What are the natural and man-made sources of air pollution? How does smog affect our health and well-being? Is there anything that can be done to improve the situation? Keep reading to discover answers to these questions!
Table of Contents
- How is smog created?
- Natural and man made sources of air pollution
- The impact of man made air pollution on health
- How to reduce man-made sources of air pollution
- Key insights on natural and man-made sources of air pollution
How is smog created?
To understand the effects of air pollution, it is important to know what is smog. It (the combination of smoke and fog) is created mainly in industrial areas and can be observed typically during winter and autumn months. This dangerous substance is yellow, grey, or black fog consisting of ground-level ozone, fine particles, and sulphur dioxide. It’s also a mix of various gases with dust and water vapour.
Natural and man made sources of air pollution
When talking about smog and air pollutants, we can distinguish natural and man-made sources of air pollution.
Natural Sources of Air Pollution
Not all air pollution is caused by human activities. Nature itself contributes to air pollution through various processes, including:
- ash,
- soot,
- salt spray,
- volcanic gases,
- radon,
- volcanic eruptions,
- grass fires,
- windblown dust,
- forest fires.
Read more about natural sources of air pollution.
Man-Made Sources of Air Pollution
Unlike natural sources, man-made air pollution is directly linked to human activities. Some of the main contributors include:
- transportation,
- electricity generation,
- household works,
- industrial activities,
- industrial processes,
- agriculture,
- waste management.
The impact of man made air pollution on health
As you already know man-made sources of pollution, it’s time to discuss their impact on our health and well-being. Note that long-term exposure to harmful substances may cause:
- asthma,
- cancer,
- allergies,
- nausea,
- problems with concentration,
- respiratory and circulatory conditions,
- cancer,
- premature death,
- strokes,
- heart attacks,
- diabetes,
- problems with fertility.
Moreover, air pollutants inhibit plant growth, lead to extinction of various animal species, and infect fruits, and vegetables.
How to reduce man-made sources of air pollution
Although there are numerous natural and man-made sources of air pollution, there are certain steps we can take to improve the quality of air we breathe in. These include:
- choosing public transportation over private vehicles when commuting to work or school,
- limiting the number of chores that require the use of non-renewable energy sources (especially on hot days),
- using proven materials to heat houses and buildings (avoid using cardboard, colourful magazines, or wood pallets).
Key insights on natural and man-made sources of air pollution
Knowing the natural and man-made sources of air pollution is the first step towards making informed decisions that aim to improve the quality of air around us. Want to learn what is the difference between smog and fog? Check out our blog!