Impact of Air Pollution on Public Health: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Dr. Himay Sharma November 3, 2023Last Updated: December 9, 2024

1 4,900 5 minutes read

Pollution in major Indian cities remains a pressing concern, with deteriorating air quality posing significant health and environmental challenges. The Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently registers alarming levels, particularly during the winter months. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai frequently witness AQI readings exceeding 300, categorized as “Hazardous.” These high pollution levels are primarily due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural residue burning.

The toxic mix of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and premature mortality. Let us understand air pollution in detail.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is the contamination of Earth’s atmosphere by harmful substances, often released by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicular emissions. These pollutants, including particulate matter, chemicals, and gases, can degrade air quality and harm human health, wildlife, and the environment (1).

Types of Air Pollutants

There are two types of air pollutants

1.Primary Air Pollutants:

The pollutants that are directly responsible for causing air pollution are called primary air pollutants. An example of a primary air pollutant is Sulphur-dioxide emitted from factories.

2. Secondary Air Pollutants:

The pollutants formed by mixing and reacting with primary pollutants are called secondary air pollution. An example of secondary pollutants is smog.

Causes of Air Pollution

Vehicular Pollution

Increasing vehicular pollution is a major cause of concern for air pollution. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles emit pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), NOx, and particulate matter.

Construction Work

Construction of high rises also add to the air pollution. The harmful particles in construction materials like cement directly mixes in the air. This lead to people breathing toxic air and cause respiratory problems.

Industrial Activities

Industrial activities are the biggest cause of air pollution. Factories and manufacturing plants emit pollutants, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Agricultural Activities

Crop burning, pesticide use, and livestock farming release ammonia and methane into the air. These are the most dangerous gases polluting the air.

Mining Activities

During the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of machinery. The dust and chemicals released during the mining not only pollute the air but also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.

Deforestation

Increasing deforestation for commercial uses is adding to the problem of air pollution. Forest loss reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

Fossil Fuels

The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO).

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution has a range of harmful effects on human health, the environment and the economy. Here are the details of some of these adverse consequences.

1. Health Effects:

Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can lead to respiratory diseases, including bronchitis and asthma. (2)
Cardiovascular Issues: Air pollution is linked to heart problems, including heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure. (3)
Cancer: Prolonged exposure to carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Effect on Lung Health: Exposure to air pollution can adversely affect lung health. Inhaling pollutants like fine particles toxic gases can lead to chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Damaged to the lungs and accelerate lungs ageing. It can also decrease the lung function. (4)

2. Environmental Effects:

Global Warming: Some air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change.
Biodiversity Loss: Acid rain and ground-level ozone harm ecosystems, endangering wildlife and plant species.
Water Pollution: Airborne pollutants can deposit into bodies of water, leading to water pollution and harming aquatic life.
Acid Rain: Harmful gases like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) released from burning fossil fuel reacts with moisture in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acid. These acids combine with rain drops to form acid rain. Acid rain can harm ecosystem, aquatic life and infrastructure. It can also lead to soil and water acidity, damaging plants.

3. Economic Effects:

Healthcare Costs: Treating pollution-related illnesses incurs substantial healthcare expenses for individuals and governments.
Lost Productivity: Pollution-related health issues can lead to workdays lost, reduced productivity, and economic losses.
Agricultural Impacts: Air pollution damages crops, reducing agricultural yields and income for farmers.

4. Social Impacts:

Health Inequality: Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities, often bear a disproportionate burden of air pollution-related health problems.
Mental Health: Poor air quality can contribute to stress and anxiety, impacting overall well-being.

Prevention of Air Pollution

Preventing and reducing air pollution is crucial for improving air quality and mitigate the it’s harmful effects. Here are various strategies and actions to achieve this goal

1. Transition to Clean Energy Sources:

Renewable Energy: Promote the use of wind, solar, and hydroelectric power to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation.
Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency in homes, industries, and transportation to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

2. Green Transportation:

Public Transit: Invest in efficient and affordable public transportation systems to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Encourage the adoption of electric cars, which produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Active Transportation: Promote walking, cycling, and carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

3. Air Quality Regulations:

Emission Standards: Enforce strict emissions standards for industries, power plants, and vehicles.
Cap-and-Trade Programs: Implement market-based approaches to limit emissions by putting a price on carbon.
Air Quality Monitoring: Continuously monitor air quality and make data available to the public for awareness and action. (5)

4. Reducing Industrial Emissions:

Technological Upgrades: Encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies and improve energy efficiency.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Implement CCS to capture and store carbon emissions from power plants and industrial sources.

5. Sustainable Agriculture:

Crop Residue Management: Discourage the burning of agricultural residues and promote sustainable alternatives like mulching and composting.
Reduced Chemical Use: Encourage farmers to reduce chemical fertilizers and pesticides to minimize ammonia and VOC emissions.

6. Waste Management:

Recycling and Composting: Promote recycling and composting to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can produce methane gas.
Waste-to-Energy Facilities: Invest in technologies that convert waste into energy while reducing emissions.

7. Reforestation and Green Spaces:

Planting Trees: Expand urban green spaces and reforest areas to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality.
Green Roofs: Encourage the construction of green roofs on buildings to reduce heat island effects and improve air quality.

Conclusion

Rising air pollution is a major health crisis in India. With the quality of air deteriorating each year, controlling air pollution should be the primary concern for people. Air pollution impacts the health of people who breathe this toxic air. There are rising cases of asthma in people. Identifying the sources of air pollution and offering incentives on solutions is the best way to manage air pollution.

FAQS:

1.What is the biggest impact of air pollution?

The biggest impact of air pollution is lung damage that can lead to respiratory diseases and lung cancer.

2. What are the effects of air pollution?

The effects of air pollution include respiratory problems like irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Heart issues like heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and other health issues like poor immunity.

3. What are the 10 major causes of air pollution?

The 10 major causes of air pollution include