Helena Joyce
Atmospheric pollution, also known as air pollution, is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. It refers to the release of pollutants into the air—pollutants that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. These pollutants can be gases, like ozone or nitrogen oxides, or small particles like soot and dust. Both outdoor and indoor air can be polluted. Outdoor air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels for electricity and transport, wildfires, some industrial processes, waste management, demolition, and agriculture. Indoor air pollution is often caused by burning firewood or agricultural waste for cooking and heating. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Atmospheric pollution refers to the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. |
| Sources | Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, forest fires, residential energy for cooking and heating, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, etc. |
| Pollutants | Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, soot, greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. |
| Effects | Respiratory and other diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, neurological issues, etc. |
| Impact | Air pollution is the world's fourth-largest risk factor for early death, causing approximately 7-8 million deaths annually. |
| Prevention | Policies supporting sustainable land use, cleaner household energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, better waste management, and regulations on emissions can help reduce air pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Primary pollutants
Air pollution is 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 the presence of substances in the air that are harmful to humans, other living beings, or the environment. These substances can be gases, like ozone or nitrogen oxides, or small particles like soot and dust.
- Particulates: Particulate matter (PM) refers to inhalable particles composed of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, or water. PM can be of varying sizes, generally defined by their aerodynamic diameter, with PM2.5 and PM10 being the most common in regulatory frameworks and relevant for health. Smaller particles pose a greater risk to human health as they can reach the bloodstream.
- Carbon Monoxide: A product of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide is a major health concern and a component of ambient air pollution.
- Nitrogen Oxides: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particularly nitrous oxide (NO), are mostly created by the burning of fossil fuels and, to a lesser extent, by lightning. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is formed from NO reacting with other atmospheric gases. NO and NO2 can contribute to the formation of acid rain and haze and cause nutrient pollution in water. NO2 is a reddish-brown toxic gas with a strong odour, while NO is odourless and colourless.
- Sulfur Oxides: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an acidic and corrosive gas produced by the burning of crude oil and coal, which often contain sulfur compounds. High concentrations of SO2 in the air can lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx), which contribute to particulate matter pollution and harm plants. Further oxidation of SO2 can form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a component of acid rain.
These primary pollutants can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment, and they also contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants, such as ground-level ozone, which is connected to significant damage to both human and environmental health.
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Secondary pollutants
Ozone is a significant secondary pollutant that contributes to smog formation. It is produced when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) merge in the presence of sunlight. Nitrogen oxides are emitted by automobile engines and industrial processes, while hydrocarbons come from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. When these pollutants interact with sunlight and other atmospheric conditions, they form ozone, which can irritate the lungs and contribute to respiratory issues.
Another example of a secondary pollutant is nitric acid (HNO3). It is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with water vapour in the atmosphere. Nitric acid contributes to acid rain, which has detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Acid rain irritates the airways and eyes and causes the decay of monuments, statues, and other cultural structures.
Peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) are another type of secondary pollutant. They are formed through complex chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). PANs contribute to the formation of photochemical smog and have adverse effects on human health.
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Particulate matter
The sources of particulate matter can be both natural and human-induced. Natural sources include sea spray, wildfires, volcanoes, and dust storms, while human activities such as the burning of biomass and fossil fuels, road emissions, and dust resuspension contribute to particulate matter pollution. Human-induced particulate matter is usually finer than natural PM.
To address the health and environmental concerns associated with particulate matter, organizations like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed regulations and standards for air quality. The EPA's national and regional rules aim to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to particulate matter, helping state and local governments meet their air quality standards. Additionally, tools like the Air Quality Index (AQI) provide daily information on outdoor air quality and associated health risks, enabling individuals to take necessary protective actions.
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Natural sources of pollution
Atmospheric pollution refers to the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. While most harmful air pollution is caused by human activity, natural sources of atmospheric pollution also play a significant role. These natural sources include:
Wildfires
Wildfires are a significant source of air pollution, releasing fine particles and black carbon (soot) into the atmosphere. Black carbon is harmful to human health and the environment, contributing to lung and heart diseases and global warming. While wildfires can occur naturally, human-driven climate change has exacerbated their frequency and intensity.
Volcanoes
Volcanic eruptions can release massive amounts of gases, including sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, radon, sulfuric acid, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, helium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). Volcanoes were once the main source of atmospheric sulphur dioxide, but human activities have since surpassed volcanic emissions.
Vegetation
Plants and vegetation can emit gases that contribute to ozone formation and particle pollution, particularly in warmer climates and during the growth season. Certain tree species, such as black gum, poplar, oak, and willow, can significantly raise ozone levels.
Sandstorms and Sea Spray
Sandstorms and dust storms are natural sources of particulate matter (PM), releasing solid or liquid compounds into the air. Sea spray is another natural source of PM, contributing to the dispersion of fine particles.
Livestock
Livestock, especially cows and sheep, release large amounts of methane through belching and flatulence. Methane is a colourless gas produced in their stomachs when bacteria break down their food. Livestock is the biggest global source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
These natural sources of atmospheric pollution can have varying impacts on air quality and human health. Monitoring and understanding both natural and human-made pollution sources are crucial for addressing their potential health risks and environmental consequences.
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Human sources of pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. It refers to the release of pollutants into the air—pollutants that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly seven million people die globally each year due to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Burning of Fossil Fuels
The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, gasoline, or natural gas, is a significant contributor to air pollution. This includes the use of fuel oils and natural gas to heat homes, power generation, and vehicle emissions. The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful chemicals and gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM), into the atmosphere.
Industrial Processes
Industrial processes, such as manufacturing, chemical production, and waste incineration, release pollutants into the air. This includes emissions from factories, power plants, boilers, refineries, and cement production. These emissions often contain a mixture of gases and particles, including ground-level ozone, carbon compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and particulate matter.
Agriculture and Waste Management
Agricultural practices, such as the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and the burning of agricultural waste for cooking and heating, contribute to air pollution. Waste management practices, including waste incineration and open dumping, also release pollutants into the air.
Residential Energy and Cooking
The use of polluting open fires, simple stoves, or firewood for cooking and heating, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, exposes billions of people to dangerous levels of household air pollution. The combustion of biomass (such as wood, animal dung, and crop waste), coal, and other fuels releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide.
Dust Resuspension
Human activities, such as construction and traffic, can contribute to dust resuspension, which increases the levels of particulate matter in the air.
To address these human sources of pollution, policies and investments that support sustainable practices, cleaner energy and technologies, improved waste management, and energy efficiency can effectively reduce air pollution and mitigate its health and environmental impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Atmospheric pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, which can be in the form of gases, finely divided solids, or finely dispersed liquid aerosols. These pollutants are released at rates that exceed the natural capacity of the environment to dissipate and dilute or absorb them.
Atmospheric pollution has multiple sources, including human-made and natural sources. Human-made sources include vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas used for heating and cooking, industrial processes, and power generation. Natural sources include wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and decomposing organic matter.
Atmospheric pollution has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiac problems, asthma, and cancer. It is also a significant risk factor for early death, with an estimated 7-8 million deaths globally each year attributed to air pollution.
Reducing atmospheric pollution involves implementing regulations and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Policies that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, improved waste management, and energy-efficient practices can effectively reduce pollution levels. Additionally, increasing green spaces and reducing deforestation can help purify the air and mitigate the effects of atmospheric pollution.
