Air Pollution :: Papers

Air pollution occurs when wastes dirty the air. People produce most of the wastes that cause air pollution. Such wastes can be in the form of gases or particles of solid or liquid substance. These substances result chiefly from burning fuel to power motor vehicles. Industrial processes and the burning of garbage also contribute to air pollution. natural pollutants include dust, soil particles and naturally occurring gases. The rapid growth of population and industry and the increased use of automobiles and airplanes, have made air pollution a serious problem. the air we breathe has become so filled with pollutants that it can cause health problems. Polluted air also harms plants, animals, building materials and fabrics. In addition, it causes damage by altering the earth's atmosphere. Chief sources of air pollution  · Forms of transportation,such as automobiles, airplanes, ships and trains are the leading source of air pollution of the industrial nations. The major pollutants produced by these sources are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons(compounds of carbon and hydrogen), and nitrogen oxides(compounds of nitrogen and oxygen). Nitrogen oxides can react in the presence of sunlight to produce a form of oxygen called ozone(O3). Ozone is the chief component of photo-chemical smog, which is a common form of air pollution.  · Fuel combustion used for heating or cooling in factories contributes significantly to air pollution. Electric power plants that burn coal or oil also release pollutants into the atmosphere. The major pollutants from these sources are nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides(compounds of sulphur and oxygen), and carbon dioxide.  · Industrial processes produce a wide range of pollutants. Oil refineries discharge ammonia, hydrocarbons,organic acids and sulfur oxides. Metal smelting plants give off large amounts of sulfur oxides and particles containing lead and other metals. Plants that produce plastic foam are a major source of chlorofluorocarbons(CFC's),compounds of chlorine,fluorine and carbon.  · Burning of solid wastes often creates a very visible form of air pollution-thick,black smoke. The burning of garbage, leaves and other