Helena Joyce
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. While the burning of fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities are the primary sources of human-made air pollution, nature also releases hazardous substances into the air. Some examples of natural air pollution include smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane, which are emitted from decomposing organic matter in soils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reactive nitrogen compounds | Ammonia and nitrogen oxides |
| Deposition | Dry deposition and wet deposition |
| Sources of dry deposition | Direct contact between polluted air and plants |
| Sources of wet deposition | Pollution dissolved in precipitation (rain and snow) |
| Sources of ammonia | Agricultural activities such as livestock housing, slurry/manure storage and spreading, and fertiliser use |
| Natural sources of air pollution | Smoke from wildfires, ash from volcanoes, windblown sand or dust, gases like methane emitted from decomposing organic matter in soils |
Wildfires
Efforts to prevent and control wildfires include early detection and suppression, as well as the creation of fire breaks and controlled burns to reduce the amount of fuel available for fires. However, the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to climate change are making them harder to manage.
In conclusion, wildfires are a significant natural source of air pollution, with far-reaching impacts on the environment and human health. While some wildfires are started by natural causes, human activity, both intentional and unintentional, is a major contributing factor. As the climate continues to warm, wildfires are expected to become more frequent and severe, posing an ongoing challenge to communities and ecosystems around the world.
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Volcanic eruptions
The impact of volcanic eruptions on air quality can be far-reaching. The ash and gases released during an eruption can spread over large areas, affecting the air quality in nearby communities and even in distant regions. The dispersion of volcanic ash and gases depends on various factors, including wind patterns, the height of the eruption, and the composition of the ash and gases.
In addition to the immediate release of ash and gases, volcanic eruptions can also have longer-term effects on air quality. The ash deposited on the ground can be resuspended by wind or human activities, leading to continued exposure to particulate matter. Additionally, volcanic eruptions can contribute to the formation of acid rain, which occurs when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted by volcanoes react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. Acid rain can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, damaging vegetation, soil, and water bodies.
The frequency and magnitude of volcanic eruptions vary globally, and certain regions are more susceptible to their impacts on air quality. Regions with active volcanoes, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire, are particularly vulnerable to the air pollution caused by volcanic activity. The proximity to volcanoes increases the likelihood of exposure to volcanic ash and gases, posing significant health risks to local populations.
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Windblown sand or dust
The effects of windblown sand or dust can be felt both locally and globally. Locally, it can reduce visibility and cause respiratory issues for people in the affected area. Globally, it can contribute to climate change and have impacts on weather patterns and air quality.
To mitigate the effects of windblown sand or dust, it is important to take preventative measures. This can include monitoring and controlling dust levels, using dust control equipment, and implementing dust management plans. It is also important to raise awareness about the impacts of windblown sand or dust and to encourage people to take action to reduce their exposure and protect their health.
Overall, while windblown sand or dust is a natural source of air pollution, it can have significant impacts on human health and the environment. It is important to take steps to mitigate its effects and reduce its impact on vulnerable populations.
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Nitrogen deposition
Ammonia is the biggest contributor to nitrogen deposition and comes from agricultural activities such as livestock housing, slurry/manure storage and spreading, and fertiliser use. The burning of fossil fuels is also a major source of nitrogen deposition. These human activities have altered the global nitrogen cycle, more than doubling the availability of reactive nitrogen in the biosphere and elevating rates of atmospheric nitrogen deposition.
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Fossil fuels
Coal-fueled power plants are a primary source of human-made air pollution. The burning of coal releases a mix of hazardous substances, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can have significant impacts on public health, with almost all of the global population (99%) breathing air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants.
Natural gas is another fossil fuel that contributes to air pollution. It is used to heat homes and power factories, and its combustion releases harmful emissions. Oil is also a major contributor to air pollution, with vehicle emissions being a primary source of human-made pollution. The burning of oil releases hazardous substances that contaminate the air and pose risks to human health.
The use of fossil fuels has led to increased levels of air pollution globally, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures to pollutants. The hazardous substances released from the burning of fossil fuels have significant impacts on the environment and public health, causing respiratory and other diseases. It is important to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources to mitigate the impacts of air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The air can be polluted naturally by smoke from wildfires, ash and gases from volcanic eruptions, and gases like methane, which are emitted from decomposing organic matter in soils.
Windblown sand or dust can also pollute the air.
Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution.
Reactive nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia and nitrogen oxides, are some of the most significant air pollutants for our natural environment.
Air pollution is a major threat to global health and prosperity, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year globally. It is responsible for respiratory and other diseases and is an important source of morbidity and mortality.
