Free Air Pollution Essay Sample

Cars and trucks cause air pollution through their entire operational life. This includes pollution that the vehicle emits during its operation, manufacturing, refueling and disposal. There are also additional emissions that are related to the refining and distribution of fuel for these vehicles. There are two types of pollution from car trucks; primary (direct emissions to the atmosphere) and secondary (pollutants in the atmosphere undergo chemical reactions). Some of the major pollutants from cars and trucks include particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Rethinking transportation in large cities can go a long way in reducing the levels of air pollution. It would require the questioning the car culture. For example, one can walk to the grocery store instead of using their car. Also, four people living in the same neighborhood can use one car to get to their workplaces instead of each person using their own car. This is what led Paris to introduce regulations that require car users to use the road alternately depending on whether their plates are odd or even. The use of public transport systems, subways and trains can also go a long way in reducing the number of cars on the roads.
Air population is associated with a number of public health problems. For example, particulate matter can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory problems in human beings. High concentrations of nitrogen oxide can cause inflammation in the airways leading to asthma. Humans contribute to air pollution in a great way but are also greatly affected by it. Aspects of air pollution such as smog can lead to accidents due to visibility, can cause health problems, and usually have a negative effect on bio-diversity since it can lead to the death of plants and animals. In dealing with problems of transportation, the author recommends that there should be proper land use in urban areas to cater for the needs of the growing population in urban areas. This coupled with the use of clean and fuel efficient transport solutions can reduce air pollution.