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Air pollution
There are vast effects of air pollution, ranging from short to long term, that are hazardous to the human health. Air pollution poses a considerable human health risk, causing serious respiratory problems and other illnesses. Studies have shown that the number of deaths resulting from air pollution alone in the US could amount up to over 50,000.
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Acid Rain
Acid rain is precipitation (rain, snow, mists) that has become acidified after reacting with the sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere that is emitted mainly by factories and cars. It is a result of air pollution and has adverse effects on the ecosystems, water contamination, marine life, and erodes buildings. Many of Britain’s freshwater fish are at risk and studies have shown mutated fish being hatched, which in turn affects the corresponding food chains. Acid rain slows down the growth of trees or may even result in death. This is due to the rain (a)dissolving or washing away useful nutrients and minerals in the soil, (b)releasing harmful substances such as aluminum into the soil and (c)wear away the waxy protective coating of leaves, thus damaging them and make photosynthesis less efficient. The effects of acid rain are most obvious in aquatic habitats where the water becomes acidic and the sea life starts to die or even deform newly hatched fish. Toxic consumption of sea life will in turn take a toll on us, humans as discussed in water pollution. Acid rain also quickens the process of the erosion of materials used to build buildings (statues, vehicles, pipes).
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Hazardous Gases
Poisonous pollutants present in the air may also affect our health and behavior. Carbon monoxide, for example, forces oxygen out of our bloodstream, causing lethargy, headaches, disorientation, and decrease our muscular coordination and acuteness of sight
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Photochemical Smog
Air pollution results in photochemical smog, damaging and destroying synthetic materials. This smog can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and respiratory functions, possibly causing you to have potential fits. Young children have been found to suffer from pain in chest, dyspnea, numbness in limbs, and convulsions which require hospital treatment. This is especially the case after the course of an intense outdoor activity. Albeit low concentration of pollutants, the outcome can be exaggerated after an intense activity.
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Ozone layer
Depletion of the ozone layer is a large cause for concern. This can intensify the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching us, where it not only destroys harvest and vegetation but also induce skin cancer and cataracts. The depletion of the ozone layer is mainly caused by the emission of chlorofluorocarbons from air conditioners, refrigerators, and aerosols.
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Read more under Climate Changes and find out how YOU can help.