Page 1 - LN-CH-16

Pollution, Solid and Radioactive Wastes:
1. Pollution is an undesirable change’in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics
of air, water, land and soil.
(i) Pollutants are agents that cause undesirable change in the environment.
(ii) The Government of India has passed the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to protect and
improve the quality of our environment (air, water and soil).
2. Air pollution occurs due to undesirable change in the physical, chemical and biological
characteristics of air that exerts harmful effects on human beings.
(i) Causes of Air Pollution
(a) Smoke stacks from thermal power plants, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, etc.
(b) Garbage decomposition also releases unwanted gases in the air.
(c) Excessive use of fossil fuels by automobiles and industries release particulate and air
pollutants.
(d) Use of leaded petrol.
(ii) Types of Air Pollutants

(iii) Harmful Effects of Air Pollution on Health
(a) Carbon monoxide (CO) causes giddiness, headache, cardiovascular malfunction,
asphyxia, etc.
(b) Hydrogen sulphide (H 2S) causes nausea, eye and throat irritation.
(c) Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) causes respiratory tract diseases like asthma, bronchitis, cancer,
emphysema, etc.
(d) Fine particulates released by industries cause breathing and respiratory problems,
inflammation and damage to the lungs.
(e) In plants reduced growth and yield and premature death occurs.
(iv) Control Methods of Air Pollution
There are several methods used for controlling air pollution in India.
These are:
(a) Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is an electrical device to remove particulate matter
present in the exhaust of thermal power plant.