What is Air Pollution
We hear all about air pollution and the potential problems that it can cause, but what is air pollution, why are there so many types of air pollution?
Why is it so important that we deal with air pollution issues when most of us look outside our window and see nothing wrong with the air?
Air pollution is toxic to humans as well as the environment, and is created via particles of contaminants in the air. These contaminants are almost always the result of human activity.
Air pollution cuts down on the viability if the oxygen that is necessary for human survival. Air is created by an essential mixture of oxygen, made up of inert gases, nitrogen, water vapors, and oxygen.
The more particles of contaminants that are released and captured within the atmosphere, the less room there is for the necessary gases that create the air that supports life on this planet. Thus, the potential for eventual suffocation is not really a myth. Without intervention, pollution particles have the potential to overtake the necessary gases and deplete the oxygen supply.
We hear about terms like greenhouse effect, smog, ozone depletion, and acid rain. What is air pollution, or is it all just pollution?
In reality, these are considered the result of air pollution. A greenhouse effect is the result of air pollution that is caused by emissions from gasoline and diesel powered dependant machines and manufacturing.
The ozone depletion is a result of the destructive toxins released into the air through air conditioning systems, aerosol sprays, the production and even recycling methods of numerous materials, and potentially the burning of wood, coal, or barbeque bricks.
Smog and acid rain are the result of noxious gas release. Noxious gases are particularly dangerous because they have the potential to continue to react after they make it into the atmosphere. The gases continue to mix and react well after the initial damage is done. Noxious gases include carbon dioxide, chemical vapors, and nitrogen oxides.
This type of air pollution is highly dangerous because it maintains its potential for destruction when it returns to the earth trapped in rain and in fog vapors. When people breathe in this air, health problems can abound.
Air pollution is not restricted to the outside air. The air inside our homes and offices can be just as dangerous to our health as the toxic effects of the outside air. Without purification, air pollution inside the home or office can be the result of human activity. Cigarette smoke is a primary pollutant, but even cooking can release toxins into the air.
Every time a Teflon coated pan is scratched the toxic release is enough to kill domesticated birds. Air purification is necessary in order to avoid the long term effects of indoor pollution. Dust, dander, and allergens are uncomfortable but are not considered to be heavy pollutants like smoke and chemical pollutants are.
Air pollution is a serious problem. It is considered even more dangerous than other forms of pollution because public education is very difficult. Most people go by what they see, and when the air outside looks clear and clean, a false sense of security can develop and therefore can be twice as scary.