Did you know that our own planet, earth, has its own ability to clean the air? Are you surprised? Well, it is indeed true! However, as time passes, technology evolves, inventions are produced, and human activities continue to increase, the earth has been losing its ability to clean the air all by itself. This happens because of air pollution. The earth, being unable to purify its own air, is beginning to have adverse effects on the environment, causing acid rain, smog, and a wide range of health problems.
Here are the top major causes of air pollution that weaken the Earth’s ability to cleanse the air:
• Pesticides that are used to kill indoor and outdoor pests, insecticides that are utilized to exterminate insects, and herbicides that are used to eradicate weeds are all contributing to the hazards that bring about air pollution.
• Automobile, trucks, jet airplanes, and other combustion engine vehicles instigate air pollution. The exhaust released by these things contains carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide and gaseous oxide. This creates smog which sets off many respiratory health problems and holes in the ozone layer, which amplifies the exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
• There are many factories, office buildings, homes, and some other power-generating stations which burn fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels is harmful and contributes to the heightening problem of air pollution. The burning of oil and coal also contributes to smog.
• When there is indoor air pollution, sick building syndrome (SBS) is the term which is used. This occurs when there is not an adequate amount of ventilation to dispense the toxic fumes from, for example, a new carpet, paint or any cleaning chemicals which are used primarily indoors.
• Petroleum refineries release hydrocarbons that are heavily polluting the air.