INDEX

Sr. No. Topic

1. What is Pollution

2. Air Pollution
3. What are 10 Ways to Reduce Air Pollution
4. How to Stop Air Pollution
5. Deaths Due To Pollution Around the World
6. Here are the main Causes of Air Pollution
7. What is Global Warming?
8. What Causes Global Warming?
9. Air Quality Management Process Cycle
10. Air Pollution Dispersion Models
11. Meteorological Factors
 What is Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that
cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of any substance or energy.
Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies
or naturally occurring contaminants.

The different types of pollution are as follows:-

• Air Pollution: - It is the contamination of the natural air by mixing it with
different pollutants such as harmful fumes and chemicals. This type of
contamination can be caused by burning material or by gases emitted by vehicles
or harmful fumes emitted as a by-product of industries. Global warming is one of
the biggest side effects of air pollution as per the experts.

• Water Pollution:- It is the contamination of the water on the planet Earth. It

includes water contamination by pollutants such as bacterial, chemical, and
particulate that reduces the purity of the water. Oil seepage, as well as littering is
one of the most common forms of pollution. It mainly occurs in lakes, oceans,
rivers and even underground reservoirs.

• Soil Pollution:- It is also known as land pollution. It is the contamination of the

soil or the land that prevents the growth of natural life. It includes land usage for
irrigation, wildlife as well as habitation. The very common causes of soil pollution
include hazardous wastage, mining as well as littering, non-sustainable farming
practice, seepage into the soil, etc.

• Noise Pollution:- It is the loud noises which are fashioned by human activities
that disturb the standard of living in the affected area. It can shoot from things such
as railroads, traffic, loud music, concerts, aeroplanes, fireworks etc. This can even
result in permanent or temporary loss of hearing as well as disturbances to wildlife.

• Radioactive Pollution:- This is one of the most dangerous forms of pollution. It

is enormously harmful and can even result in death. We are witting this type of
pollution from the 20th century. It evolved with the rise of atomic physics and
nuclear weapons. Radioactive pollution results in the pollution of the air and land
with radioactive poisoning. Leakages or accidents at nuclear power plants, as well
as from improper disposal of nuclear waste are also reasons for this pollution. This
pollution results in birth defects, cancer, deteriorating of health and even death.
 Air pollution
WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION?
Air is composed of ~78% nitrogen, ~21% oxygen, ~0.9% argon. The remaining
elements include carbon dioxide, water vapour, hydrogen, and other trace
elements. Although gases like carbon dioxide and methane may only exist in small
absolute concentrations, their outsized heat-trapping potential as greenhouse
gases makes them the major factor in accelerating climate change. Air pollution
occurs when there is an alteration to the composition of air, either by volume, or in
the chemical, physical, or biological properties. The atmosphere is a delicate
balance of elements and particles. Any imbalance, even in small proportions can be
detrimental to living organisms including animals and crops.

Air pollution is caused by a combination of gaseous and particulate pollutants such

as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen dioxide emitted from point sources such
as factories and motor vehicles that burn fuel. Some gaseous emissions are visible
to the eye and sometimes may even diffuse into the atmosphere and become
invisible. Particulate pollution, on the other hand, such as soot and black carbon, is
always visible.

Where Does Air Pollution Come From?

Most air pollution, harmful gases and particles in the air, affecting national parks is
created outside park boundaries.

Types of Sources
There are four main types of air pollution sources:

 mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains

 stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities,
and factories
 area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces
 natural sources – such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes
Mobile, stationary, area, and natural sources all emit pollution into the air.

Mobile sources account for more than half of all the air pollution in the United States and
the primary mobile source of air pollution is the automobile, according to the
Environmental Protection Agency. Stationary sources, like power plants, emit large
amounts of pollution from a single location, these are also known as point sources of
pollution. Area sources are made up of lots of smaller pollution sources that aren't a big
deal by themselves but when considered as a group can be. Natural sources can
sometimes be significant but do not usually create ongoing air pollution problems like the
other source types can.

What Are 10 Ways to Reduce Air Pollution?

1. Use of public transport:
Use Public Transportation to Reduce Air Pollution. Facts and figures don’t lie —
our transportation needs produce 30% of all carbon dioxide gas emissions. We can
use public buses instead of using private cars or vehicles. Let’s say a bus can carry
40 passengers at once; these 40 passengers can reduce the emissions of 40 private
vehicles by using one public vehicle instead. Many public vehicles run on CNG
(Compressed Natural Gas). CNG consists of a very large amount of methane
(CH₄). CH₄ burns cleaner than some other fuels, reducing ash emissions. As a
result, it reduces the number of fine particles in the air.
The introduction of new technology like E-Busses helps in reducing emissions, and
therefore, air pollution. Traffic congestion produces high amounts of soot and
carbon monoxide, which contributes to poor air quality. Using public
transportation reduces pollution levels, as well as traffic jams on the road.
This is one of the 10 major ways through which we can reduce air pollution..

2. Buy Energy Efficient Vehicles Like Electric:

When purchasing a vehicle, consider fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles. E-

vehicles are much more efficient, and when compared to the price of energy.
Charging an e-vehicle is less expensive than filling up liquid fuel for your travel
needs. Using renewable sources of energy can enhance using e-vehicles, making
them environmentally beneficial.
Since e-vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel-burning engines,
they require less maintenance. As a result, the annual cost of operating an e-car is
much lower. Electric automobiles have lower licensing fees and road taxes than
gasoline-powered automobiles.
 Petrol and diesel- cars release toxic air pollutants which add to air pollution levels.
Major pollutants produced by gasoline-powered cars include:
 Carbon Monoxide- CO decreases the ability of blood to carry O2 to different
body organs. CO exposure causes lethargy, migraines, disorientation, and nausea.
It delays cell growth, unnaturally small new foliage, an unusual withering of the
greenery, and over-developed tissues in plants. Animal CO poisoning symptoms
include cognitive damages, trouble with breathing, and sudden death.
 Nitrogen Oxides- NO irritate the membrane in the mucous. NO in high doses
causes lung irritation in humans. It harms vegetation by destroying the leaves.
 PM10 and PM2.5 fine particulate matter- PM10 and PM2.5 are particles < 10 μm
and < 2.5 μm in diameter, respectively. Exposure to particles can irritate the eyes,
nose, and throat; cause respiratory infections, etc. in humans. PM exposures can
lead to respiratory and heart diseases in both animals and humans. PM exposures
block and damage the stomata. It further affects photosynthesis and respiration in
plants. .

3. Consider “Going Green”:

“Going Green” means practicing an environmentally friendly and ecologically

responsible lifestyle as well as making decisions to help protect
the environment and sustain natural resources. These campaigns entail choosing to
live a sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle. It helps in minimizing
pollutants that enter the soil, waterways, and air. Going green minimizes air
pollution and environmental pollutants. Going green can impact our body’s
immunity to fight infections and expose us to infections and severe
illnesses. Another benefit of going green is that it cuts the pollution levels that are
released into the air and therefore into the environment. Going green can help your
office/home/school become a healthier place. This can have a major influence on
staff time and result in fewer employees/staff/students taking sick leave.
It reduces the chances of getting nervous or anxiety problems in humans. Going
green, being one of the 10 ways to reduce air pollution; contributes to the
preservation of forests, wildlife habitats, and the environment.
Further environmental advantages of going green include better air quality, better
health, and less wastage. Recycling and using superior materials for construction
and daily life minimize landfill trash as plastic, for instance, is non-biodegradable.

4. Plant a Garden:

Planting trees will help us get enough fresh air we need. Tress enhance air quality
in many ways: they consume carbon dioxide and produce O2 via photosynthesis.
They can actively collect pollutants on the exterior walls of leaves and the root
system of the plant.
Increasing greenery is one of the most basic techniques to reduce the impacts of air
pollution. Growing trees, bushes, an organic farm, indoor plants, etc. help us in
reducing air pollution. They help to remove pollutants from the air. Plants help
people concentrate better at home and work.
All living creatures require O2 for the respiration process. It also helps to preserve
the ozone layer. Ozone layer protects Earth’s ecosystem from harmful UV
radiation. That is why we must grow more trees and plants. Growing trees is said
to be one of the most crucial steps among these 10 ways to reduce the air pollution.

5. Turn Off Lights When Not in Use:

Don’t waste energy and money. Be very careful and responsible to turn off lights at
home when you or your family members are not at home or the lights are not in
use.
Electricity generation plants employ fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to
air pollution. Save a lot of energy by cutting electricity consumption, by shutting
off lights whenever you leave a room.
Since light bulbs are the least productive type of illumination, switch them off
when you are not using them. Only about 10% of the power is converted, which
they require in lighting, while 90% is converted to heat. Switching off the light
bulbs will also make a room cooler, which is incredibly useful in the summers.
6. Avoid Plastic Bags:

Because they are very hard to decompose. Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. That
means they cannot easily degrade over time. Dumping plastic waste in water
bodies leads to the endangerment of various aquatic animals. These animals can
include sea turtles, fish, etc. These aquatic animals eat plastic waste that can lead to
suffocation or, can enter their digestive system. Digesting plastic bags is not easy;
they are toxic and can lead to the deaths of marine life.
Animals such as cows can easily eat plastic bags while grazing. Multiple
experiments have shown that cows that consume plastics eventually quit
consuming their normal meal. Plastic harms their internal organs and accumulates
inside their bodies. They gradually can’t generate milk, and even if they can, it’s
tainted with dangerous compounds like carcinogens.
Proper disposal techniques should be used for plastic bags. Carry your bags instead
of asking for plastic bags at shops. Make the habit of using jute or paper bags. .
7. Make use of Solar Energy:

Solar power can save a ton of energy for you and, on top of that, it could also end
up saving you a lot of cash in the long run as well. Solar energy, being a
sustainable source of energy, plays a crucial role in cutting emissions of
greenhouse gasses. Furthermore, dealing with climate change is crucial to
preserving human and wildlife, and habitats. Solar energy can help enhance air
quality and minimize water usage linked with energy production.
When we burn fossil fuels for the production of energy, there are three major air
pollutants released into the air. These pollutants are Sulfur Dioxide, CO2, and
NO2. Sulfur Dioxide is responsible for acid rain; carbon dioxide adds to the global
warming and greenhouse effect; while NO2 is responsible for acid rain and smog
both. Solar panels and electric cars are two innovations that will help in reducing
air pollution. Solar energy is clean, renewable energy; that is a substitute way to
generate electricity without polluting the air and the environment.
 8. Always Use Recyclable Products:

Buy recyclable products if you have access to them and the ability to choose
them. Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle helps in cutting down solid waste generation.
When we reuse a product, such as a water bottle, we will reduce the air pollution
caused by burning the waste in landfills. Other harmful toxins that landfills emit
are reduced as well.
Fabrication with recyclable objects saves hydropower while also reducing air and
water pollution.
Four major reasons we should use recycling and recyclable products:
 Recycling saves energy: Producing goods from recyclable plastic reduces
energy usage, than producing goods from fresh organic matter. Eg, paper made
from recycled paper pulp consumes 40% less energy than paper made from pure
wood fibers.
 Low demand for raw materials: When we make use of recycled products, the
demand for raw materials decreases. This reduces the misuse of raw materials
and energy usage as well.
 Preservation of natural resources: Recycling the paper helps in saving forest
areas and trees. Plastic recycling helps in cutting down the production of new
plastic, which will hence produce less solid waste.
 Conservation of wildlife: When we recycle, we reduce the demand for raw
materials. As a result, less damage is done to nature and wildlife. So it helps in
the conservation of wildlife and the ecosystem as well.
9. Quit Smoking:

Smoking is very hazardous to your health and the people around you. It leads to an
increase in various disorders and early deaths than air pollution. This is entirely
avoidable. Furthermore, medical problems caused by smoking appear at a younger
age than chronic illnesses caused by air pollution.
Tobacco farming needs a larger area, water, chemicals, and workers, all of which
are precious assets that could be used effectively. Closing tobacco manufacturing
units are equal to removing more than 1 crore vehicles from the roads annually.
We can use smoking areas to reduce the effects of air pollution. A smoking area
limits the range in which a person can smoke legally. As a result, the smoke’s
effects are limited to a small space, aiding in the reduction of air pollution.
10. Educate Your Companions:

Let the people around you know about how they can contribute to clean air
initiatives and educate them about all of the different ways. Air pollution education
fosters the knowledge and behaviors required to challenge our thinking, beliefs,
and judgments about sustainable development. The world has transformed over the
last century because of new technology and urbanization. Our wellness is linked to
the natural environment around us. Therefore, it is critical to educate people and
children about pollution and its effects on the environment.
People need environmental education to gain a stronger perspective on
environmental challenges and the ability to provide knowledgeable conclusions.

Responsibilities as an individual :
Reducing air pollution is not the responsibility of an individual. Everyone should
be very sensitive because millions of people are dying every year. You can meet
people, discuss issues, and share ideas on different ways you can do to reduce air
pollution. In today’s complex world, with hazardous chemicals in everything we
buy, e-waste filling our landfills, and the exponential increase in gasoline-burning
vehicles on the highways, the idea of being able to reduce air pollution is not easy
to imagine.
 Effects of poor air quality on Humans, Plants, and Animals

This polluted air can be harmful to humans, animals, flora, fauna, and the whole
ecosystem. Therefore, we need to reduce air pollution and maintain healthy living
conditions. Humans are the main reason behind increasing air pollution day by
day. Other natural reasons behind the increasing levels of air pollution include
forest fires, or wildfires, shifts in the wind patterns, the sun’s positioning, etc.
Human activities influence air pollution concentrations to a great extent, so it
becomes our duty to reduce air pollution.
Poor air quality affects humans and the environment. It can hamper-
 Heart and breathing problems in humans.
 Tissue development and cell growth in early growing ages in humans.
 Growth in plants by disturbing the photosynthesis process.
 The skins of animals. Poor air quality can lead to skin cancer.
 The survivability of tree saplings.
 Environmental stresses such as harsh weather.
 Vulnerability of disease in plants.

How To Stop Air Pollution

How to help, lessen and even AIR pollution in your community:
The number one biggest thing that you can do is to drive less.
Vehicle emissions are one of the major sources of air pollution. Join with your
local community to think of ways to get things done that don’t require a car, such
as bikes and transit systems. If you must drive, if you can, switch to electric
vehicles. See more specific ways below in other categories.
When Elevated Air Particle Levels are Forecasted, Do Your
Part to Reduce Air Pollution by:
 Don’t burn leaves, trash, and other smoky materials.
 Don’t use gas-powered lawn and garden equipment like blowers.
 Delay the number of trips you take in your car or motorcycle.
 Lessen your fireplace and wood stove usage.
 Don’t barbeque in your grill.
 If Elevated Air Ozone Levels are Forecasted, Do Your Part
to Reduce Air Pollution by:
 Reduce idling of your automobile and motorcycle.
 Conserve your electricity and make shorter excursions. Set air conditioners at a
minimum of 77 degrees. Instead of driving alone consider sharing a ride to work or
use public transportation.
 Combine errands by careful planning with less trips.
 Walk whenever possible or ride a bike.
 Reduce hair sprays and spray deodorants.

General Things You Can Do to Reduce Air Pollution in Your

City:
 Basically, try to conserve energy as much as possible – at home, at work,
everywhere.
 Check to make sure that your tires are properly inflated.
 Mulch or compost your leaves and yard waste.
 Use low energy labels when purchasing personal or business equipment.
 Carpool, take trains and busses, bike, or walk when they are available.
 Keep your car, boat, and other engines properly tuned up.
 Don’t burn smoky things in your fireplace.

Effect Air Pollution: The pollution level in Delhi has crossed the danger
level in many areas. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached above 400 points in
about 20 areas of the city. The latest figures of the Central Pollution Control Board
show that the air condition in Delhi has worsened. Due to pollution, many people
especially respiratory patients have to lose their lives. In today's report, we will
discuss only the condition of pollution in India.
deaths due to pollution around the world

Due to pollution, in the year 2019, about 90 lakh people died prematurely
worldwide. This was revealed in a global report. Since 2000, the number of deaths
due to dirty air coming from trucks, cars and industries has increased by 55%. The
most populous countries in the world, China and India, have the highest number of
deaths due to pollution, with about 2.4 million to 2.2 million deaths each year.

Here are the 10 Main Causes of Air Pollution

The rising number of air pollutants has made breathing fresh, clean air next to
impossible. The causes of air pollution have left everyone worried about their
health. Air pollution being the largest environmental killer, kills over 17 billion
people worldwide. While calculating, that’s up to 2.2 years lost on an average.
As pollutants in the air cannot be seen with our naked eyes, we don’t realize the
sources of the increasing pollution levels. In order to understand the sources of
air pollution, we need to first go through the basic causes of air pollution.

1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels

Most of the air pollution takes place due to the incomplete burning of fossil
fuels. These include coal, oil, and gasoline to produce energy for electricity or
transportation. The release of CO at a high level indicates how much fossil fuel
is burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides into the
air. Inhaling air induced with pollutants due to the burning of natural gas and
fossil fuel reduces the heart’s ability to pump enough oxygen. Hence causing
one to suffer from various respiratory and heart illnesses. Furthermore, the
nitrogen oxides are responsible for acid rain and the formation of smog.

When fossil fuels are burned, they emit more than just CO2.
 Coal-fired power stations alone account for 35% of harmful mercury
emissions in the US.
 Two-thirds of SO2 emissions cause acid rain
 The great majority of dust (particle pollution) is released in our air due to
fossil fuel burning.
2. Industrial Emission
Industrial activities emit several pollutants in the air that affect the air quality
more than we can even imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, NO2, SO2, and
CO are key pollutants that are emitted from industries that use coal and wood
as their primary energy source for the production of their goods. Industrial
pollution effects associated with your health can range from
 Irritation in your eyes and throat
 Breathing issues
 At times can even lead to chronic illness
 VOCs and other emissions from industries can aggregate respiratory
disorders like asthma and bronchitis.
 O3 is also released from industries that can increase in asthma attacks.
Huge amounts of organic chemicals like CO2, hydrocarbons, etc. are released
by the industries including other toxicants. They furthermore affect the climate
as CO2 causes a greenhouse effect. Hence, causing the heat to be trapped
within the earth’s atmosphere. Therefore, the temperature and humidity
increase. More and more industries are being built as the demand grows. And
as a result the emissions also increase day by day. We are already observing the
after-effects of this, as the earth’s temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius per
decade.
3. Indoor Air Pollution
Use of toxic products also called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs),
inadequate ventilation, uneven temperature, and humidity level can cause
indoor air pollution, whether you are in an office, school, or at your
comfortable home. House air pollution can take place due to ignorant factors,
for instance, smoking tobacco inside a room or leaving mold-infected walls
untreated. The use of wood stoves or space heaters is capable of increasing the
humidity level which can directly affect the health of a person in no time.
Carcinogens and toxins from indoor air pollution cause 17% of deaths from
lung cancer.
According to the ‘Household air pollution and Health’ report published by the
WHO in 2018, “Pneumonia is the cause of 27% of yearly deaths attributed to
indoor air pollution and 45% of all pneumonia deaths in children under five
years old.” The report further added that, “In 2020, household air pollution
was predicted to be responsible for 3.2 million deaths per year, including
approximately 2,37,000 deaths of children under the age of five.”

4. Wildfires
Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but also spiking air
pollution. Burning stubble and farm residue is also a major contribution to
wildfire. It causes increased PM2.5 in the air which collides with other harmful
substances like chemical gas and pollen creating smog. Smog makes the air
hazy and people find it difficult to breathe. Visibility also decreases as a result
of this smog. Difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat,
itchiness in the respiratory tract, etc. are all symptoms of inhaling smog.
 As many as 90% of the wildfires are caused by anthropogenic reasons, a
small spark can turn acres of forest area into ashes.
 The soot and dust particles, smoke (that contains several toxic chemicals)
can stay suspended in the air for days.
 The average temperature is increasing day by day due to the greenhouse
effect. As a result, the rise in temperature affects the rate of wildfires.
 More the temperature, more the cases of wildfires and forest fires. Wildlife,
plants, and animals are all impacted by wildfires.
5. Microbial Decaying Process
Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of CO,
hydrocarbons, chemicals, and organic compounds which contaminate our
environment. Bacteria and fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical
cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of abnormal environmental
conditions. Decaying of these microorganisms present in the surroundings
releases methane gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane
may lead to death.
Decaying process releases carbon, methane, and nitrogen that can affect the
quality of air to some extent. As these microbes stay suspended in the air, they
can cause
 Asthma aggregation
 Many other discomforts
 Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat.
 Chances of having skin allergies also increases.

6. Transportation
Cars on the roads are increasing day by day. There is no denying that vehicle
pollution is the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban cities,
where car ownership rates are more as compared to rural areas. When the car
burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is as harmful as smoking 10
cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits:
1. Carbon monoxide,
2. Hydrocarbons,
3. Nitrogen oxide, and
4. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
When vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone
layer contributing to smog and causing various health issues.
Large numbers of cars and other vehicles on the roads contribute to traffic
congestion on the roads, affecting the air quality of that particular area to a
great extent. This necessitates the need to monitor the air quality at local level,
for each area, so that identifying the sources and taking the proper measures
can be done.
Taking proper and effective measures as individuals to control vehicular
emissions such as carpooling, using public transportation (metros, buses, rails)
will help in reducing the vehicular emissions.

7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste

Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the
environment than one may think. As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is
choking public health. Delhi generates a whopping 9500 tons of waste every
day, which makes it India’s second waste dumping city. Exposure to open
burning of garbage waste can pose serious health risks including:
1. Cancer
2. Liver issues
3. Impairment of the immune system
4. Reduced reproductive functions
5. Can also affect the developing nervous system.
Open air garbage burning releases toxins such as black carbon, soot, and
carcinogens. It actively contributes to the greenhouse effect, and in turn to
climate change. Black carbon and soot gets deposited on the ice peaks, which
results in their meltdown.
Open garbage burning causes skin irritation, aggravates asthma and other
respiratory diseases and illnesses, increases the risk of heart diseases, and
difficulties in breathing, nausea and headaches.
8. Construction and Demolition
During the clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) registered the highest number of air pollution complaints in the Delhi
NCR due to construction pollution and demolition activities. With the rise of
population in the city, construction and demolition is a part of the ever-going
development phase of the national capital. Several construction sites and raw
materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze and foul air which is
hazardous for people especially, children and elderly citizens.
Why is air quality a concern at construction and demolition sites? This is due to
the following reasons:

 Construction and demolition sites are a rich source of PM and other air
pollutants including VOCs, etc.
 People living near these sites experience various health concerns like
difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, etc.
 The workers and personnel working on-site are exposed to these air
pollutants everyday. These pollutants affect their health to a great extent as
well.
 Therefore, it becomes important to monitor the air quality at
construction and demolition sites to comply with the standards.
 It is important to maintain the air quality at these sites, so as to maintain the
air quality standards and limit the excessive usage of toxin and PM
generating activities.
9. Agricultural Activities

Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality.
To begin with, pesticides and fertilizers are the main sources that contaminate
the surrounding air. Nowadays, pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new
invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick growth of the crops
and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of the
pesticides are left in the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the
ground which not only destroys the crops but also causes numerous health-
related issues.
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), “About 40% of
world emissions come from livestock, 16% from mineral fertilizers, 17% from
burning biomass, and 8% come from agricultural wastes.” Agricultural
activities include 4 activities that generate toxins that are released into the air.
These are fertilizers and pesticides, animal husbandry, agricultural waste, and
salts from applied irrigation water. Agricultural solids and waste are burnt in
order to clear out the area for next cultivation, but this causes release of soot,
PM, and other toxins into the air.

10. Use of chemical and synthetic products

Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous
for our lives but never talk about indoor air pollution. Household products
cause indoor air pollution which is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air
pollution. We spend more than 90% of our lives indoors, which makes the
indoor air pollution impacts more serious and concerning. Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and personal care products such
as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common health issues. These are
silent killers that can cause risks like asthma or other respiratory issues and
lung disease are other issues caused by inhaling poor house air quality.
 The vast variety of sources indoors release various harmful toxins that affect
children, old age people, and even pets.
 These sources include cooking, smoking, furniture, paints, hobby craft,
furnaces, coal powered heaters, and many more. Indoor air pollution has
caused over 4 million premature deaths per year.
 Healthy air is very important for development in children, even in their
prenatal phase. Air pollution has caused more than 50% of all cases of
respiratory infection in children less than 5 years old.
 It is responsible for various lung and heart diseases in children and old
people such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and aggravation of asthma.

What is global warming?

Since the Industrial Revolution, the global annual temperature has increased in
total by a little more than 1 degree Celsius, or about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Between
1880—the year that accurate recordkeeping began—and 1980, it rose on average
by 0.07 degrees Celsius (0.13 degrees Fahrenheit) every 10 years. Since 1981,
however, the rate of increase has more than doubled: For the last 40 years, we’ve
seen the global annual temperature rise by 0.18 degrees Celsius, or 0.32 degrees
Fahrenheit, per decade.

The result? A planet that has never been hotter. Nine of the 10 warmest years since
1880 have occurred since 2005—and the 5 warmest years on record have all
occurred since 2015. Climate change deniers have argued that there has been a
“pause” or a “slowdown” in rising global temperatures, but numerous studies,
including a 2018 paper published in the journal Environmental Research Letters,
have disproved this claim. The impacts of global warming are already harming
people around the world.
What causes global warming?
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants collect
in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off the
earth’s surface. Normally this radiation would escape into space, but these
pollutants, which can last for years to centuries in the atmosphere, trap the heat and
cause the planet to get hotter. These heat-trapping pollutants—specifically carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and synthetic fluorinated gases—are
known as greenhouse gases, and their impact is called the greenhouse effect.
Though natural cycles and fluctuations have caused the earth’s climate to change
several times over the last 800,000 years, our current era of global warming is
directly attributable to human activity—specifically to our burning of fossil fuels
such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas, which results in the greenhouse effect.
In the United States, the largest source of greenhouse gases is transportation (29
percent), followed closely by electricity production (28 percent) and industrial
activity (22 percent). Learn about the natural and human causes of climate change.

What are the other effects of global warming?

Each year scientists learn more about the consequences of global warming, and
each year we also gain new evidence of its devastating impact on people and the
planet. As the heat waves, droughts, and floods associated with climate change
become more frequent and more intense, communities suffer and death tolls rise. If
we’re unable to reduce our emissions, scientists believe that climate change could
lead to the deaths of more than 250,000 people around the globe every year and
force 100 million people into poverty by 2030.

Global warming is already taking a toll on the United States. And if we aren’t able
to get a handle on our emissions, here’s just a smattering of what we can look
forward to:
  Disappearing glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more
dramatic water shortages and continue to increase the risk of wildfires in the
American West.

 Rising sea levels will lead to even more coastal flooding on the Eastern
Seaboard, especially in Florida, and in other areas such as the Gulf of Mexico.

 Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat waves, heavy
downpours, and increased flooding. All of these can damage or destroy
agriculture and fisheries.

 Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and alpine meadows could drive
many plant and animal species to extinction.

 Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more

common due to increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher levels
of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to pathogens and
mosquitoes.
Though everyone is affected by climate change, not everyone is affected equally.
Indigenous people, people of color, and the economically marginalized are
typically hit the hardest. Inequities built into our housing, health care, and labor
systems make these communities more vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate
change—even though these same communities have done the least to contribute to
it.

Air Quality Management Process Cycle

Air quality management refers to all the activities a regulatory authority undertakes
to help protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of air
pollution. The process of managing air quality can be illustrated as a cycle of inter-
related elements. Click on the image below to enlarge it.
  A government institution typically establishes goals related to air quality.
An example is an acceptable level of a pollutant in the air that will protect
public health, including people who are more vulnerable to the effects of air
pollution.
 Air quality managers need to determine how much emissions
reductions are needed to achieve the goal. Air quality managers use
emissions inventories, air monitoring, air quality modeling and other
assessment tools to understand the air quality problem fully.
 In developing control strategies, air quality managers consider how
pollution prevention and emission control techniques can be applied to
achieve the reductions needed to achieve the goals.
 To successfully achieve the air quality goals, air quality managers need
to implement programs for pollution control strategies. Regulations or
incentive programs that lower emissions from sources need to be put in
place. Regulated industries need training and assistance in how to comply
with rules. And the rules need to be enforced.
 It is important to undertake on-going evaluation to know if your air quality
goals are being met.
The cycle is a dynamic process. There is a continuous review and assessment of
goals and strategies based on their effectiveness. All parts of this process are
informed by scientific research that provides air quality managers with essential
understanding of how pollutants are emitted, transported and transformed in the air
and their effects on human health and the environment.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in

National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas
Ordinance, 2020
 The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region
and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2021 was promulgated on April 13, 2021.
The Ordinance provides for the constitution of a Commission for better co-
ordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air
quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
Adjoining areas have been defined as areas in the states of Haryana, Punjab,
Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCR where any source of
pollution may cause adverse impact on air quality in the NCR. The
Ordinance also dissolves the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control
Authority established in the NCR in 1998. An Ordinance establishing a
similar Commission was promulgated in October, 2020. Key features of the
2021 Ordinance include:

 Functions of the Commission: Functions of the Commission include: (i)

co-ordinating actions taken under the Ordinance by concerned state
governments (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), (ii)
planning and executing plans to prevent and control air pollution in the
NCR, (iii) providing a framework for identification of air pollutants, (iv)
conducting research and development through networking with technical
institutions, (v) training and creating a special workforce to deal with issues
related to air pollution, and (vi) preparing various action plans such as
increasing plantation and addressing stubble burning.

 Powers of the Commission: Powers of the Commission include: (i)

restricting activities influencing air quality, (ii) investigating and conducting
research related to environmental pollution impacting air quality, (iii)
preparing codes and guidelines to prevent and control air pollution, and (iv)
issuing directions on matters including inspections, or regulation which will
be binding on the concerned person or authority. Further, the Commission
may impose and collect environment compensation from farmers causing
 pollution by stubble burning. This compensation will be prescribed by the
central government.

 The Commission will be the sole authority with jurisdiction over matters
defined in the Ordinance (such as air quality management). In case of any
conflict, the orders or directions of the Commission will prevail over the
orders of the respective state governments, the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB), state PCBs, and state-level statutory bodies.

 Composition: The Commission will consist of: (i) a Chairperson, (ii) an

officer of the rank of a Joint Secretary as the member-secretary and Chief
Coordinating Officer, (iii) a currently serving or former Joint Secretary from
the central government as a full-time member, (iii) three independent
technical members with expertise related to air pollution, and (iv) three
members from non-government organisations. The Chairperson and
members of the Commission will have a tenure of three years or till the age
of seventy years, whichever is earlier.

 The Commission will also include ex-officio members: (i) from the central
government and concerned state governments, and (ii) technical members
from CPCB, Indian Space Research Organisation, and NITI Aayog. It may
also appoint representatives of certain ministries.

 Sub-Committees: The Commission is required to form sub-committees on:

(i) monitoring and identification, (ii) safeguarding and enforcement, and (iii)
research and development. These will be headed by a member, the
Chairperson, and a technical member, respectively.

 Selection Committee: A selection committee will be constituted by the

central government for recommending appointments of members of the
Commission. The Committee will be headed by the Minister in charge of
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Members of the
Committee will include the Ministers in charge: (i) Commerce and Industry,
(ii) Road Transport and Highways, (iii) Science and Technology, and (iv)
the Cabinet Secretary.

 Penalties: Contravention of provisions of the Ordinance, or orders and

directions of the Commission will be punishable with imprisonment of up to
five years, or fine of up to one crore rupees, or both. All appeals against the
Commission’s orders will be heard by the National Green Tribunal.
 Air pollution dispersion models
Pollutant dispersion models can be classified as statistical and/or deterministic.
Statistical models include the pollutant dispersion models, such as the Lagrangian
models, which follow the movement of a control volume starting from the source
to the receptor locations. These often assume idealized Gaussian distributions of
pollutants from a point of release, that is, the pollutant concentrations are normally
distributed in both the vertical and horizontal directions from the source. The
Lagrangian approach is common for atmospheric releases. However, recent models
based on the Lagrangian approach have incorporated descriptions of complex
turbulence.

Meteorological factors
Air movements influence the fate of air pollutants. So any study of air pollution
should include a study of the local weather patterns (meteorology).

If the air is calm and pollutants cannot disperse, then the concentration of these
pollutants will build up. On the other hand, when strong, turbulent winds blow,
pollutants disperse quickly, resulting in lower pollutant concentrations.

Meteorological data helps:

 identify the source of pollutants

 predict air pollution events such as inversions and high-pollutant
concentration days
 simulate and predict air quality using computer models.