Air Pollution

Pollution in the environment is one of the pressing concerns facing our society today. The different types of pollution include air, water, soil and noise pollution. Environmental pollution has negative impacts on the environment and human life. Air pollution is the most widely spread type of pollution. Air pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the atmosphere resulting in the endangerment of the environment and reduction in the quality of human life. Unlike other types of pollution that may be limited to the area of pollution, the effects of air pollution are global. Air pollution results from the emission of toxic gases from industries, factories, vehicles and open burning. Air pollution adversely affects human health and the environment. The environment is the immediate surrounding for man and in essence, it is man’s home. The environment is thus integral to the survival of humanity, and it is the society’s responsibility to protect the environment. This paper will entail an argument on the importance of protecting the environment from air pollution. 

Industrialization in the society has resulted in an increase in industries. The activities in the industries result in the emission of gases into the atmosphere, and this contributes to air pollution. Vehicles have also increased on the roads as the society becomes more affluent. As a result, air pollution has increased, and this has been detrimental to the environment. The result of air pollution is the consequent increase in the death rates resulting from respiratory problems. Air pollution causes lung diseases and in extreme cases it may cause lung cancer. Children are the most susceptible victims to respiratory infections resulting from air pollution. It is the society's duty to protect its people especially children from air pollution. One of the air pollutants that is detrimental to human health is Ozone. Ozone is created by sunlight acting on emissions containing nitrogen oxide. It affects both healthy people and people with impaired respiratory problems. It causes chest pain, coughing, pulmonary congestion and nausea. Other diseases accompanying air pollution include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and cancer. Human health ought to be paramount, and people should stop polluting the air to stave off such respiratory problems associated with air pollution.

Air pollution destroys the environment, and it deteriorates the ecosystem. Emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere harms the environment, and it endangers the human life. Emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxide by industries result in acid rain. Acid rain occurs when nitrogen oxide and sulfur combine in the atmosphere. It has an adverse effect on the soil, and it also has damaging effects on aquatic, forest and wildlife ecosystems. Man cannot further his advancement at the expense of the environment and its inhabitants including animals. It is, therefore, important for a society to protect the environment from air pollution and other types of pollution. 

Air pollution can be prevented and reduced through strategic measures and actions. One of the ways in which we can reduce air pollution is by implementing policies that compel companies to treat their waste before emitting it into the atmosphere. People should also embrace public transportation since this will decrease the number of vehicles on our roads subsequently reducing the fumes emitted by vehicles into the atmosphere.

In conclusion, it is our responsibility to take care of the environment and protect it from harm caused by pollution. The fact that the world is our home should be enough motivation to combat air pollution. It is evident that air pollution has serious repercussions on human health, and this should be a challenge for us to manage air pollution and save thousands of lives.

References

Colls, Jeremy. Air Pollution. 2nd ed. London: Spon, 2002. Print.

Brimblecombe, Peter. The Effects of Air Pollution on the Built Environment. London: Imperial College Press, c2001, 2000. Print.

Holgate, S T. Air Pollution and Health. San Diego: Academic Press, 1999. Internet resource.

Ayres, J. G. Air Pollution and Health. London: Imperial College ;, 2006. Print.