Essay On Pollutants

Pollutants are gases and particles that, when at high enough levels, are harmful to humans, animals, vegetation, and even the climate. Although it is common to blame pollution on human actions, it can also come from natural sources, such as volcanoes and forest fires. Additionally, pollutants enter the air from either point source (single, identifiable source) or non-point source (widespread or multiple sources). Furthermore, pollutants are categorized as primary or secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants those that are already dangerous when released directly into the atmosphere, such as with carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Contrarily, secondary pollutants, like ozone, acid rain, and chlorofluorocarbons

Generally speaking, developed countries have access to electricity or petroleum products as sources of light, heat, and cooking food. However, when analyzing developing countries, a reported 80-90 percent of urban and rural households in China, India, and Sub-Saharan Africa rely on burning coal or unprocessed biomass fuels (wood, animal dung, and crop residue), which are considered the “most significant cause of indoor air pollution” within developing countries as it serves to increase the particulates that pollute the air. Add this to components of more inhabitants in smaller spaces and improper ventilation, the threat of damage from IAP increases dramatically. When compared to the US EPA recommended exposure standard of no more than 150 ųg/m3 of PM10 particulates within a 24-hour timeframe, those using biomass fuels to cook in their homes are exposed to a concentration ranging between 2 and 20 times more than this (300-3000 ųg/m3). Furthermore, amounts of up to 30,000 ųg/m3 have been recorded when measured during actual cooking times. Therefore, developing countries suffer astronomically, with acute respiratory infections, COPD, lung cancer, cataracts, tuberculosis, and negative impacts on developing pregnancies serving as their chief health