What Is Air Pollution?

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological molecules, or other harmful materials into Earth's atmosphere, causing disease, death to humans, damage to other living organisms such as food crops, or the natural or built environment. It is the presence of undesirable material in the air which, if present in high amount will bring harm to humans, animals, vegetation and also buildings. An experimental comprehension of the air toxins and their delayed consequences will help society in settling on the proper choices for the change in air quality. Disposing of all air pollutants is somewhat impossible; however some practical compromises are much necessary.

Air pollution is of major concern in urban and industrial

Lead (Pb) Is largely derived from the combustion of lead additives in motor fuels as well as lead smelting.

Lead pollution from vehicle emissions is declining due to the introduction of unleaded fuels and reductions in lead levels in leaded fuel.

Other atmospheric sources of lead include waste incineration and renovation of old houses (from leaded paint). Lead retards learning in children and the development of their nervous system;

Lead affects almost every organ in the body, whether it is inhaled or ingested. Young children are particularly susceptible;

Hydro-carbons (HC) - chemical compounds composed of Hydrogen and Carbon atoms Most fuel combustion processes result in the release of hydro carbons to the environment. The largest fuel sources are natural gas and petrol. Note that hydrocarbons can enter the environment both as evaporative emissions from vehicle fuel systems, or in exhaust emissions. They are also a component of the smoke from wood fires. Exposure can cause headaches or nausea, while some compounds may cause cancer. Some may also damage

• Growing energy demands.

• Increasing industries.

• Burning of garbage.

• Increase in vehicular activity

• Agricultural activities.

Pollution Load From Mobile Combustion Sources in Karachi (2004):

The most major cause of air pollution in Karachi is due to vehicular activity. In Pakistan, people are somewhat poor or don’t have the right resources to repair their vehicles or to spend money on their vehicles to make them environment friendly. All in all, most of the roads here are broken which causes a lot of traffic jams which in turn increases the fuel burning, causing more damage to the environment.

Type of Vehicles %age comp.* Total

Vehicles Average

Run/day Units # Particulate

Kg /Unit# SO2

Kg/Unit# NOx

Kg/Unit# CO

Kg/Unit#

Light duty

(Cars) 39.6 405108 28 km 1000 km 3743 907 36298 453728

Motorcycles/

Scooters 31.9 326337 10 km 1000 km 652 65 229 55483

Light duty

Rickshaws 17.1 174933 100 km 1000 km 5773 1399 55979 699732

Heavy duty Diesel

Powered

Bus/Trucks 9.3 95139 100 km 1000 km 7136 14271 199792 120826

Other (Light duty diesel power etc.)

Total 2.1 21483

10,23,000 50 km 1000 km 484 419 1063