‘So what is pollution?’
Particle pollution is one of the most dangerous pollutants to human health and is widespread throughout the environment. This air pollution is composed of solid and liquid particles made up of ash, metals, soot, diesel exhaust, and chemicals.
- The coarser particles have a diameter of 10 microns or less, (≤ PM10), and are more deleterious to health as they get into lungs and blood, and lodge there causing respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. ≤PM10 is produced by farms, construction sites, mines and roads reports CDC.
- The finer particles are 2.5 microns or less (≤ PM2.5). These get into the respiratory tract reaching the lungs and cause short-term problems such as irritation of eyes, nose, throat and lungs and shortness of breath, besides worsening existing asthma and heart diseases.
Gaseous substances can be referred to as Ozone. Ozone is not emitted, but formed through a chemical reaction between sunlight and gases like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOC)
This pollutant can cause short-term health issues immediately following exposure, such as irritation to skin and the respiratory system, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems, such as higher rates of pulmonary disease, and can cause and worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.
Other pollutants that also pose health risks to humans are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, dioxins, and benzene.
Nitrogen oxides are gases that contribute to smog and also produce acid rain and its associated effects. This pollutant is produced from “combustion processes” in land vehicles and ships related to power, heat, and running engines.
Carbon Monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, home heating equipment, and industrial plants, among many other sources, and is a colorless and odorless gas, poisonous to humans and animals when inhaled.
Sulfur dioxide is produced by the burning of sulfur containing fuels like oil and coal, and can cause health issues, especially in those with existing heart or lung conditions.
Lead is emitted into the air by vehicles and industrial sites and by waste burning facilities. Manufacture and recycling of lead-acid batteries, processing of metals, iron and steel, copper, glass, cement, and industrial and institutional boilers are other sources of lead.
Dioxin is present in plastics, and is released during its manufacture and if plastic waste is incinerated
Benzene pollution occurs during some industrial processes and use of products containing petroleum, like plastics. Tobacco smoke exposure is another source.
Some biological pollutants include pollen and mold.
Pollen from trees, weeds and grass can cause allergies and hay fever, and is a health problem even if it is not lethal.
Mold is a problem affecting indoor air quality. Some molds produce toxins that bring on allergies and asthma.