expository essay sample
Air Pollution: A Preventable Killer
All life on earth is dependent on air for survival and optimal functioning. In fact, out of all the planets in our galaxy, earth is the only habitable planet due to the quality of available air. However, there are varying aspects that cause air problems that lead to a disruption in the normal functioning of the environment and results to devastating effects on quality life for humans’ animals and vegetation alike (Phalen & Phalen, 2013). A major air problem is pollution and it definitely has devastating effects on the quality of life and the environment as a whole. In this paper, we discuss the diverse causes and effects of air pollution on humanity and the environment.
Air pollution can be described as the introduction of chemicals, biological materials or particulate matter that is harmful to the environment or living organism, into the atmosphere. Some of the main pollutants are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides (Scorer, 2013). Most importantly, there are different causes of air pollution. Firstly, there is the combustion of petroleum, coal and natural gases in automobiles, aircrafts, thermal plants, kitchens and industries. Secondly, there are metallurgical processes that result in release of fumes containing sulphides, fluorides and metallic pollutants such as vanadium, cadmium, mercury, lead and chromium (Vallero & MyiLibrary, 2008). Additionally there are chemical industries for pesticides and fertilizers that add on to the release of pollutants. Other pollutants come from cosmetics, processing industries, welding and gem grinding industries. Finally, there are natural pollutants such as volcanic gases, pollen spores, mash gases and emissions from solar and electric storm flares. Overall, all these pollutants are harmful to humans and the environment as they poses varying negative effects on the health and sustainability of both (Tan, 2014).
Air pollutants can be classified into gaseous and particulate with particulate pollutants including liquid and solid substances. The pollutants have harmful impacts on people, animals and vegetation (Tan, 2014). Furthermore, the pollutants affect the environment including the earth’s climate. For instance smoke and dust particles that can stay suspended in the air for long periods irritate the respiratory tract and cause asthma, bronchitis and other lung diseases. Smog formed by smoke and dust particles causes the condensation of water vapor around its particles and attracts pollutant chemicals with nitrogen and sulfur properties (Vallero & MyiLibrary, 2008). The smog affects plants through necrosis and glazing in addition to minimizing the light that gets to the plants. High concentrations of cotton dust can cause lung fibrosis also called byssinosis while asbestosis, siderosis and silicosis can emanate for abnormal concentrations of asbestos, iron and stone grinders matters. Carbon monoxide produced by incomplete combustion of varying carbon fuels in industries and automobiles impairs hemoglobin’s oxygen carrying capacities (Vallero & MyiLibrary, 2008). Sulphur oxides commonly formed as sulphur dioxide comes from burning of coal and petroleum. It is the leading cause of acid rain since it combines with water to create sulphurous acid. The pollutant causes necrosis and chloris of vegetation as well as injures respiratory tracts and causes irritation of the eyes in human beings (Vallero & MyiLibrary, 2008). Nitrogen oxides are produced through varying non-biological and biological processes from energy radiations, nitrites, nitrates and solar flares. They also emanate from combustion in industries, incinerators, automobiles and fertilizers. Nitrogen oxide pollutants cause blood congestion, respiratory issues and dilation of arteries. Carbon dioxide causes some of the most detrimental issues on earth. The gas absorbs reflected infrared radiation resulting to increased temperatures a process known as the greenhouse effect (Matyssek, 2013). Furthermore, this leads to melting of polar ice caps that in turn cause a rise in sea levels leading to floods and other climatic changes. Considering that most of these aspects are controllable by man, there are varying ways through which they can be tamed or minimized to ensure sustainability of life and the earth itself.
People have to take measures to enhance their quality of life and protect their environment in respect to the effects of air pollution. One way to control air pollution is by limiting the release of poisonous gases and fumes into the air (Scorer, 2013). This can be done by passing fumes and gases from industries through installed water tower scrubbers. Moreover, industry can use tall chimneys installed with electrostatic precipitators and filters to reduce poisonous emissions. Additionally, they can develop and employ non-combustive forms of energy from solar power, wind power and nuclear power (Matyssek, 2013). Changes have to be made by utilizing non-lead antiknock agents in the gasoline people use or development of pollution free fuels to be used in automobiles. Fuels from hydrogen, alcohol or battery power can facilitate emission controls. Growing plants that can fix carbon monoxide levels and metabolize gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen oxide can also reduce air pollution (Matyssek, 2013). All in all, this are just but some of the varying strategies that can be undertaken to minimize air pollution since some factors are natural and cannot be controlled through man made strategies.
In conclusion, since people cannot survive without air, it is necessary for them to ensure that they maintain and protect it to the best of their ability. In fact, they have to fight for its maintenance to ensure that they protect themselves against the diverse effects of air pollution. Air pollution affects the whole world in general and knows no boundaries (Vallero & MyiLibrary, 2008). Air pollution is caused by many variable and as these paper discuses, most of these variables are directly related to human activities. Therefore, these human activities have to be analyzed and regulated in ways that will ensure the promotion of life and the continued stability and protection of the environment. It is bad to see people suffering and dying due to causes that can be regulated through available mechanisms.
Reference
Matyssek, R. (2013). Climate change, air pollution and global challenges: Understanding and perspectives from forest research. Burlington: Elsevier Science.
Phalen, R. F., & Phalen, R. N. (2013). Introduction to air pollution science: A public health perspective. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Scorer, R. S. (2013). Air Pollution. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Science.
Tan, Z. (2014). Air pollution and greenhouse gases: From basic concepts to engineering applications for air emission control. Singapore: Springer.
Vallero, D. A., & MyiLibrary. (2008). Fundamentals of air pollution. Amsterdam: Elsevier.