Page 2 - 3-Lesson Notes-Uses of Air, Air Pollution

Air Pollution

The contamination of air by undesirable substances such as harmful gases, chemicals,
dust particles and other harmful materials is called air pollution.
The undesirable substances are called as pollutants.
These are harmful to plants and animals, including humans.

Major causes of pollution:-
• Emission of harmful gases from factories.

• Emission from vehicles
• Burning of coal
• Burning of wood
• Forest fire
• Volcanic eruption
• The decay process of vegetation etc.

From the above causes of air pollution, the last three are natural causes. Whereas,
all the other causes are man-made.

Some of the effects of air pollution are:-

• Air pollution and cause various lung diseases in animals and also result in breathing
disorders.
• It can cause acid rains.
• It can cause global warming.
• It can cause floods.

• It can cause drought.

Some of the measures that can be taken to reduce air pollution are:-

• Cycling or walking instead of using cars and motor vehicles for nearby distances.
• Taking a bus or carpooling
• Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use.
• Planting more trees.
• Using filters for chimneys in the factories.

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