So what is air pollution? Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere by substances that can, either directly or indirectly, impact on human health and/or welfare. How have humans created this issue? All of us are exposed to some air pollution, however the highest concentrations generally occur in urban areas where the six most common air pollutants in Australia are found, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particles. Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and lead are primary pollutants.
This means they are emitted directly from sources. Ozone is a secondary pollutant, formed
by the reactions of other pollutants. It is not directly emitted from a
particular source. Particles and nitrogen dioxide can be either primary
or secondary pollutants. Some sources of the pollutants can be seen on the diagram on the right. For further reading on the pollutants and amount produced visit this website. How does this issue impact on humans and our environment? Air pollution impact our lives almost everywhere. Air pollution can have huge effects on health. It can cause:
Air pollution can also impact the natural environment that surrounds us. Air pollution contaminates land, affecting plants and other animals, who breathe in toxic chemicals just as we do. Pollution also deposits on the leaves of plants and affects their ability to photosynthesise , inhibiting their growth. High ozone concentrations can also lead to fungal diseases in plants. Meanwhile, pollution can be washed out by rain from both the air and off buildings and roads. It enters our water ways, polluting our water and affecting fish and other marine life.
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