The Effects Air Pollution Has on the Environment


It goes almost without saying that air pollution has now risen to worrying levels in urban arrears. Respiratory conditions which can be linked to air pollution are also on the rise. The same can be said of still birth and miscarriage incidents. All these and more explain why there is an immediate need to preventive measures into account.  Be sure to buy unleaded gasoline if you can, quit smoking and invest in air masks.  You will have played your part to ensure planet earth’s former glory is restored. But while at it, always keep in mind that air pollution affects the environment in the following ways. It is important thta you rake air pollution seriously, check out our air mask guide here!

Global warming

Much has been said and written about global warming. At the current rate of increase, the global temperature is projected to rise from 3 Degrees Celsius to 8 Degrees Celsius in the next 100 years. Such an increase is by all means dangerous.  It will have a direct impact on climate, weather patterns will change and distribution of plans and animals will no longer remain the same. There will also be a significant reduction of food and animal production. The effects can already be seen as snow caps now begin to melt.

Photochemical smog

When dangerous pollutants like nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons combine in the presence of sunlight, photochemical smog begins to form.  This is a mixture of toxic gases that often leads to poor visibility. Note that the word smog is derived from the words ‘smoke’ and ‘fog’. It forms a thick yellowish brown haze that mostly occurs during winter. Its effect goes beyond visibility as it also leads to respiratory disorders and allergies.

Acid rain

Acid rain forms when nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide react with water in the atmosphere. The result is nitric acid and sulphuric acid, they come down with rain, a phenomenon that is referred to acid rain. The full composition of acid rain is nitric acid, sulphuric acid and carbonic acid. The consequences are of course dire as the pH of acid rain ranges from 3 to 6. Respiratory complications and skin disorders are some of the main health effects that acid rain can cause.  As far as the environment is concerned, acid rain can easily damage soil pH and make land unproductive.  It can also take a toll on aquatic life and damage buildings.

Aerosol formation

Dispersion of liquid and solid matter in the air is what experts refer to as aerosol formation. It seems harmless to the environment until one takes a look at the stakes involved. Once aerosols form a thick layer in the troposphere, weather conditions become affected.  Solar radiation then becomes impossible.

Depletion of the ozone layer

The ozone layer absorbs ultra violet rays from the sun. It therefore protects humans from harmful rays. Unfortunately, hydrocarbons like chlorofluorocarbons otherwise known as CFCs affect the ozone layer because of air pollution. They destroy ozone molecules at an alarming rate. The ozone layer may be depleted.

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