AIR POLLUTION

A SILENT THREAT
 COLLEGE OF BASIC SCIENCES

◦ BSC 1st year 2nd semester Physical sciences

◦ Presented to – Dr. Priyanka Kalia

◦ Presented by – Akshat Katoch

◦ Admission number – S-2023-08-002

 What is air pollution ?
◦ Definition – Air pollution means the
contamination of atmosphere and presence of
physical, chemical elements in the atmosphere
that destroy the balance of gases in it.

◦ Examples – Smoke from vehicles, dust from

construction sites, burning of fossil fuel etc.
 Causes of air pollution –
Natural
◦ Volcanic activity
◦ Forest fires
◦ Pollen grains
◦ Bacteria spread by wind
◦ Gas release from marshes
◦ Radioactive emissions from earth
Man made
◦ Industrial activity
◦ Vehicular emission
◦ Side effects of modern agriculture
◦ Domestic source
◦ Mining activity
◦ Thermal Power plant
 Major class of air pollutant –
I. Carbon Mono oxide – It is a colourless , odourless and tasteless gas generated from industries, biomass burning and motor
vehicles. Its natural sources are burning of wheat and rice straw in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh . When inhaled can
cause reduction in blood capacity of carrying oxygen.
II. Sulphur Oxide – It is mainly generated by burning of fossil fuels or burning of coals . The major source are the wet and dry
deposition of sulphur by power plants as it can react with gas or water to form sulphur dioxide. It can cause bronchitis ,
decrease in the ability of lungs to clear particulate matter.
III. Nitrogen Oxide – From the 6 oxides of nitrogen nitric oxide and nitrogen di oxide referred as oxides of nitrogen are the
major pollutant . Sourced from biomass burning, lightning, aircraft emission .Can cause major respiratory problems and risk
of asthma .
IV. Ground level ozone – Its sources are emissions from vehicles reacting in sunlight and industrial process . Symptoms if
inhaled are coughing , chest tightness, irritation in eyes , nose and throat .
V. Volatile organic compound – Main sources being the paint , solvents and gasoline can cause eye , nose and throat irritation ,
headaches , nausea and dizziness .
 Causes –
In India, the major cause of air pollution is a combination of factors, but experts often point to industrial
pollution as the biggest contributor, accounting for around 51% of the issue. Here's a breakdown of the major
sources of air pollution in India:
• Industrial Pollution: Emissions from factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities significantly
contribute to air pollution. These facilities release pollutants like particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and
nitrogen oxides.
• Vehicle Emissions: Vehicles, particularly in urban areas, are a major source of air pollution. They release
pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
• Crop Burning: The practice of burning agricultural waste after harvest is a significant source of air pollution,
especially in rural areas. This burning releases large amounts of particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
• Other Sources: Dust from construction activities, waste burning, and coal for cooking and heating in rural areas
also contribute to air pollution in India.
 PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles with
Average Annual PM2.5 Concentration in INDIA diameters that are generally 2.5 micro
meters or smaller. Here's a breakdown of
PM2.5 in air pollution:
•Size Matters: PM2.5 particles are
incredibly tiny – imagine something 2.5
micro meters in diameter, about 30 times
12% smaller than the width of a human hair!
20% Their small size allows them to travel deep
2000 into our lungs and even reach our
2005
14% bloodstream.
2010
2015 •Health Threat: Due to their size, PM2.5
2020 poses the greatest health risk among air
2023 pollutants. These particles can trigger
21% respiratory problems, worsen existing heart
15%
and lung conditions, and even contribute to
cancer.
18% •Air Quality Indicator: PM2.5
concentration is a key indicator of overall
air quality. Many government agencies
monitor PM2.5 levels to understand air
quality and potential health risks.
Overall, PM2.5 is a major concern in air
pollution due to its detrimental health
effects.
 Effects –
1.Public Health Crisis: India grapples with some of the world's most polluted cities. This air, laden with harmful
pollutants like PM2.5, triggers respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. The World Bank
estimates air pollution caused 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019 alone.
2.Economic Burden: Air pollution isn't just a health threat; it strains the economy. A World Bank study suggests
India's GDP could have been $95 billion higher in 2019 with cleaner air. Lost productivity due to illness,
premature deaths, and healthcare expenses take a significant toll.
3.Environmental Degradation: Air pollution isn't confined to human lungs. Pollutants like sulphur dioxide
contribute to acid rain, harming forests and ecosystems. Reduced visibility due to smog disrupts daily life and
impacts transportation safety.
4.Impact on Agriculture: Crop burning, a common practice, releases pollutants that stunt plant growth and
reduce agricultural yields. This threatens food security, especially for vulnerable populations.
5.Strained Healthcare System: Air pollution emergencies overwhelm healthcare systems with a surge in
respiratory and cardiac cases. This strains resources and reduces the quality of care for all patients.
  Investment
Sectors effected by air pollution
Discouragement
Increased Costs: Companies face
Tourism decline
higher operational costs due to:
•Health Care: Employees suffering from
pollution-related illnesses require more
Lost Productivity
medical attention, increasing healthcare
expenses for companies.
•Employee Productivity: Air pollution
can lead to absenteeism and decreased
Healthcare cost productivity due to respiratory issues.
•Pollution Control
Measures: Industries in polluted areas
may need to invest in additional
Reduce in agriculture yields pollution control technologies to comply
with regulations, adding to initial and
ongoing costs.

Investment discouragement

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
 Solutions –
Air pollution is a complex problem, but there are several solutions we can implement to control it. Here's a
breakdown of approaches at different levels:
Individual Level:
• Reduce Vehicle Use: Walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transport whenever possible. This helps reduce
emissions from cars.
• Energy Efficiency: Conserve energy at home by using energy-efficient appliances, switching off lights
and electronics when not in use, and lowering thermostats in winter. Reduced energy demand means less
reliance on polluting power plants.
• Sustainable Practices: Avoid burning waste, use eco-friendly cleaning products, and choose products
with minimal packaging.
• Plant Trees: Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Plant trees in your
surroundings to improve air quality.
 Solutions –
Community Level:
• Support Public Transport: Advocate for improved public transport systems to encourage fewer cars on
the road.
• Community Gardens: Promote urban green spaces and community gardens that help filter pollutants
and improve air quality.
• Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about the effects of air pollution and encourage individual
action.
 Steps taken by government –
The Indian government has implanted several initiatives to combat air pollution .

Regulations and standards –

◦ National Ambient Air Quality Standards ( NAAQS) – The government sets air quality standards to limit air pollutant
concentration .
◦ Emission standards – Stricter emission norms are enforced for industries to reduce pollutants from factories and power plants .

Policy and programs –

◦ National Clean Air Programme ( NCAP ) – This flagship programme aims for 20 – 30 percent reduction in particulate
matter concentration in major cities by 2024 .
◦ City specific action plans – 131 cities have developed plans targeting local pollution sources like vehicle emission ,
construction dust and industrial waste .
◦ Promotion of cleaner fuels – Policies encourage the use of cleaner alternatives like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to reduce vehicle emission .
 Steps taken by government –
Public Awareness and capacity building –
o Environment Education Programmes – Initiative like National Green Corps engage students in environmental
protection activities , raising awareness about air pollution .
o Monitoring and data sharing – A wider air quality monitoring network is being established to assess pollution levels
and inform policy decision .

Air (Prevention and control of Pollution ) Act 1981 –

o This act empowers the government to establish central and state pollution control board to monitor and regulate air
quality . Set NAAQS and define emission limits. The air act has been amended several times to strengthen its provision .
The 1987 amendment allows for stricter measures during emergencies caused by air pollution.
National
Ambient Air
Quality
Standards
Set by Indian govt under the air
act 1981 by Central Pollution
Control Board .
 WHY ?
The Dhaula Dhar range is
normally not visible from
Jalandhar due to air pollution.
However, under the 2020
lockdown due to coronavirus,
when there was a significant
reduction in air pollution, the
Dhaula Dhar range became
visible from Jalandhar, which is
about 213 kilometres away.
This was a rare sight that gave
an unforgettable example of
how these industries have taken
the beauty of many cites in
various states of our country .
THANK YOU