AIR POLLUTION

D. Let’s understand the text:

1.     What accident took place at Bhopal in 1984?

Ans: A tragic industrial accident took place at Bhopal in 1984.

2.     Why is it called an industrial accident?

Ans: It is called an industrial accident because the deadly gas leaked from a chemical industry plant operated by Union Carbide.

3.     What were the tragic consequences of it?

Ans: The tragic accident killed over 4000 local residents and left so many people blind and cripple.

4.     How is air important for man?

Ans: A man can live without food for a month, without water for two or three days, but he cannot live without breathing even for a minute. The above statement indicates air is highly important (vital) for living.

5.     What is the major source of contamination of the human body?

Ans: The major source of contamination is the polluted air that we are breathing for living.

6.     What is the composition of air?

Ans: Air composed of a mixture of gases. These are 78 percent Nitrogen, 21 percent Oxygen, less than 01 percent Argon, and 0.03 percent Carbon dioxide.

7.     When is air said to be polluted?

Ans: When the level of Oxygen in the atmosphere reduced and other irritating gases such as Sulphur dioxide, Nitrous oxide entered into the atmosphere, then the air is said to be polluted.

8.     What fuels do the industries use?

Ans: The industries use coal, coke, furnace oil, etc.

9.     How does the released smoke affect man?

Ans: The industries burn various fuels like coal, furnace oil. During this burning large amount of smoke produced and it entered the atmospheric air. When we are inhaling, our lungs get affected.

10.  Why do thermal power stations cause more pollution?

Ans: Thermal power stations releases high amounts of smoke and ash and that are the major cause of air pollution.

11.  What are the other industries equally harmful for us?

Ans: Other industries such as cement, steel and ore processing industries are equally harmful for us.

12.  Why are the automobiles increasing on the road?

Ans: To meet the demands of an exploding population, the number of automobiles increasing on the road.

13.  How do the automobiles contribute to air pollution?

Ans: Auto mobiles are responsible for 60 percent of air pollution in various parts of the world as they release maximum carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.

14.  What are the effects of air pollution on vegetable crops and trees?

Ans: Increased air pollution causes acid rain, that affects vegetable crops and trees.

15.  How are buildings affected by polluted air?

Ans: Fine buildings become shabby, their walls blackened with soot that has settled on them. Building surfaces may actually deteriorate because of air pollution.

16.  What health problems are caused by polluted air ?

Ans: Air pollution causes eye irritations, scratchy throats, and respiratory illnesses.

17.  How is air pollution responsible for increasing the temperature ?

18.  What harm can refrigerant do ?

Ans: Refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbons damages the atmospheric ozono (O3) layer, which protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays coming with sunlight.

19.  What is acid rain ?

Ans: When the rainfall gets mixed with the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen and creates poisonous substances, it is called as acid rain.

20.  How is water affected by acid rain ?

Ans: During rainfall, rainwater mixed with air pollutants like oxides of sulphur and nitrogen and created acidic substances that makes rain water acidic in nature.

21.  What is the impact of acid rain on soil ?

Ans: Acid rain changes the soil’s nutrient content. It washes away nutrients like potassium, calcium and magnesium from the upper layer of the soil, which are essential for plant growth.

22.  What are the ways to control air pollution?

Ans: There are three basic approaches to control air pollution. These are:

-        Preventive measures, such as changing the raw materials used in industry or the ingredients of fuel

-        Dispersal measures such as raising the heights of smokestacks and

-        Collection measures, such as designing equipment to trap pollutants before they escape into the atmosphere.

23.  How have different countries tried to check it?

Ans: Nearly, all the highly industrialized countries of the world have some type of legislation to prevent and control air pollution. There have been many initiatives in different countries for making law, setting standards and norms to check air pollution and ensure quality air.

24.  How have the air quality programmes brought us benefits?

Ans: Air quality programmes have brought improvements in many areas. For example, burning low lulphur coal and oil in factories and power plants has lowered pollution in many cities. Automobile engines are now a days re-designed and new cars have been equipped with new devices that can decrease pollution.  

25.  Why do we still need to find out better ways to control air pollution?

Ans: There are many highly populated countries like India, China, and Pakistan where air pollution is high. Still there is a need to find out better solution to control air pollution. However, many physicians, engineers, meteorologists, botanists, and others are involved in research, seeking new better ways to well-control air pollution.

E. BEYOND THE TEXT:

(i)               

1.     Why does the oxygen level in the atmosphere get reduced? What could be its consequences?

Ans: Air is a mixture of different gases such as Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Argon (less than 1%), Carbon dioxide (0.03%). These all elements make up 99.9 percent of dry air. When these composition are maintained, the air is said as pure air.

The oxygen level in the atmosphere get reduced due to the following major reasons:

Combustion: The most common human-induced factor that can temporarily reduce oxygen levels is the burning of fossil fuels and biomass. When these materials are combusted, they consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Deforestation: The removal of forests can reduce the production of oxygen through photosynthesis, which might have an impact on local oxygen levels. However, this is usually a local and short-term effect.

A decrease in the oxygen level in the air can have various consequences, both for human health and the environment. The normal concentration of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere is approximately 20.9%, and when this level drops, several potential problems such as Respiratory disorder, Physical Weakness, Cardiovascular Stress can arise.

2.     How do the chemical industries cause dangerous air pollution? What is its far reaching consequences?

Ans: The chemical industry can cause dangerous air pollution through various processes and activities involved in its operations. Some of the key ways in which the chemical industry contributes to air pollution include:  

Emissions from manufacturing processes: Chemical manufacturing involves various chemical reactions, many of which release harmful pollutants into the air. These emissions can include volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides, and other hazardous chemicals. These chemicals may include carcinogens, neurotoxins, and other harmful compounds.

3.     How is acid rain caused?

Ans: Acid rain is caused by the release of certain pollutants into the atmosphere, primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids are then carried by rain to the Earth’s surface.  

4.     How does polluted air travel from one country to another?

Ans: Polluted air travels from one country to another country by the wind. It travels for the distance of thousands of miles. Example is the death of lakes in eastern Canada has been caused by acid rain that originated in the United States. Acids produced in Britain and France has caused damage in Sweden.

5.     What steps can be taken to reduce the pollution caused by automobiles? Is air pollution a global problem?

Ans: Automobiles can design their engines by using catalytic converter which changes pollutants into harmless substances. These can help in the reduction of air pollution caused by automobiles. Air pollution is not a problem in just one country, it has become a global problem. Many countries have been taking initiative to tackle this issue and are trying new ways to cope with this problem.

3. Let’s write:

Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper / the Minister, Department of Environment explaining the importance of clean air and suggesting ways to keep it clean and pure.

To,

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the quality of the air we breathe and the urgent need to prioritize efforts to maintain clean and pure air in our country. Clean air is a fundamental right and a critical component of our well-being, and it has far-reaching implications for our health, the environment, and our overall quality of life.

Clean air is essential for the health and well-being of all citizens. Poor air quality is linked to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even premature death. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. It is our moral duty to protect the most vulnerable members of our society by ensuring they have access to clean and healthy air.

In addition to its impact on human health, air pollution has harmful effects on our environment. It contributes to global climate change, harms ecosystems, and damages agricultural productivity. These consequences have far-reaching implications for our future generations and the sustainability of our planet.

To address these demanding issues and ensure clean and pure air for our citizens, I would like to suggest the following measures:

1. Strict Emission Controls: Enforce and strengthen emission standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants to reduce air pollutants. Encourage the development and adoption of cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of clean air and how they can contribute to reducing pollution through responsible choices in transportation, energy consumption, and waste management.

3. Green Transportation Initiatives: Promote the use of public transportation, cycling and walking for short distance to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower emissions. Invest in the development and production of electric vehicle.

4. Reforestation and Green Spaces: Increase green spaces within urban areas and support reforestation efforts to absorb pollutants and provide cleaner air. Implement and maintain green infrastructure projects.

5. Air Quality Monitoring: Invest in a robust air quality monitoring system to track pollution levels and inform the public in real-time. This will help citizens make informed decisions about outdoor activities during high pollution days.

6. Legislation and Regulation: Strengthen and update air quality laws and regulations regarding air pollution.

I believe that by implementing these measures, we can work towards a future where clean and pure air is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all citizens. The Department of Environment has a crucial role to play in leading and coordinating these efforts.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and your dedication to preserving the environment for future generations. Clean air is a shared responsibility, and I trust that your leadership will help us achieve this goal.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to positive developments in our mission for clean air.

Sincerely,

[Write your name]