers, and wearing masks when outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
Outdoor air pollution comes from natural sources such as wildfires, dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and windblown sand or dust. It can also come from some industrial processes, such as oil and gas development, and agricultural activities.
Volcanic eruptions produce steam, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and small amounts of other pollutants, such as chlorine and ash particulates. Wildfires also release smoke, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Radon, a naturally occurring cancer-causing gas, can build up in homes and is a source of indoor air pollution. Additionally, biological materials such as mould, pollen, and house dust mites can trigger allergies and contribute to indoor air pollution.
Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mix in the atmosphere and are warmed by sunlight. VOCs are naturally produced by plants and trees and can be oxidized in the atmosphere to form aerosol pollutants.
