Atmospheric Air Pollution
The Earth’s atmosphere is a complex and dynamic natural gaseous system supporting life. Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm to humans and other living organisms. Air pollution damages the natural environment of the atmosphere.
Substances directly emitted into the air like ash from volcanic eruptions, carbon monoxide gas from motor vehicles or sulfur dioxides from factories are primary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly but they react to primary pollutants to create smog for instance.
There are various air pollution control technologies and land use planning strategies available to reduce air pollution. The World Health Organization states that 2.4 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. Surprisingly 1.5 million of these deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution.
Biological sources of air pollution are also found indoors such as gases and airborne particulates. Dander from pets, mycotoxins and spores from mold, dust, skin-flakes, hair from humans, dust mites in bedding, carpeting and furniture all produce enzymes and micrometre-sized fecal droppings leading to air pollution indoors.
Air-conditioning systems incubate Legionnaires' disease and mold. Houseplants, soil and surrounding gardens produce pollen, dust, and mold. Lack of air circulation allows these airborne pollutants to accumulate indoors, more than they would otherwise occur in nature.
Substances directly emitted into the air like ash from volcanic eruptions, carbon monoxide gas from motor vehicles or sulfur dioxides from factories are primary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly but they react to primary pollutants to create smog for instance.
There are various air pollution control technologies and land use planning strategies available to reduce air pollution. The World Health Organization states that 2.4 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. Surprisingly 1.5 million of these deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution.
Biological sources of air pollution are also found indoors such as gases and airborne particulates. Dander from pets, mycotoxins and spores from mold, dust, skin-flakes, hair from humans, dust mites in bedding, carpeting and furniture all produce enzymes and micrometre-sized fecal droppings leading to air pollution indoors.
Air-conditioning systems incubate Legionnaires' disease and mold. Houseplants, soil and surrounding gardens produce pollen, dust, and mold. Lack of air circulation allows these airborne pollutants to accumulate indoors, more than they would otherwise occur in nature.