Atmospheric Pollution
One can consider air pollution as pollution that has existed since the ancient times. However, this pollution has several types, which can be distinguished by both content and source. According to Sokhi (2008) there are at least six types of air pollution: gaseous pollutants, greenhouse effect, acid rain, ozone, particulate matter, and climatic effects. Usually, the sources that create these types of air pollution come from both natural and man-made sources and each contribute to global warming . The effects of air pollution in humans and the environment are adverse as humans; living organisms and the environment need air to sustain their life. According to Rao (2006) air pollution causes several health problems to humans, which can start from the eye and skin irritation to respiratory diseases that may cause death like cancer or even bronchial infections. Air pollution’s effect in the environment is less obvious; however, restoring it to its uncontaminated state would take years to correct. Air pollution can contaminate lands and water supplies, affecting food supply for the ecosystem. Air toxins can be deposited in lands and bodies of water, making them inhabitable for plant and wildlife
Harrison (2000) noted that many countries around the globe are starting to monitor air pollution by starting in substantial sources of pollutant emissions such as cars and factories. Several alternative fuels had been introduced to the market such as hydro fuel, solar fuel and even electric fuel. Others use exhaust after-treatments such as catalysts to absorb or convert air pollutants into cleaner particulates. There is also the use of technology to regulate nitrogen oxide emissions, and sulphur content. Present day fuels are currently studied if they can be combined with other alternative fuel sources. Air pollution policies are also enforced in lieu of the problem of climate change, such as the Clean Air Act and the Air Quality Law .
References
Harrison, R. (2000). Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
Rao, C. (2006). Environmental Pollution Control Engineering. New Delhi: New Age International Publishers.
Sokhi, R. (2008). World Altas of Atmospheric Pollution. London: Anthem Press.
