Major Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is defined as the introduction of various toxins, chemicals, biological materials or particulate matters into the atmosphere. The atmosphere is a gaseous blanket that helps in supporting life on Earth by protecting us from harmful radiation. Pollutants can cause harm and discomfort to humans, as well as damage to the natural environment, thus causing serious health hazards among all the species on planet Earth. Some of the most common causes of air pollution are discussed below.

Stationary Sources

Stationary sources of air pollution are industrial factories, power plants and furnaces. These sources emit into the atmosphere large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Even though CO2 is a natural component of the earth's atmosphere, increased levels of it is one of the major causes of global warming.

Mobile Sources

Mobile causes of air pollution include automobiles and aircraft. Vehicle exhausts are considered to be one of the most common sources of air pollution, accounting for about 40 percent of all the sources of air pollution worldwide. Vehicles generally emit large amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), which can lead to serious health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders.

Natural Sources

Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, dust and gases emitted from animal excreta are major causes of air pollution. Forest fires and volcanic eruptions generally emit large amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere, disturbing its ecological balance.

Waste Disposal

Another common cause of air pollution is the disposal of wastes in landfills. Waste depositions emit methane gas. Despite the fact that methane is not harmful in nature by itself, it combines with other gases in the atmosphere and converts into harmful free radicals which can contribute to breathing problems and infection.

Other Common Causes of Air Pollution

Various other factors such as wind erosion, pollen dispersal, burning of fossil fuels and gases emitted from radioactive decay from inside the earth's crust also contribute to air pollution.