Indoor & Outdoor Pollutants
When humans first learned the art of fire, they also learned its effects, namely pollution. We know this because soot, which comes from improperly-ventilated fire, has been found in prehistoric caves. But pollution really gained momentum during the industrial revolution and when the auto industry began. Indoor pollution too, has risen with cigarette smoking being the chief culprit. Other indoor pollutants are fuels used for cooking, household chemical and cleaners, noise, heat and light can add to pollution levels.
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Most Common Indoor Pollutant
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Cigarette smoke is bad for everyone. Cigarette smoke is the most common indoor air pollutant and it adversely affects everyone that comes into contact with it, according to Dr. Farouk Jooma of the National Asthma Education Programme. He says that exposure to cigarette smoke is the most important environmental risk factor for asthma (and other chest complaints) in children.
Other Indoor Pollutants
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Fingernail varnish gives off chemical fumes. Other indoor pollutants are substances we use all the time for such innocuous activities as cleaning, painting and even removing nail polish from fingernails. These chemicals can reach toxic levels if there is poor ventilation. Nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide are all indoor pollutants that can cause asthmatic attacks and even death if not properly ventilated. Eyes, noses, and throats can get irritated, and breathing problems can arise from contact with indoor pollutants.
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Industrial Pollution
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Most outdoor pollution is caused by industries with power stations being the largest contributors, according to Dr. Jooma, especially those that burn coal since they spew out large quantities of sulphur dioxide (SO2). Waste from industry also finds its way into the waterways, which then get polluted, and in turn pollute fish and marine animals. Some water pollutants are asbestos, mercury, and oils from oil-spills.
Automobile Pollution
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Cars are a major source of pollution. Cars are fun and useful, but unfortunately they add a significant amount of pollution to our world. According to EVs Roll, a website dedicated to car pollution facts, Americans use nearly 400 million gallons of gasoline each day and these emit approximately 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each day. Lead from car batteries is another pollutant contributed by automobiles.
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References
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