The Pollution

Pollution, also called

environmental pollution, the
addition of any substance
(solid, liquid, or gas) or any
form of energy (such as heat,
sound, or radioactivity) to the
environment at a rate faster
than it can be dispersed,
diluted, decomposed, recycled,
or stored in some harmless
form.
The major kinds of pollution, usually classified by environment, are air
pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. modern society is also
concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution,
light pollution, and plastic pollution. pollution of all kinds can have
negative effects on the environment and wildlife and often impacts
human health and well-being.
Although environmental pollution can be caused by natural
events such as forest fires and active volcanoes, use of the
word pollution generally implies that the contaminants have
an anthropogenic source—that is, a source created by human
activities.
Air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide
every year. Who data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air
containing high levels of pollutants. “Who” is working with
countries to monitor air pollution and improve air quality.
From smog hanging over cities to smoke inside the home,
air pollution poses a major threat to health and climate.
The combined effects of ambient (outdoor) and household
air pollution cause about seven million premature deaths
every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from
stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

More than 80% of people living in urban areas that

monitor air pollution are exposed to air quality levels that
exceed WHO guideline limits, with low and middle income
countries suffering from the highest exposures, both
indoors and outdoors.
There are many sources of pollution and each one has its own effect on the
environment
AIR POLLUTION
There are two types of air pollutants, primary and secondary. Primary pollutants are
emitted directly from their source, while secondary pollutants are formed when
primary pollutants react in the atmosphere.

The burning of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity produces both primary
and secondary pollutants and is one of the biggest sources of air pollution.

The fumes from car exhausts contain dangerous gases and particulates including
hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. These gases rise into the
atmosphere and react with other atmospheric gases creating even more toxic
gases.nment and living organisms.
 Water Pollution
Nutrient pollution is caused by wastewater, sewage, and fertilizers. The high levels of nutrients in these sources end up in bodies of water and promote algae and weed growth, which can make
the water undrinkable and depleted oxygen causing aquatic organisms to die.

Pesticides and herbicides applied to crops and residential areas concentrate in the soil and are carried to the groundwater by rainwater and runoff. For these reasons anytime someone drills a
well for water it must be checked for pollutants.

Industrial waste is one of the main causes of water pollution, by creating primary and secondary pollutants including sulphur, lead and mercury, nitrates and phosphates, and oil spills.
The Great Smog in 1952 killed 8000 people in
London

This event was caused by a period of cold weather

combined with windless conditions that formed a dense
layer of airborne pollutants, mostly from coal plants,
over the city.
 Diseases due to air pollution
Asthma
This caused by the inhalation of poisonous gases that are in the air. It also comes from the constant suffocation brought on by air pollution.
Pulmonary Cancer
The different carcinogens that are found in polluted air are inhaled into the lungs causing cancer.
Cardiovascular problems
The poisonous gases, particles and poor air quality can affect the cardiovascular system leading to stroke and heart disease.
Diseases due to water pollution
Typhoid
This is a disease that is caused by consuming polluted water. It is an infectious disease that can spread from one person to another.
Cancer and Liver damage
This is often caused by chlorinated solvents that can be found in water that is polluted.
According to the report, Delhi's air falls under the "hazardous"
category - AQI 301 plus - and describes the air as a "serious risk of
respiratory effects. Everyone should avoid outdoor activities". The
website also has a map to track the air quality across the city at any
given time, a daily air quality forecast and an hourly forecast.
UN Environment has set out a framework for action to #BeatPollution in all its
forms

In his report to the UN Environment Assembly, UN Environment Executive Director Erik

Solheim sets out 50 specific actions that governments, businesses and other actors can take to
tackle pollution. As he sees it, there are five critical pieces to this puzzle:
We need political leadership and partnerships. A global compact on pollution would ensure
sustained engagement at the highest level and make prevention a priority for all. It would
also encourage policymakers and other key partners, including the private sector, to integrate
prevention into national and local planning, development processes, and business and finance
strategies.
We need the right policies. Environmental governance needs to be strengthened – with
targeted action on “hard-hitting” pollutants through risk assessments and enhanced
implementation of environmental legislation, including multilateral environmental
agreements, and other measures.
We need a new approach to managing our lives and economies. Sustainable consumption and
production, through improved resource efficiency and lifestyle changes, should be promoted.
Waste reduction and management must be prioritized.
We need to invest big. Mobilizing finance and investment in low-carbon opportunities and
cleaner production and consumption will drive innovation and help to counter pollution.
Increased funding is also needed for research, pollution monitoring, infrastructure,
management and control.
And we need advocacy for action. Citizens need to be informed and inspired to reduce their
own pollution footprint and advocate for bold pollution-beating commitments from the
public and private sectors.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
World Earth Organisation
www.Britannica.com
FAO
Garden of Life
UN Environment Programme

Project by Rusu Roxana,

HM11 Group