Grade 6

Grade 6Air and its composition


Air pollution and its effects


Introduction to air and its composition

Air is an essential part of our environment. It is composed of various gases that are vital for the survival of living beings. The composition of air includes:

  • Nitrogen (N2) – constitutes about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Oxygen (O2) – about 21%, which is necessary for respiration.
  • Other gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), argon (Ar), and small amounts of other gases.

Here's a simplified illustration of the composition of air:


    
    
    
    

    

What is air pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as dust, smoke or toxic gases enter the air, causing damage to the environment and health problems to living beings. These harmful substances are known as air pollutants. Air pollution can be caused by both natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and human activities such as industrial emissions, smoke from vehicles and burning of fossil fuels.

Common air pollutants

Following are some common air pollutants:

  • Carbon monoxide (CO): It is a colourless, odourless gas that is harmful if inhaled in large quantities.
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Gas produced by volcanic eruptions and industrial processes.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Gases that contribute to acid rain and smog.
  • Particulate matter (PM): Tiny particles that can enter our respiratory system and cause health problems.

How does air pollution affect us?

Air pollution can have many harmful effects on both our health and the environment. Let's learn about them in detail:

Effects on human health

Exposure to polluted air can cause serious health challenges, such as:

  • Respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
  • Heart disease.
  • Damage to the nervous system.
  • In extreme cases, air pollution can cause premature death.

Impact on the environment

Apart from human health, air pollution affects the environment in the following ways:

  • Acid rain: Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide can make rain acidic, affecting water bodies and plant life.
  • Climate change: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming.
  • Depletion of the ozone layer: Certain pollutants can thin the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Measures to reduce air pollution

To protect our health and the environment, it is important to take steps to reduce air pollution. Here are some effective strategies:

Use of clean energy sources

Adopting clean energy options like solar, wind and hydropower helps reduce air pollution as these sources do not emit harmful pollutants.

Improving vehicle emissions

Using fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, and taking public transportation can significantly reduce vehicle emissions, which are a major source of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Industrial regulation

It is important to impose strict regulations on industries to ensure that they reduce emission of harmful gases and adopt clean technologies.

Energy conservation

Using energy-efficient appliances and making sure lights and other appliances are turned off when not needed can help reduce air pollution.

Conclusion

Air pollution is a serious issue that has far-reaching effects on health and the environment. Understanding its causes, effects, and prevention strategies is important to tackle this problem. By taking collective action, it is possible to improve air quality and create a healthier and safer environment for current and future generations.


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