Air pollution has been posing a danger onto the population and harming the planet Earth.
We are aware of this fearful fact, that we breathe polluted air every day. Still, we are the same, making no efforts to improve this condition.
The air that we breathe comprises of multiple gases. Some are good and essential for our body, such as oxygen. But, there are gases which are harmful too, like Carbon dioxide. India's toxic air has claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017, or 12.5 per cent of total deaths recorded in the year. According to 2019 report, Delhi is the most polluted city in India.
More than 51 per cent of the people died because of Air pollution and were younger than the age of 70. The amount of carbon dioxide is increasing day by day.
High amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted when petrol/diesel is burnt. The harmful gases are released from the factories. Active smokers also contribute to this worsening situation. Thus, the quality of air that we breathe is compromised leading to ‘Air pollution’.
These unwanted gases, that have increased its levels in the environment, is made the situation worse. This has become one of the reasons for Climate change. This change is evident, as we experience hot and during the winter season, unusual rainfalls.
Human health is also affected. They face health problems such as chest congestion, asthma, and bronchitis. We move out in public space, interact with people around and tend to spread these diseases.
Gas that absorbs and emits energy within the thermal infrared range are called greenhouse gases, which causes the Greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. All these collectively contribute to Global warming where the temperature of the surface of the earth is increasing more than normal.
All these conditions form a vicious cycle; that not only destroys the environment but also affects the quality of human life. Thus, as our duty towards our “Mother Earth”, care must be taken by before polluting it.
Conclusion- What can be done from our end? Some of the points that can be considered can be to buy products made from recycled materials or designed to be safer for the environment. Use masks or other kinds of protectants to stay away from the harmful gases. Make more use of public transport than private vehicles.
Editor: Anomitra Dey
References:
1.Campbell-Lendrum, D., & Prüss-Ustün, A. (2019). Climate change, air pollution and noncommunicable diseases. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 97(2), 160. 10.2471/BLT.18.224295
2. Tangcharoensathien, V., Chandrasiri, O., Waleewong, O., & Rajatanavin, N. (2019). Overcoming internal challenges and external threats to noncommunicable disease control. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 97(2), 74. 10.2471/BLT.18.228809
3. YouTube Video link:
