General

Atmospheric pollution

Air pollution in urban areas is generated by transport, industry and energy production. But it is not only a visual or olfactory problem, but also one of the main health risks in the world. Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, air atmospheric pollution is responsible for the premature death of 7 million people each year.

What is atmospheric pollution?

Atmospheric pollution means the presence of impurities or the increase of certain substances in the atmosphere that modify air composition. These pollutants can not only be harmful to human health but can also negatively affect the environment, natural resources, living organisms and ecosystems.

Causes of atmospheric pollution

Effects of atmospheric pollution

Air quality can have repercussions on our health or on the environment with immediate or long-term effects. These effects will vary according to the chemical composition of the pollutants, the size of the particles, the exposure degree, among other variables.

Health effects

Effects on the environment

Prevention

There are certain measures that can be taken, not only at the governmental level but also at personal level, to prevent or reduce atmospheric pollution.

Sources of atmospheric pollution

Types of atmospheric pollution

Examples

Smog in Pakistan

In this country, the environmental situation is worrying. Pakistan ranks third in the world in terms of the number of victims of pollution, with 125 000 deaths per year. Pollution particularly affects the air. It should be noted that this is a country with thousands of factories that emit their toxic gases into the atmosphere. In the autumn of 2016, there was a large cloud of smog in the country and the following year, the phenomenon was repeated, causing respiratory diseases in the population such as asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and respiratory failure.

The case of Saudi Arabia

According to some studies, this country has one of the highest levels of atmospheric pollution in the world. Carbon emissions are very high. Unfortunately, in this country there is not the best disposition for the use of renewable energies.

Airplanes

Although the energy efficiency of aircraft has improved over the years, it is important to emphasize that aircraft contribute more to atmospheric pollution than other means of transport. They consume more fuel per kilometer per person than other means of transport. On the other hand, aircraft expel harmful gases directly into the atmosphere which makes their action even more harmful.

Written by Gabriela Briceño V.
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How to cite this article?

Briceño V., Gabriela. (2019). Atmospheric pollution. Recovered on 23 February, 2024, de Euston96: https://www.euston96.com/en/atmospheric-pollution/

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