Earlier the air we used to breathe was pure

and fresh. However, due to increasing 

industrialisation and the concentration of
poisonous gases in the environment, the air is
getting more and more toxic day by day. These
gases are the cause of many respiratory and
other diseases.

Air pollution – the presence of harmful gases

in the air – is a serious issue and a cause of
major concern in today’s world. Rapidly
increasing human activities like the burning of
fossil fuels and deforestation are its major
causes.

Air pollution also has its roots in the problem

of overpopulation. No wonder then, that India
is one of the most polluted countries in the
world. According to WHO data, 13 out of 20
of the most polluted cities are in India. Air
pollution is the 5th largest killer in the
country, according to Global Burden of
Disease.

Cancer, prenatal deaths and low birth weight

are a common occurrence due to air
pollution. Industrial air pollution from
petroleum refineries, chemical industry,
paper and dye industries is causing severe
damage to the ecosystem as well as to several
man-made structures.

Vehicular pollution will trigger many

respiratory ailments, as traffic speed has
come down considerably due to congested
roads. The automotive industry is responsible
for the maximum contribution to air pollution
in urban areas.

Acid rain that plagued the developed

countries in the 1950s–60s will soon be a
reality in India. Acid rain causes irreparable
damage to biodiversity and decreases soil
fertility.

Diesel combustion releases sulphur dioxide

into the air. India supplies low-sulphur diesel
to only a few cities. Indian diesel contains
0.5% sulphur by weight, but even this is high
compared to European standards where it is
0.001%.
Society has to take some drastic measures to
reduce air pollution. Let us be responsible for
maintaining a safe environment.