essay on air pollution in india

Essay on Air Pollution in India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Air Pollution in India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Air Pollution in India

Introduction.

Air pollution in India is a serious issue. It is caused by various factors like vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and burning of fossil fuels.

Causes of Air Pollution

Major causes include vehicles releasing harmful gases, factories emitting smoke, and the burning of coal and wood. These activities release pollutants into the air.

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution harms our health, causing diseases like asthma and lung cancer. It also affects the environment, leading to global warming and harming wildlife.

To reduce air pollution, we must limit harmful activities and promote cleaner alternatives. Let’s work together for a cleaner, healthier India.

250 Words Essay on Air Pollution in India

Air pollution in India is an escalating issue, with deadly implications on both human health and the environment. The rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have exacerbated the situation, making India home to some of the world’s most polluted cities.

The primary contributors to air pollution are vehicular emissions, industrial processes, residential energy usage, and agricultural practices. Vehicular emissions, particularly from diesel engines, release a significant amount of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The burning of fossil fuels in power plants and industries leads to the emission of harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Furthermore, crop burning, a common practice in India’s agricultural sector, releases vast quantities of smoke into the atmosphere.

Air pollution’s impact is far-reaching, affecting not only human health but also the environment. It is linked to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases, and is a significant cause of premature deaths in India. The environmental effects include acid rain, which damages crops and water bodies, and climate change.

Addressing India’s air pollution crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes stricter enforcement of emission standards, promotion of clean energy, and public awareness campaigns. As India continues to develop, it is crucial that this growth is sustainable and does not come at the expense of the environment and public health. The fight against air pollution is not just a technical challenge, but a socio-economic one that demands comprehensive action.

500 Words Essay on Air Pollution in India

Air pollution in India is a pressing issue with severe implications for the health and well-being of its citizens. As the world’s second-most populous country, India grapples with a unique set of challenges that exacerbate its air pollution problem.

The Prevalence of Air Pollution

India’s air quality is among the world’s worst, with 21 out of the 30 most polluted cities globally located within its borders. The situation is particularly alarming in the Northern Plains, where cities like Delhi, Patna, and Lucknow regularly experience extremely high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to India’s air pollution crisis. Rapid industrialization, fueled by a growing economy, has led to increased emissions from factories and power plants. The burning of fossil fuels, primarily coal, is a significant contributor to air pollution.

Transportation is another major source, with millions of vehicles, many of which are outdated and inefficient, crowding the roads. Additionally, agricultural practices such as stubble burning contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in the northern regions.

Urbanization and deforestation have also played a role in exacerbating the problem. The loss of green cover reduces the capacity to absorb CO2 and other pollutants, while the construction activities associated with urbanization release large amounts of dust and other pollutants into the air.

Health Implications

The health implications of air pollution in India are grave. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even lung cancer. According to the Lancet Commission, air pollution contributes to over a million premature deaths in India annually.

Policy Response and Solutions

In response to the crisis, the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, aiming to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 20-30% by 2024. The program includes city-specific action plans, increasing the number of monitoring stations, and enhancing public awareness.

However, addressing air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving vehicle emission standards, and promoting public transportation can significantly reduce pollution from power plants and vehicles.

Agricultural reforms are also needed to provide farmers with alternatives to stubble burning. Urban planning should focus on creating green spaces and implementing construction practices that minimize dust pollution.

Air pollution in India is a complex issue that requires concerted efforts from government, industry, and citizens. While the challenge is immense, the collective will to combat this crisis can lead to a cleaner, healthier future for India. Through policy initiatives, technological innovation, and public participation, India can turn the tide against air pollution.

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Essay on Air Pollution in India – Check out some examples of Short and Long Essays here!

Essay on Air Pollution in India: An imbalance in the quality of the air that results in negative impacts is referred to as air pollution. “Our massively accelerated exploitation of the atmosphere has become a health danger and a threat to life, harming both plants and animals in areas polluted with deadly gases, dust, and smoke,” claims Maxwell. Many contaminants of all kinds are regularly added to the atmosphere and are cleaned up by nature. Yet, when pollution levels surpass the capacity of the atmosphere to clean itself, contaminants build up and pose major risks to the environment, other living things, and even humans.

Table of Contents

100-Words Essay on Air Pollution in India

Due to the massive degree of industry in the globe today, air pollution is one of the most important issues, particularly in large cities. Smog, particles, solid materials, and other air pollutants are being released in high concentrations, settling over the city and contributing to air pollution and health risks. People produce a lot of unclean garbage every day, especially in large cities, which greatly pollutes the air everywhere.

The discharge of gaseous pollutants from industrial activities, burning of rubbish, burning of motor vehicle fuel, etc. all contribute to air pollution. Pollutants that are found in nature, such as dust, pollen, soil particles, natural gases, etc., can also cause air pollution.

200-Words Essay on Air Pollution in India

One of today’s top environmental concerns is air pollution. There are numerous factors that frequently increase this air pollution. Automobiles, transportation methods, industrialization, expanding cities, etc. are the leading causes of air pollution. The release of various toxic gases or dangerous components from such sources brings on the contamination of the entire atmosphere. Air pollution, which has a negative impact on the environment, also has a significant effect on the ozone layer. The primary contributor to pollution is the ever-increasing demands of the human population. Every day human activities pump harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, making it more polluted than ever and accelerating climate change.

Toxic gases, particulates, paint, and batteries containing lead are released throughout the industrialization process. Cigarettes emit carbon monoxide, while transportation methods release CO2 and other noxious compounds into the atmosphere. The ozone layer is being destroyed and the world is being exposed to dangerous solar rays as a result of all the contaminants in touch with the atmosphere. We need to drastically alter our everyday routines if we want to lower the level of air pollution. To lessen the consequences of air pollution, we should not cut down trees, take the bus or train, refrain from using spray cans, and engage in a variety of other activities.

300-Words Essay on Air Pollution in India

Air pollution occurs when the clean air becomes contaminated by particles, hazardous gases, smoke, motor vehicles, mills, industries, etc. We need to consider what would happen if the entire atmospheric air were contaminated because we all know that clean air is the most essential component of a healthy life. First, the entire human fraternity regrets the issue of air pollution. Poisonous fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides used by unsuspecting farmers to improve crop productivity in the agricultural sector are some of the major causes of air pollution. Air pollution is being brought on by dangerous gases like ammonia that fertilizers release into the atmosphere.

The main contributors to air pollution are the burning of combustibles used in factories, including coal, oil, and other fossil fuels. Air pollution is also caused by a variety of smoke emissions from vehicles, including cars, buses, motorcycles, trucks, jeeps, trains, and airplanes. A growing number of industries are responsible for the environmental emission of hazardous industrial smoke and harmful gases from factories and mills (such as carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons, chemicals, etc.). Certain human indoor activities, such as the unintentional use of cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, paints, etc., release a variety of harmful compounds into the atmosphere.

The negative impacts of air pollution on living things’ health are exacerbated by the pollution’s constant escalation. Because of rising atmospheric temperatures brought on by an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, air pollution is contributing to the phenomenon of global warming. These greenhouse gases induce the greenhouse effect once more, driving up sea levels, melting glaciers, changing weather patterns, and altering climate, among other things. Many fatal ailments, including cancer, heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis, kidney problems, etc., are being brought on by rising air pollution. Several significant plant and animal species have been wiped off the face of the world. Acid rain and ozone layer thinning are being brought on by the environment’s rising amount of dangerous substances.

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Long Essay on Air Pollution in India

Air pollution is a major environmental problem that affects India’s population and economy. It is estimated that about 1.2 million deaths in India every year are caused by air pollution. India’s air pollution is mainly caused by industrial emissions, traffic congestion, open burning, and poor quality of fuels used in households. In this essay, we will discuss the causes and effects of air pollution in India and the measures that can be taken to control it.

The causes of air pollution in India are many, and they differ depending on the region. In urban areas, air pollution is mainly caused by vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and construction activities. The use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas in power plants, industries, and households is another major source of air pollution in India. In rural areas, the open burning of agricultural waste, forests, and grasslands is a significant contributor to air pollution.

Air pollution has many harmful effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. It can also cause heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.

Air pollution also has a significant impact on the environment. It can harm plant and animal life and damage ecosystems. Acid rain, which is caused by air pollution, can damage forests, crops, and water bodies. Air pollution also contributes to climate change by increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

In addition to the health and environmental impacts, air pollution also has economic consequences. It can reduce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and damage infrastructure. It can also deter foreign investment and tourism, which can have a negative impact on the economy.

To control air pollution in India, various measures have been taken at the national, state, and local levels. The government has implemented various policies and regulations to reduce emissions from industries, power plants, and vehicles. The introduction of cleaner fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport has helped to reduce vehicular emissions. The government has also launched various initiatives to promote renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

At the local level, measures such as the promotion of cycling and walking, the creation of green spaces, and the regulation of construction activities can help to reduce air pollution. The public can also play a role in reducing air pollution by reducing their use of personal vehicles, using public transport, and adopting sustainable practices in their households.

In conclusion, air pollution is a significant environmental problem that affects India’s population and economy. It is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial emissions, traffic congestion, open burning, and poor quality of fuels used in households. Air pollution has many harmful effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. To control air pollution, various measures can be taken at the national, state, and local levels. The public also has a role to play in reducing air pollution by adopting sustainable practices in their households and reducing their use of personal vehicles.

FAQs on Essay on Air Pollution in India

The main causes of air pollution in India are vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, burning of fossil fuels, construction activities, and agricultural practices.

Air pollution can cause a range of health problems in India, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and reduced lung function. It can also lead to premature deaths.

The government of India has taken several measures to control air pollution, including the implementation of the National Clean Air Program, the promotion of clean energy, the promotion of public transportation, and the introduction of stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles.

Air pollution can have a significant impact on the environment in India, including damage to crops and forests, acid rain, and the depletion of the ozone layer.

Individuals can take several steps to reduce air pollution in India, including reducing the use of private vehicles, using public transportation, using cleaner fuels, reducing the use of plastic, and planting more trees.

By Gauri Malik

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India’s Air Pollution Challenge Spans Rural and Urban Areas

A new analysis of satellite data shows that despite some recent progress, air pollution remains a persistent problem across India.

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Co-authored by Rachit Sharma, 2023 India Science and Health Intern

Across the globe, the health burden of air pollution from burning fossil fuels is substantial, resulting in increased risk of premature mortality, reduced life expectancy, and decreased quality of life. Scientists estimate that air pollution was responsible for at least  7 million deaths globally in 2019 , ranking as the fourth highest risk factor for premature mortality, surpassed only by high blood pressure, dietary risks, and tobacco usage. Reducing air pollution and transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources is crucial for protecting public health and promoting sustainable development. Developing countries like India are leading this charge , but air quality challenges persist.

Air pollution remains a pressing public health concern in India, threatening both rural and urban populations. A recent  report by Climate Trends reveals high levels of  fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) —one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution—throughout the country, indicating that air pollution is not confined to specific urban regions but is, in fact, a nationwide issue.

Air Pollution Knows No Boundaries

This new analysis of fine-scaled satellite data reveals that air pollution is a pervasive problem in India. Last year’s annual PM 2.5  air pollution averages for both rural and urban areas continue to exceed the annual limit of 40 µg/m 3 in India set by the Central Pollution Control Board and are well above the World Health Organization’s recently revised Air Quality Guidelines of 5 µg/m 3 :

India state-level map showing annual average PM2.5 concentrations (in µg/m3) across rural areas in 2022 using Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) data for urban and rural classification.

NRDC (using Climate Trends report data)

India state-level map showing annual average PM 2.5  concentrations (in µg/m 3 ) across urban areas in 2022 using Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) data for urban and rural classification. Map created by NRDC using Climate Trends report data.

The encouraging news is that this analysis indicates that nationally averaged PM 2.5 levels in rural and urban areas across India have both declined to similar extents (about 19 percent) over the past five years. The report illuminates important geographical differences in air pollution trends across the country. Among Indian states, Uttar Pradesh has shown remarkable progress in air pollution control, with urban PM 2.5  levels reduced by 37.8 percent and rural levels by 38.1 percent between 2017-2022. In contrast, Maharashtra experienced only a marginal 7.7 percent decline in urban PM 2.5  levels and Gujarat achieved an 8.2 percent reduction in rural PM 2.5  levels. Among union territories, Chandigarh was the only one that witnessed a slight increase of 0.3 percent in urban PM 2.5  levels.

The northern and eastern regions performed better than the South and West. Specifically, the western region witnessed only a 10.6 percent reduction in urban PM 2.5  levels and an 11% reduction in rural PM 2.5  levels. On the other hand, the eastern region demonstrated the most notable improvement, with urban PM 2.5  levels decreasing by 20.4 percent and rural PM 2.5  levels decreasing by 22.5 percent .  However, it is worth noting that while the air pollution levels across north India get the majority of the media attention, PM 2.5  levels are still exceeding the 40 µg/m 3  cut-off   in rural and urban areas in all regions except the south:  

Variation of annual PM 2.5  concentrations at the regional scale (north, south, east, and west) for urban (U) and rural (R) areas from 2017-2020.

Climate Trends

Another key finding from this report is that, across all regions, rural areas have experienced stronger reductions in PM 2.5  levels compared to urban areas. This finding may, in part, be attributable to the progress made under the  Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana . This initiative, launched by the Indian government in 2016, aims to provide clean cooking fuel, specifically liquefied petroleum gas, to women in socioeconomically disadvantaged households to reduce household air pollution generated by burning solid fuels such as wood, coal, and biomass for cooking, heating, and lighting needs. However, a significant portion of the rural population in India still depends on solid fuels and estimates suggest that PM 2.5  emissions from  household sources contribute about 30 to 50 percent of overall ambient PM 2.5  levels in the country .

Persistent Challenges and Health Harms

The declines in PM 2.5  levels over the past years are encouraging in light of India’s ambitious  National Clean Air Progamme (NCAP) goals, which aim to reduce PM 2.5  pollution substantially by 2024,but also highlight the importance of air pollution issues outside of urban settings. The objective of the NCAP is to substantially decrease air pollution levels in cities across the country that currently surpass India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards established to safeguard public health with an acceptable level of safety. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has set a national target of reducing annual levels of PM 2.5  by 20-30 percent by 2024, relative to a 2017 baseline. However, as of 2023, four years into NCAP implementation, the  progress made so far is inconsistent and falls short of achieving the desired results by 2024. Air pollution is not confined to geographical boundaries and requires a comprehensive approach beyond the scope of urban-focused programs like the NCAP. 

Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that these declines in dangerous air pollution levels need to continue because the current, absolute PM 2.5  levels remain unhealthy. The concerning trend holds true when comparing states that are with or without ‘non-attainment cities’ included under NCAP, suggesting that many Indians are being exposed to long-term air pollution that is responsible for a range of dangerous health impacts , including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and premature death. According to the 2022  State of Global Air Report , at least 1.6 million deaths were attributable to air pollution alone in India in 2019, making it the leading environmental hazard in the country. A separate analysis estimated that in 2019,  the economic losses in India resulting from premature deaths and illnesses linked to air pollution were estimated to be $ 29 billion and $8 billion, respectively.

Leveraging Satellite Data for New Insights

India’s air pollution monitoring network is still limited but quickly growing, and this new analysis highlights the value of satellite data in tracking air pollution trends. Satellite-derived PM 2.5 levels provide comprehensive insights into pollution patterns and their sources, enabling a better understanding of air quality in both rural and urban areas. This information is vital for designing targeted interventions and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

However, since  rural areas are often excluded from air quality monitoring programs, reliance on the current network of air monitors to validate satellite-derived data can result in biased results that do not adequately capture rural pollution levels. To improve the interpretation of satellite data, the establishment of a denser rural air monitoring network is crucial. To accurately reflect air quality trends, experts  estimate that India needs a minimum of 4,000 monitoring stations, with 2,800 stations in urban areas and 1,200 stations in rural ones. This target is well above the  NCAP national target of 1,500 stations by 2024. A robust monitoring network can be supplemented by long-term chemical speciation sites to identify pollution sources accurately for targeted mitigation efforts. At the household level, conducting systematic surveys and utilizing sensor-based monitoring can help capture shifts in fuel choices. By enhancing the reach of ground-level air monitoring data, policymakers can obtain a more nuanced understanding of air pollution in different regions and develop more effective strategies to address priority sources.

Towards Cleaner Air for All

Overall, this new report underscores the value of satellite data in tracking pollution trends and highlights the importance of addressing pollution sources in both rural and urban settings to safeguard public health in India. Despite differences in sources of air pollution, observed levels of PM 2.5  are similarly high in both urban and rural areas. As a result, both urban and rural populations alike face health risks from breathing in contaminated air. It is worth noting that air pollution is often seen as an issue primarily affecting urban areas, resulting in less media attention being given to rural regions, even though rural areas encompass about 64 percent of the country's population.

This new analysis of PM 2.5 levels highlights the urgency of addressing this issue through comprehensive and targeted measures. Primary sources of PM 2.5  in India include household emissions, power sector emissions, industrial activities, transportation, open burning of crops and waste, and dust.  Household emissions have a dominant role throughout India, while vehicular exhaust and dust resuspension are the primary  local sources in Indian cities . Although most PM 2.5  sources in urban areas are local, non-local contributions can be significant. In Delhi, for example, local sources account for around 70 percent of total PM 2.5 , with  non-local sources contributing over 30 percent, especially during winter. Air quality management should extend beyond urban areas to address pollution sources in both rural and urban settings. Shifting the air pollution management mindset away from highly localized areas  towards broader airsheds is needed because addressing pollution sources across multiple sectors can help to deliver air quality gains that are more widespread, equitable, and sustainable over the long term. 

Continued efforts to document the evolving nature of air pollution emissions and exposures in India are needed, and by leveraging scientific knowledge, including the quantification of the related health effects, India can work towards cleaner air and a healthier future for all of its people.

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Essay on Air Pollution in India- Current Challenges and Future Strategies

This essay explores the critical issue of air pollution in India, examining its causes, effects on health and environment, and the impact on the economy. It highlights successful global strategies and the importance of innovation, community involvement, and collaboration in combating pollution, drawing on case studies and government initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme.

Essay on Air Pollution in India -1400 words 

Air pollution in india- current challenges and future strategies.

Air pollution is a critical environmental challenge that affects the entire globe. It occurs when harmful substances, including gases, particulates, and biological molecules, are introduced into the Earth’s atmosphere. This problem can lead to various health issues for humans, harm wildlife, and degrade the quality of life.

In India, air pollution has emerged as a particularly severe issue. The country faces unique challenges due to its rapid industrialization, growing population, and high density of urban areas. In many of its cities, the air quality often falls below the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), impacting the health and well-being of millions.

This essay aims to examine the current state of air pollution in India, its impact on health and the environment, and the strategies being implemented to combat this growing problem.

Every breath in a polluted city is equivalent to smoking several cigarettes a day.

Current State of Air Pollution in India

In India, the primary sources of air pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, burning of fossil fuels, and agricultural practices. Vehicles, especially in urban areas, emit a significant amount of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Industries contribute through the release of various chemicals and particulates, and the burning of coal and other fossil fuels in power plants adds to the air pollution levels. Additionally, practices like crop burning in agricultural areas contribute significantly to air quality degradation.

Recent statistics have highlighted the severity of the issue in major cities. For instance, Delhi, the capital city of India, has frequently been listed as one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi often enters the ‘severe’ category, especially during the winter months. Mumbai, another major city, also faces similar challenges, although the pollution levels are slightly lower compared to Delhi.

Seasonal variations play a crucial role in air pollution in India. During winter, the phenomenon of temperature inversion occurs – where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to the formation of smog. This smog significantly reduces visibility and can exacerbate respiratory problems and other health issues.

According to the World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people globally breathe polluted air , but the burden is disproportionately borne by the citizens of developing countries 

Also Check – Essay on Air Pollution in Delhi – Delhi’s Air Crisis- Health Hazards and Hopes for Clear Skies

Impact of Air Pollution

Health impacts.

Air pollution in India has a profound impact on public health. The most immediate and noticeable effects are respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions are exacerbated by pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, commonly found in urban air. Additionally, there is a growing body of evidence linking air pollution to cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution. In children, exposure to polluted air can lead to reduced lung growth, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. The elderly, who may already have pre-existing health conditions, are at a higher risk of complications and mortality from air pollution-related diseases.

Environmental Impacts

The environmental consequences of air pollution are equally concerning. Pollutants can harm wildlife, affecting their health and disrupting ecological balance. For instance, airborne chemicals can deposit on water bodies and soil, affecting the quality and safety of these ecosystems for both plants and animals.

Vegetation is also affected by air pollution. Pollutants like sulfur dioxide and ozone can damage leaves, inhibit plant growth, and reduce crop yields, which is a significant issue in a largely agrarian country like India.

Economic Impacts

The economic implications of air pollution are substantial. The health effects of polluted air lead to increased healthcare costs, as individuals require treatment for pollution-related illnesses. This situation is a strain not just on families, but also on the national healthcare system.

Furthermore, air pollution affects productivity. Health issues related to pollution can lead to absenteeism in workplaces and schools, impacting the overall productivity of the population.

Tourism, a significant revenue generator for many regions in India, can also suffer due to poor air quality. Tourists are less likely to visit areas known for high pollution, which can lead to decreased income for those reliant on tourism.

In 2019, air pollution was responsible for nearly 1.7 million premature deaths in India, according to a Lancet study .

Analysis of Current Happenings and Responses

Government policies.

In response to the growing air pollution crisis, the Indian government has implemented several policies. A key initiative is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 20-30% from the 2017 levels by 2024. The NCAP includes measures like expanding air quality monitoring networks and reducing vehicular and industrial emissions.

Vehicular emission standards in India have also been tightened. The Bharat Stage (BS) VI, equivalent to the Euro VI standards, has been implemented to reduce vehicular emissions significantly.

Recent Initiatives

India is gradually introducing electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease vehicular emissions. Various incentives are being offered to both manufacturers and consumers to promote the adoption of EVs.

The expansion of metro rail services in major cities is another important initiative. By providing a cleaner alternative to personal vehicles and buses, metros can significantly reduce urban air pollution.

Role of Judiciary and Environmental Organizations

The judiciary in India has played a critical role in advocating for cleaner air. Several landmark judgments and orders have been passed, directing the government to take specific actions to reduce pollution.

Environmental organizations, both domestic and international, have also been instrumental in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes. They conduct research, engage in advocacy, and work with communities to mitigate the impact of air pollution.

Together, these efforts represent a multifaceted approach to tackling the complex issue of air pollution in India. While challenges remain, these initiatives indicate a growing recognition of the problem and a commitment to finding solutions.

Action today can prevent pollution tomorrow- Beijing’s air quality improvement before the 2008 Olympics shows that change is possible with determined effort.

Case Studies

Success stories.

Examining global success stories in air pollution control offers valuable lessons. One notable example is Beijing, China. In preparation for the 2008 Olympics and faced with severe air quality issues, Beijing implemented stringent air pollution control measures. These included restricting the number of vehicles on roads, relocating heavily polluting industries, and investing heavily in public transportation and renewable energy sources. As a result, Beijing saw a significant improvement in air quality, demonstrating that determined action can yield positive outcomes.

Learning from Failures

Conversely, understanding strategies that did not yield expected results is equally important. For instance, certain cities have tried implementing car rationing systems (like odd-even vehicle schemes) to reduce air pollution. However, these measures often provide only temporary relief. In some cases, people may purchase additional vehicles to circumvent restrictions, ultimately nullifying the intended effect. Such examples highlight the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies over temporary fixes.

Innovation is the key to a blue sky- leveraging technology can turn the tide against air pollution.

Future Strategies and Recommendations

Innovative solutions.

The use of technology in monitoring and reducing pollution is a promising area for future strategies. For example, the installation of real-time air quality monitoring stations can provide instant data on pollutant levels, helping to identify pollution hotspots. Advanced technologies like satellite imagery and AI algorithms can predict pollution patterns and help in making informed decisions for pollution control.

Community Involvement

Public awareness and education are crucial in the fight against air pollution. Informing citizens about the sources and effects of air pollution, as well as how to reduce personal exposure, can lead to community-driven initiatives. These might include campaigns for planting trees, promoting carpooling, and advocating for policy changes.

Collaboration

The issue of air pollution transcends local and national boundaries, necessitating inter-state and international cooperation. Sharing of best practices, technologies, and collaborative research can enhance the effectiveness of air pollution control measures. International agreements and protocols can also play a significant role in setting global standards and commitments.

Tackling air pollution in India requires a combination of government policy, technological innovation, community involvement, and international collaboration. While the challenge is significant, learning from both successes and failures globally can guide India in charting its path towards cleaner air.

In summary, air pollution in India is a formidable challenge that demands immediate and sustained action. Drawing inspiration from global success stories and learning from past failures, India can navigate towards a cleaner, healthier future. It’s a journey that requires the collective effort of government, communities, and international partners. As we strive for clearer skies, every step taken is a breath of hope for millions. Together, we have the power to clear the air and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

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Essay on Air Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on air pollution.

Essay on Air Pollution – Earlier the air we breathe in use to be pure and fresh. But, due to increasing industrialization and concentration of poisonous gases in the environment the air is getting more and more toxic day by day. Also, these gases are the cause of many respiratory and other diseases . Moreover, the rapidly increasing human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation is the major cause of air pollution.

How Air Gets Polluted?

The fossil fuel , firewood, and other things that we burn produce oxides of carbons which got released into the atmosphere. Earlier there happens to be a large number of trees which can easily filter the air we breathe in. But with the increase in demand for land, the people started cutting down of trees which caused deforestation. That ultimately reduced the filtering capacity of the tree.

Moreover, during the last few decades, the numbers of fossil fuel burning vehicle increased rapidly which increased the number of pollutants in the air .

Causes Of Air Pollution

Its causes include burning of fossil fuel and firewood, smoke released from factories , volcanic eruptions, forest fires, bombardment, asteroids, CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), carbon oxides and many more.

Besides, there are some other air pollutants like industrial waste, agricultural waste, power plants, thermal nuclear plants, etc.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is also the cause of air pollution because air pollution produces the gases that greenhouse involves. Besides, it increases the temperature of earth surface so much that the polar caps are melting and most of the UV rays are easily penetrating the surface of the earth.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Effects Of Air Pollution On Health

Moreover, it increases the rate of aging of lungs, decreases lungs function, damage cells in the respiratory system.

Ways To Reduce Air Pollution

Although the level of air pollution has reached a critical point. But, there are still ways by which we can reduce the number of air pollutants from the air.

Reforestation- The quality of air can be improved by planting more and more trees as they clean and filter the air.

Policy for industries- Strict policy for industries related to the filter of gases should be introduced in the countries. So, we can minimize the toxins released from factories.

Use of eco-friendly fuel-  We have to adopt the usage of Eco-friendly fuels such as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), bio-gas, and other eco-friendly fuels. So, we can reduce the amount of harmful toxic gases.

To sum it up, we can say that the air we breathe is getting more and more polluted day by day. The biggest contribution to the increase in air pollution is of fossil fuels which produce nitric and sulphuric oxides. But, humans have taken this problem seriously and are devotedly working to eradicate the problem that they have created.

Above all, many initiatives like plant trees, use of eco-friendly fuel are promoted worldwide.

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Analysis of Air Pollution Data in India between 2015 and 2019

1 Center for Policy Research on Energy and Environment, School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA 2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA

  Copyright  The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the  Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are cited.

• Download: PDF | Supplemental Material

Sharma, D., Mauzerall, D. (2022). Analysis of Air Pollution Data in India between 2015 and 2019. Aerosol Air Qual. Res. 22, 210204. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.210204

• Analysis of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2 and O 3 measurements across India from 2015–2019.
• First comprehensive analysis of Indian government and US Air-Now data.
• More national ambient air quality standard exceedances in north than south India.
• Provides baseline for evaluation of mitigation measures and atmospheric models.

India suffers from among the worst air pollution in the world. In response, a large government effort to increase air quality monitoring is underway. We present the first comprehensive analysis of government air quality observations from 2015–2019 for PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2 and O 3 from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) network and the manual National Air Quality Monitoring Program (NAMP), as well as PM 2.5 from the US Air-Now network. We address inconsistencies and data gaps in datasets using a rigorous procedure to ensure data representativeness. We find particulate pollution dominates the pollution mix across India with virtually all sites in northern India (divided at 23.5°N) exceeding the annual average PM 10 and PM 2.5 residential national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) by 150% and 100% respectively, and in southern India exceeding the PM 10 standard by 50% and the PM 2.5 standard by 40%. Annual average SO 2 , NO 2 and MDA8 O 3 generally meet the residential NAAQS across India. Northern India has (~10%–130%) higher concentrations of all pollutants than southern India, with only SO 2 having similar concentrations. Although inter-annual variability exists, we found no significant trend of these pollutants over the five-year period. In the five cities with Air-Now PM 2.5 measurements - Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, there is reasonable agreement with CPCB data. The PM 2.5 CPCB CAAQM data compares well with satellite derived annual surface PM 2.5 concentrations (Hammer et al. , 2020), with the exception of the western desert region prior to 2018 when surface measurements exceeded satellite retrievals. Our reanalyzed dataset is useful for evaluation of Indian air quality from satellite data, atmospheric models, and low-cost sensors. Our dataset also provides a baseline to evaluate the future success of National Clean Air Programme as well as aids in assessment of existing and future air pollution mitigation policies.

Keywords: Air pollution, India, surface observations, CPCB, continuous and manual data, US AirNow

1 INTRODUCTION

Concerns over poor air quality in India have increased over the past few years with increasing evidence of the adverse impacts on health (Balakrishnan   et al. , 2014; Chowdhury and Dey, 2016; Balakrishnan   et al. , 2019), agricultural yields (Avnery   et al. , 2011, 2013; Ghude   et al. , 2014; Gao   et al. , 2020) and the economy (Pandey   et al. , 2021). Rapid growth and industrialization in India have resulted in some of the most polluted air in the world. Projections forecast further decreases in air quality and a 24% increase in PM 2.5   associated premature mortalities by 2050 relative to 2015 (GBD MAPS Working Group, 2018; Brauer   et al. , 2019). According to recent estimates based on the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM), total premature mortality due to ambient PM 2.5   exposure in India increased approximately 47% between 2000 and 2015 (Chowdhury   et al. , 2020). Surface O 3   concentrations are also likely to increase with growing industrial emissions and increasing temperatures due to climate change resulting in additional stress on agricultural yields and public health (Avnery   et al. , 2011; Silva   et al. , 2017).

India has a national ambient surface monitoring network that started in 1987 and has become more extensive over time with a substantial increase in the number and spatial extent of continuous and manual monitoring stations between 2015 and 2019. At present, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), along with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), run the most extensive monitoring network in the country under the National Air Quality Monitoring Program (NAMP). As of 2019, NAMP cooperatively operated (with CPCB and SPCBs) over 750 manual monitoring stations (compared with 20 in 1987 when monitoring first began and 450 in 2015 when our analysis starts) which publicly archive annual average concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2   and NO 2   ( https://cpcb.nic.in/namp-data/ ). As of 2019, over 220 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations operated (compared with less than 50 stations in 2015 when our analysis starts). CPCB archives publicly available, real time data, every 15 minutes, from over 220 stations across India of an extensive list of criteria and non-criteria air pollutants and meteorological variables ( https://app.cpcbccr.com/ccr/ ). Stations vary in the air pollutant species and meteorological data they collect. The manual monitors provide better spatial coverage than the continuous monitors but provide data on fewer air pollutants at much lower temporal resolution (annual average values versus every 15 minutes). However, both sets of monitoring stations sample exclusively urban areas despite the fact that rural areas have significant emissions from households and agricultural waste burning (Balakrishnan   et al. , 2014; Venkatraman   et al. , 2018). Pant   et al.   (2019) and the Supplementary Information (SI) (Section 1) describe other Indian monitoring networks which are less extensive and are not publicly available. India has fewer monitoring stations than most south and east Asian countries, with ~1 monitor/6.8 million persons (Apte and Pant 2019; Brauer   et al. , 2019; Martin   et al. , 2019). Despite recent increases in urban monitoring stations across India, vast regions do not have monitors and except for satellite data for a few species, little information is available on surface concentrations of air pollutants in non-urban locations in India.

Recently, extreme levels of fine particulate air pollution in India, combined with a growing appreciation of the adverse impacts of elevated air pollution on health, led the Indian government to launch the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in 2019 (Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change NCAP, 2019). NCAP targets a reduction of 20–30% in PM 10   and PM 2.5   concentrations by 2024 relative to 2017 levels. One focus of NCAP is augmentation of the national monitoring network for which substantial financial support was announced in the 2020 Union Budget.

Despite a growing monitoring network and the need for analysis, prior to our work, no study holistically analyzed existing government surface air pollutant monitoring data across India. Most research studies analyzing ground monitoring data have focused on Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) (Guttikunda and Gurjar, 2012; Sahu and Kota, 2017; Sharma   et al. , 2018; Chowdhury   et al. , 2019; Guttikunda   et al. , 2019; Wang and Chen, 2019; Hama   et al. , 2020), and other major cities (Gurjar   et al. , 2016; Sreekanth   et al. , 2018, Yang   et al. , 2018; Chen   et al. , 2020). In addition, some studies also used ground observations to bias correct satellite measurements for India (Pande   et al. , 2018; Chowdhury   et al. , 2019; Navinya   et al. , 2020). However, a need remains for a comprehensive analysis of all surface data collected by manual NAMP and continuous CAAQM monitoring networks between 2015–2019 over which period monitoring increased substantially.

Here we provide the first national analysis of all available surface measurements of key criteria pollutants (PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and O 3 ) across India between 2015–2019. We use publicly available data from the NAMP manual and CAAQM real-time stations which have different spatial distributions and temporal resolutions. Collating spatio-temporal distributions of pollutant concentrations on inter-annual, annual, seasonal and monthly timescales, we present an overview of the variability in air pollution levels across the country and separately analyze pollution levels in northern (north of 23°N) and southern India. We conduct case studies of five cities in India in which U.S. State Department PM 2.5   monitors (Air-Now network) are present and, using additional data collected by CAAQM monitors, compare pollution status between these cities. We also compare analyzed annual average PM 2.5   from the CAAQM network with the satellite derived surface PM 2.5   (Hammer   et al. , 2020) and find good agreement between the two datasets. Our analysis will provide a valuable baseline to evaluate the future success of the NCAP in meeting its air pollution mitigation targets.

2 METHODOLOGY

  2.1 criteria pollutant data.

We analyze all open-source data available from the manual (NAMP) and continuous (CAAQM) networks, as well as from the US Embassy and consulates Air-Now network from 2015–2019 for five criteria pollutants—PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and O 3 .

Datasets from 2015-2018 were acquired for NAMP and were acquired from 2015–2019 for CPCB-CAAQM and Air-Now networks directly from the following sources:

• NAMP   manual monitoring network ( https://cpcb.nic.in/namp-data/ ): Annual average and annual maximum and minimum concentrations were obtained from a total of 730 manual stations. Higher resolution temporal measurements are not publicly reported by NAMP. We analyze data from 2015–2018 as datasets for 2019 were unavailable when our analysis was completed in December 2020.
• CAAQM   continuous monitoring network from the Central Control Room for Air Quality Management website ( https://app.cpcbccr.com/ccr/ ): One-hour averages were calculated from reported 15 minute average concentrations. Neither the continuous nor manual monitoring stations include geolocations. To obtain the latitude/longitude coordinates of each station, we used the monitoring station name and geolocated them using Google maps.
• S. State Department Air-Now network   ( https://www.airnow.gov/ ): One-hour average PM 2.5   concentrations were obtained for monitors located in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai.

  2.2 Data Quality Control

We directly utilize the data available from the NAMP and Air-Now networks, but process the data we use from the CAAQM network to ensure representative monthly, seasonal, and annual average air pollutant concentrations using the following method:

• Missing data is removed. Values in excess of the reported range (see Table S1) are assumed to be errors and are removed. Values of 999.99 for PM 10   and PM 5   are retained as they may represent concentrations above the upper detection limit of the instrument. The U.S. Air-Now network data in New Delhi report 1-hour average PM 2.5   concentrations between 1300 and 1486 µg m – 3   during Diwali for each year. As CAAQM does not report values in excess of 999.99 µg m – 3   for PM 2.5   our annual means based on CAAQM will likely be biased low in some locations. In sequences of 24 or more consecutive identical hourly values, only the first value out of the sequence is retained. Data were processed following the QA/QC procedure described below. The percentage of data removed due to this processing is provided in Tables S2(a) and S2(b).
• Diurnal mean values are calculated for criteria pollutants PM 10 , PM 5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and O 3   for each 12-hour day-night interval (between 6 am–6 pm and 6 pm–6 am (next day)), using a minimum of one hourly observation for each 12-hour period. Daily means are calculated only for days that have a daytime or nighttime mean value. For O 3 , daily mean (MDA8) values are calculated as the maximum of 8-hour moving averages over a 24-hour period using at least 6 hourly observations. For all pollutants, monthly mean values are calculated for months that have at least 8 daily mean values (at least 25% of observations). To obtain annual average concentrations, we calculate quarterly means and require at least one monthly mean value as input to each quarterly mean concentration. At least two quarterly mean values are used for calculating annual average concentrations. This procedure is followed to ensure representativeness of data in diurnal, daily, monthly, seasonal, annual and interannual timeseries.   Fig. 1   shows a flow chart describing the methodology for generating each step of the time-series.

  3 RESULTS

  3.1 strengths and weaknesses of available air quality datasets.

Until the start of 2018 the Indian monitoring network had limited extent. Very few stations have operated continuously from 2015 to the present. The number of stations in the continuous monitoring network has increased dramatically since 2017 ( Fig. 2 ) making it far more feasible now to evaluate air quality across India than in the past. However, spatial coverage is still limited with unequal distribution of monitors. All monitors are in cities, with a concentration in the largest cities, and none are in rural areas.   Fig. 3   shows the percentage of valid hourly observations, compared with total hours annually, from each CAAQM station between 2015 and 2019. Although the current data is sufficient to provide an overview of air quality across much of India, it is currently challenging to use air quality datasets to conduct long term trend analysis due to their limited spatial and temporal coverage.

  3.2 Spatial Distribution of Air Pollutants from 2015–2019

Figs. 4   and   5   show annual average concentrations of five criteria pollutants (PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and O 3 ) at continuous and manual monitoring stations across India, from 2015 to 2019. The general distribution pattern of air pollution, showing higher pollution levels in northern than southern India, is captured in both the manual and continuous monitoring station data.

The number of continuous and manual monitoring stations have both increased substantially between 2015 and 2019 with 15 (147) CAAQM stations meeting our criteria for PM 10 , 33 (181) for PM 2.5 , 31 (163) for SO 2 , 34 (175) for NO 2   and 32 (168) for O 3   and in 2015 (2019) (see Figs. 4 and 5 for details of other years and manual stations). Of the total, nearly 60% of the CAAQM continuous monitoring stations are in northern India with 20% of the total stations in Delhi in 2019. Despite being a high pollution zone with nearly 15% of the Indian population ( http://up.gov.in/upstateglance.aspx ), the Indo Gangetic Plain has only 13% (9%) of total continuous (manual) monitoring stations. NAMP manual monitoring stations are more widely distributed than continuous monitors across India, with more monitors in the south and thus provide more representative spatial distributions of pollutants. However, they only provide annual average pollutant concentrations and thus cannot be used to analyze seasonal variations.

Elevated concentrations of PM 10   and PM 2.5   were recorded by both CAAQM and NAMP manual monitors across northern Indian states in all years, with particularly high concentrations across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Ground observations of SO 2   are generally low across the country with high concentrations found at a few urban and industrial locations. This has been corroborated by previous studies (Guttikunda and Calori, 2013). The role of alkaline dust in scavenging SO 2   in India likely reduces ambient concentrations (Kulshrestha   et al. , 2003). In contrast, annual average NO 2   and MDA8 O 3   concentrations are highly variable depending on location with higher O 3   concentrations often seen in the IGP region.

  3.3 Annual Variation in Pollutant Concentrations in Northern and Southern India

The spatial distribution of pollutants is affected by meteorology, geography, topography, population density, location specific emission sources including industries, vehicular density, resuspended dust from poor land use management etc. In northern India (north of 23.5°N), higher population density and higher associated activities in industry, transport, power generation, seasonal crop residue burning, and more frequent dust storms contribute to higher particulate loads than in southern India (Sharma and Dixit, 2016; Cusworth   et al. , 2018). We observed significant differences between northern and southern India in the spatio-temporal patterns of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and MDA8 O 3 .

Fig. 6   shows annual average concentrations (µg m – 3 ) of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and MDA8 O 3   respectively, for northern and southern India (divided at 23.5°N) from CAAQM stations. The number of stations used to calculate annual average values is shown in Fig. 4 for each species. Annual average concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and NO 2   are higher in northern India, whereas SO 2   and MDA8O 3   are similar in the north and the south. Annual average concentrations from CAAQM continuous and NAMP manual monitoring stations, combined (S1 a), and only manual monitoring Stations (S1 b) are plotted separately in Fig. S1. We found inter-annual variability but no significant annual trend in the timeseries of these pollutants. Annual average concentrations over the five year period in northern (and southern) India were: 197 ± 84 µg m – 3   (93 ± 30 µg m – 3 ) for PM 10 , 109 ± 29 µg m – 3   (47 ± 16 µg m – 3 ) for PM 2.5 , 12 ± 7 µg m – 3   (12 ± 10 µg m – 3 ) SO 2 , 35 ± 21 µg m – 3   (27 ± 16 µg m – 3   ) for NO 2   and 73 ± 29 µg m – 3   (66 ± 31 µg m – 3 ) for MDA8 O 3 . In the five-year period, annual NAAQS were met at approximately 3% of all CAAQM stations measuring PM 10 , 13% of PM 2.5 , 70% of NO 2   and 98% of SO 2   (Table S3). MDA8 O 3   standard of 100 µg m – 3   (to be met 98% of the time within a year) was met at 77% of all CAAQM stations between 2015–2019, inclusive. Particulate matter dominates the pollution mix with national average annual mean concentrations exceeding the NAAQ standard for all analyzed years and in northern India more than double the allowed concentration.   Fig. 7   shows annual average concentrations of these pollutants from CAAQM stations that meet our analysis criteria and are available each year from 2015 through 2019. The change in annual concentrations relative to the annual average concentrations in 2015–2017 at the stations operational throughout this period is shown in Fig. S2 in order to provide a comparison useful for evaluating the success of the NCAP.

  3.5 Seasonal and Monthly Patterns of Air Pollutants

Seasonal concentrations of air pollutants in India are heavily influenced by meteorology and location. Influence of meteorology on spatio-temporal distributions of pollutants across India is described in Section S3. Fig. S3 shows the mean seasonal distribution of boundary layer height, surface pressure, precipitation, and omega/vertical and horizontal wind velocity. We calculate seasonal and monthly concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and MDA8 O 3   between 2015–2019 for northern and southern India in each season ( Fig. 8 ) and month ( Fig. 9 ) and show seasonal spatial distributions of these pollutants across India (Fig. S4). We analyze seasonal composites computed as averages for the spring or pre-monsoon period, March–April–May (MAM), the monsoon period, June–July–August (JJA), the autumn or post monsoon period, September–October–November (SON) and winter, December–January–February (DJF). In all seasons, substantially higher concentrations are observed for PM 10   and PM 2.5 , in northern India with concentrations of NO 2 , SO 2   and MDA8 O 3   only slightly more elevated in northern than southern India. The DJF average concentrations are highest for PM 10 , PM 2.5   and NO 2   in northern (southern) India: 270 ± 51 (137 ± 11) µg m –3 , 170 ± 26 (69 ± 2) µg m –3 , 47 ± 2 (35 ± 7) µg m –3 , respectively. Seasonal average concentrations of SO 2   peak in MAM in northern India (15 ± 3 µg m –3 ) and in DJF in southern India (16 ± 4 µg m –3 ), with highest concentrations in winter across the country. For DA8 O 3 , highest seasonal concentrations occur in MAM (DJF) in the north 71.8 ± 28 µg m –3   and south (84 ± 8 µg m –3 ).

Monthly variations in pollution are also a function of regional circulation patterns. The summer monsoon facilitates dilution of pollution via strong south-westerly winds from the Arabian Sea and wet scavenging of anthropogenic pollution (Zhu   et al. , 2012). Wet deposition removes PM 10 , PM 2.5   and water soluble SO 2   (Chin, 2012) leading to substantially lower ambient concentrations of these pollutants in JJA across India. Minimum concentrations of all pollutants occur in August.

Outside the monsoon, weak regional circulation and large scale high pressure systems result in accumulation of pollutants near the surface which is most pronounced in winter. Highest monthly concentrations are seen in November–January, inclusive, for PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2   and NO 2 . For, MDA8O 3 , highest monthly concentrations are recorded in May (January) for northern (southern) India. Precursor emissions, surface temperature and solar insolation modulate a complex chemistry that drives the ozone cycle (Lu   et al. , 2018).

  3.6 Case studies of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai

Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai are the five cities in India in which the U.S. State Department Air-Now network real time monitoring stations record PM 2.5   concentrations at the US embassy and consulates. In these five cities, we compare daily and monthly mean PM 2.5   measurements from the Air-Now and CAAQM networks.   Fig. 10   shows scatterplots between daily mean PM 2.5   from the Air-Now monitor located in each of the five cities with all CPCB CAAQM monitors in those cities for 2015–2019, inclusive. We find a good correlation between the daily average PM 2.5   concentrations from the two networks at all the cities (r > 0.8), except Chennai (r~0.47) where CPCB concentrations are biased higher than the Air-Now concentrations. On highly polluted days in Delhi, the Air-Now monitors report higher PM 2.5   concentrations than the CPCB monitors in part because Air-Now monitors are able to report hourly concentrations above 1000 µg m –3   while the CPCB monitors cannot.

We examine how concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and O 3   vary between cities in which Air-Now monitors exist from 2015–2019 (see Fig. 11).   Fig. 11   compares the monthly average concentrations of PM 2.5   between the two networks, examines the variation in concentrations over time for other species measured only by CPCB, and compares observed concentrations with the annual NAAQS for residential areas. Annual average concentrations from the stations combined in each city that meet our criteria is shown in Fig. S5 and a timeseries for each pollutant at each station is shown in Fig. S6. From CAAQM and Air-Now networks, we find Delhi has the highest daily, monthly mean and annual average concentrations of PM 10   and PM 2.5 , followed by Kolkata and Mumbai (Figs. 10, 11; Fig. S5).

For Delhi, between 2015 and 2019, annual average concentrations of PM 2.5   from the CAAQM station closest to the U.S. embassy (RK Puram, Delhi) greatly exceeded the residential NAAQS for PM 2.5   of 40 µg m –3   and ranged from 101 to 119 µg m –3   with the Air-Now station ranging from 95 to 124 µg m –3 . Chennai has the lowest monthly and annual average concentrations of PM 2.5 . The US state department annual average PM 2.5 values overall are consistent with the CAAQM stations and show a similar trend across cities. All five cities failed to meet the annual average CPCB PM 10   standard of 60 µg m –3   in all years.

Monthly and annual average SO 2   concentrations are far below the annual standard of 50 µg m –3   at all locations throughout the year in these five cities with Delhi reporting the highest annual average concentrations among the five cities followed by Mumbai. Starting in 2018 both Delhi and Mumbai had SO 2   concentrations lower than prior years.

Monthly average NO 2   concentrations are highest in Delhi in all years and starting in 2017, decrease from a peak over 100 µg m –3   in 2017 to a peak of 52 µg m –3   in 2019. Kolkata and Hyderabad also have relatively high concentrations of NO 2   with annual average concentrations exceeding the residential NAAQS of 40 µg m –3   starting in 2018.

Monthly MDA8 O 3   concentrations across all five cities are similar, particularly after 2018 and are generally falling below the residential 8-hour average NAAQS of 100 µg m 3 . Similar monthly tropospheric ozone concentrations in these cities, despite different levels of particulate matter, NO 2   and meteorology, make it a topic for further investigation.

  4 DISCUSSION

  4.1 growing dataset and existing gaps.

Prior to 2015 surface air quality monitoring data was available from only a few stations in India. Over the period we analyzed, 2015–2019, the number of monitoring stations across India increased dramatically. Our compilation and rigorous quality control of these data provide, for the first time, a comprehensive dataset of criteria pollutants that can be used to evaluate air pollutant concentrations simulated by atmospheric chemical transport models, satellite retrievals and reanalysis. Our dataset also provides a baseline for the NCAP. Previous studies have used ground observations from selected locations without transparently addressing existing data gaps and are not clear in their evaluation and quality assurance of surface observations. Here, we have carefully evaluated the archived data for completeness and accuracy, discarding values in excess of instrumental range, and requiring representative temporal coverage for each averaging period at each monitor. For example, for inclusion in our analysis a monitor measuring a species we analyze must report daily averages at least one hour per 12-hour daytime or night-time period, eight days for each monthly average, and one month per quarter and atleast two quarters for each annual average (see Tables S2(a), S2(b) and S3). However, spatial coverage remains spotty with monitoring stations predominantly located in large cities; smaller cities and rural locations lack coverage. Further expansion of the monitoring networks to facilitate an improved understanding of spatial distributions of pollutants across urban/rural India and to evaluate future trends in pollutant concentrations is needed. Very few stations provide valid observations continuously from 2015 onwards limiting our ability to analyze past trends in air quality. However, trend analyses starting in 2018 will be valuable and possible in the future.

  4.2 Differences in Air Quality Observations

We compare monthly, seasonal and annual mean concentrations of air pollutants we analyze with other studies that have analyzed surface measurements of the same pollutants, cities and time periods across India (Table S5). We find that the range of concentrations of criteria pollutants reported in our analysis of CPCB data are similar to the values presented in research studies using ground observations during the same period (Kota   et al. , 2018; Sreekanth   et al. , 2018; Guttikunda   et al. , 2019; Mahesh   et al. , 2019; Ravinder   et al. , 2019; Jain   et al. , 2020; Tyagi   et al. , 2020; Jat   et al. , 2021). However, as shown in Table S5, in case studies covering extreme events and studies in bigger cities and more polluted regions, like Delhi and the IGP, differences exist between the CPCB concentrations we calculate and those reported in the literature from surface monitoring stations, models and satellite data (Kota   et al. , 2018; Tyagi   et al. , 2019; Jat   et al. , 2021).

In   Fig. 12 , we compare the spatial patterns of annual average surface PM 2.5   concentrations derived from satellite data with measurements from the CPCB continuous network. The surface satellite concentrations were obtained by combining data from Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), MISR (Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer), MAIAC (Multi Angle Implementation of Satellite Correction) and SeaWiFS (Sea Viewing Wide Field of View Sensor) satellite products and using the GEOS-Chem model to obtain gridded surface PM 2.5   concentrations at 0.05° × 0.05° (Hammer   et al. , 2020). The product we use is V4.GL.03 available at   https://sites.wustl.edu/acag/datasets/surface-pm2-5/#V4.GL.03 . Reasonable agreement is seen between the annual mean surface concentrations of PM 2.5   derived from the satellite data and from the CPCB CAAQM observations from 2015-2019. Agreement is particularly good over the IGP and in central and southern India. However, along the western desert region (near Thar desert in Rajasthan), satellite concentrations of surface PM 2.5   (~40–50 µg m –3 ) were substantially lower than concentrations obtained from the CPCB CAAQM monitors (~80–100 µg m –3 ) for 2015–2017. In 2018 and 2019 the correspondence between the two datasets improved with most annual mean PM 2.5   concentrations in the western desert region generally between ~40 and 60 µg m –3 .

  5 CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of all existing government monitoring data available for PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2   and MDA8 O 3   using the continuous (CAAQM) and manual (NAMP) monitoring networks in India as well as the data from the US State Department Air-Now network, between 2015 and 2019 (2018 for NAMP). Our analysis shows that the Indian data record, in terms of number of monitoring stations, observations and quality of data, has improved significantly over this period. Despite the effort to augment surface monitoring infrastructure, gaps remain in spatial and temporal coverage and additional monitoring stations in small cities and rural areas are needed. Monitoring stations located in bigger cities (e.g., five Air-Now cities) have better data quality, from more widely distributed stations within the city, than is available for smaller cities. Pollution hotspots are occasionally found in smaller cities where monitoring stations are sparse. No stations have yet been placed in rural areas and are needed there in order to better characterize air quality and pollution sources across India (e.g., the effect of agricultural waste burning on air quality).

We find that fine particulate pollution dominates the pollution mix across India with virtually all sites in northern India (north of 23.5°N) exceeding the annual average PM 10   and PM 2.5   national residential ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) by 150% and 100% respectively, and in southern India (south of 23.5°N) exceeding the PM 10   standard by 50% and PM 2.5   standard by 40%. Comparison of PM 2.5   surface observations from the CPCB continuous monitoring network with surface satellite concentrations finds good agreement across India, particularly for 2017 and 2018. Prior to 2017 CAAQM concentrations were substantially higher than indicated by the satellite data over the western desert region. Annual average SO 2 , NO 2   and MDA8 O 3   generally meet the residential NAAQS across India. We find that northern India has (~10%–130%) higher average concentrations of all pollutants than southern India, except for SO 2   where the concentrations are similar. Although inter-annual variability exists, no significant trend of these pollutants was observed over the five-year period except for a small decrease over time in PM 10   and PM 2.5   in winter, which is more pronounced in the stations in northern and central India.

Our analysis of surface measurements is valuable for evaluating air pollutant concentrations simulated in atmospheric chemistry models. We found good agreement between the annual average CAAQM PM 2.5   we analyzed and satellite derived surface PM 2.5   from Hammer   et al.   (2020). Our data set can also be used to evaluate satellite retrievals of NO 2   and O 3   as well as seasonal variability in PM 2.5   concentrations. Finally, India is targeting a reduction of 20–30% in particulate pollution under NCAP by 2024 relative to 2017. Our analysis from 2015–2019 at different spatial and temporal scales of surface pollution provides a baseline to evaluate the future success of the programme as well as aids in the assessment of existing and future air pollution mitigation policies.

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  data access.

The raw data from the continuous CPCB monitors used in our analyses along with the code for data quality control and the calculation of various temporal averages is available at   https://doi.org/10.34770/60j3-yp02

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Mi Zhou for early assistance in data processing and two anonymous reviewers for helpful suggestions to improve our manuscript. Funding for D.S. was provided by a Science, Technology and Environmental Policy fellowship at the Center for Policy Research on Energy and Environment at Princeton University.

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• Air Pollution Essay

Essay on Air Pollution

Environmental changes are caused by the natural or artificial content of harmful pollutants and can cause instability, disturbance, or adverse effects on the ecosystem. Earth and its environment pose a more serious threat due to the increasing pollution of air, water, and soil. Environmental damage is caused by improper resource management or careless human activities. Therefore, any activity that violates the original nature of the environment and leads to degradation is called pollution. We need to understand the origin of these pollutants and find ways to control pollution. This can also be done by raising awareness of the effects of pollutants.

Air pollution is any physical, chemical, or biological change in the air. A certain percentage of the gas is present in the atmosphere. Increasing or decreasing the composition of these gasses is detrimental to survival. This imbalance in gas composition causes an increase in global temperature which is called global warming.

Introduction to air pollution 

The Earth and its environment are facing a serious threat by the increasing pollution of the air, water, and soil—the vital life support systems of the Earth. The damage to the environment is caused by improper management of resources or by careless human activity. Hence any activity that violates the original character of nature and leads to its degradation is called pollution. We need to understand the sources of these pollutants and find ways to control pollution. This can be also done by making people aware of the effects of pollutants. 

Air with 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1% of all other gasses support life on Earth. Various processes take place to sustain the regular percentage of gasses and their composition in general. 

Atmospheric pollution can have natural sources, for example, volcanic eruptions. The gaseous by-products of man-made processes such as energy production, waste incineration, transport, deforestation and agriculture, are the major air pollutants.

Although air is made up of mostly Oxygen and Nitrogen, mankind, through pollution, has increased the levels of many trace gasses, and in some cases, released completely new gasses to the atmosphere. 

Air pollution can result in poor air quality, both in cities and in the countryside. Some air pollutants make people sick, causing breathing problems and increasing the likelihood of cancer. 

Some air pollutants are harmful to plants, animals, and the ecosystems in which they live. Statues, monuments, and buildings are being corroded by the air pollutants in the form of acid rain. It also damages crops and forests, and makes lakes and streams unsuitable for fish and other plant and animal life. 

Air pollution created by man-made resources is also changing the Earth’s atmosphere. It is causing the depletion of the ozone layer and letting in more harmful radiation from the Sun. The greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere prevents heat from escaping back into space and leads to a rise in global average temperatures. Global warming affects the average sea-level and increases the spread of tropical diseases.

Air pollution occurs when large amounts of gas and tiny particles are released into the air and the ecological balance is disturbed. Each year millions of tons of gasses and particulate matter are emitted into the air. 

Primary air pollutants are pollutants, which are directly released into the air. They are called SPM, i.e., Suspended Particulate Matter. For example, smoke, dust, ash, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and radioactive compounds, etc.

Secondary Pollutants are pollutants, which are formed due to chemical interactions between the atmospheric components and primary pollutants. For example, Smog (i.e. Smoke and fog), ozone, etc.

Major gaseous air pollutants include Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide, etc.

Natural sources are volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust storms, etc. 

Man-made sources include gasses released from the automobiles, industries, burning of garbage and bricks kilns, etc.

Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

Air pollution has adverse effects on human health. 

Breathing polluted air puts you at higher risk of asthma.

When exposed to ground ozone for 6 to 7 hours, people suffer from respiratory inflammation.

Damages the immune system, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

A high level of air pollution has been associated with higher incidents of heart problems.

The toxic chemicals released into the air are affecting the flora and fauna immensely.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Air Pollution

We can prevent pollution by utilizing raw materials, water energy, and other resources more efficiently. When less harmful substances are substituted for hazardous ones, and when toxic substances are eliminated from the production process, human health can be protected and economic wellbeing can be strengthened. 

There are several measures that can be adopted by people to reduce pollution and to save the environment.

Carpooling.

Promotion of public transport.

No smoking zone.

Restricted use of fossil fuels.

Saving energy.

Encouraging organic farming.

The government has put restrictions on the amount of fossil fuels that can be used as well as restrictions on how much carbon dioxide and other pollutants can be emitted. Although the government is attempting to save our environment from these harmful gasses, it is not sufficient. We as a society need to keep the environment clean by controlling the pollution of air.

FAQs on Air Pollution Essay

1. State the Causes of Air Pollution ?

The following are the causes of air pollution.

Vehicular pollution consisting of Carbon Monoxide causes pollution.

Emission of Nitrogen oxide by a large number of supersonic transport airplanes causes deterioration of the Ozone layer and also causes serious damage to the flora and fauna.

The release of Chlorofluorocarbons into the Stratosphere causes depletion of Ozone, which is a serious concern to animals, microscopic, and aquatic organisms.

Burning garbage causes smoke, which pollutes the atmosphere. This smoke contains harmful gases such as Carbon dioxide and Nitrogen oxides.

In India, brick kilns are used for many purposes and coal is used to burn the bricks. They give out huge quantities of Carbon dioxide and particulate matter such as smoke, dust that are very harmful to people working there and the areas surrounding it. 

Many cleansing agents release poisonous gases such as Ammonia and Chlorine into the atmosphere. 

Radioactive elements emit harmful rays into the air.

Decomposed animals and plants emit Methane and Ammonia gas into the air.

2. What Does Global Warming Mean?

Global warming is the gradual rising average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere due to the concentration of methane in certain toxic gasses such as carbon dioxide. This has a major impact on the world climate. The world is warming. The land and the sea are now warmer than they were at the beginning and temperatures are still rising. This rise in temperature is, in short, global warming. This temperature rise is man-made. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere which capture solar heat and raise surface and air temperatures.

3. Name the Alternative Modes of Transport. In What Way Does it Help to Reduce Air Pollution?

Public transport could be an alternative mode of transport. Public transport like trains, buses and trams, can relieve traffic congestion and reduce air pollution from road transport. The use of public transport must be encouraged in order to develop a sustainable transport policy.

4. Mention other means of transportation! How can I help reduce air pollution?

Public transportation can be another mode of transportation. Public transport such as trains, buses and trams can reduce traffic congestion and reduce air pollution from road transport. The use of public transport and to develop sustainable transport policies should be encouraged. While one passenger vehicle has the convenience factor, other modes of transportation reduce travel costs, spend less time, reduce stress, improve health, and reduce energy consumption and parking. Other trips for work include walking/cycling, public transport, hybrid travel and transport.

5. What are the effects of pollution?

Excessive air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Air pollution can also cause heart problems, asthma, and other lung problems. Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, the composition of the air in the air is disturbed. This causes an increase in global temperature. The damaging ozone layer due to air pollution does not prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, which cause skin and eye problems in individuals. Air pollution has caused a number of respiratory and heart diseases among people. The incidence of lung cancer has increased in recent decades. Children living in contaminated areas are more likely to develop pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects of air pollution. When burning fossil fuels, harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the air. Water droplets combine with these pollutants and become acidic and fall as acid rain, which harms human, animal and plant life.

6. What is the solution to air pollution?

Production of renewable fuels and clean energy. The basic solution to air pollution is to get away from fossil fuels and replace them with other energies such as solar, wind and geothermal. The government limits the amount of fossil fuel that can be used and how much carbon dioxide and other pollutants it can emit. While the government is trying to save our environment from this harmful gas, it is not enough. We as a society need to keep the environment clean by controlling air pollution. To more in detail about air pollution and its causes. To learn more about air pollution and its impact on the environment, visit the Vedantu website.

• Biology Article
• Essay On Air Pollution 200 Words 500 Words

Essay on Air Pollution

Essay on air pollution is a crucial topic for students from an academic perspective. Moreover, an essay is one of the most effective ways to educate students about the plight of nature and the repercussions of human activities. Creating awareness for future generations is important if we have to undo decades of ignorance and neglect.

Furthermore, air pollution essay helps students to realize the gravity of the scenario and enable them to take action. Some as simple as using public transport or even carpooling will help reduce a significant amount of air pollution. Read on to discover how to write an engaging essay on air pollution.

Essay on Air Pollution – Important Points to Note

Please consider adopting the following points when writing an essay on air pollution. These tips are also helpful for other essay topics as well:

• Always begin with an introductory paragraph about the topic, preferably detailing its origin.
• Unless the topic is technical, try to avoid jargons.
• Present content in bulleted points wherever possible
• Insert factual data, such as important dates, places or name wherever possible.
• Avoid writing the content in a large monotonous block of text. Remember to break up the content into digestible chunks
• Always conclude the essay with a closing paragraph.

Essay on Air Pollution – Sample 1 (200 Words)

Air pollution is a serious issue and a cause for major concern in today’s world. A report published in 2014  by the World Health Organisation states that 4.21 million individuals died prematurely in 2012 as a result of air pollution. Air pollution existed much before humans, in the form of volcanic eruptions and forest fires. However, it became much more prevalent after the Industrial Revolution.

Rapid industrial growth, unregulated emissions and a host of other issues significantly contributed to the rise in air pollution. In some cases, the severity of air pollution reached an extent where government intervention was necessary. The Great Smog of London, 1952, was an extreme case of air pollution where visibility was severely hampered. It also caused a host of illnesses and the consequent deaths of countless civilians. In November 2017, the levels of air pollution in Delhi were ten times above the safe limits. For reference, the healthy air quality index is between 0 to 50, but during that particular time period, the air quality index hit 500+. This event is now called the Great Smog of Delhi.

An air quality index of 500 and above indicates that the air is heavily polluted and will cause irreversible lung damage and a host of other illnesses to everyone who is exposed to it. Therefore, to avoid such situations in the future, relevant actions must be implemented.

Essay on Air Pollution – Sample 2 (500 Words)

Air pollution may seem like the result of anthropological activities, however, it has been around even before humans evolved. Places which are naturally arid and have minimal vegetation are prone to dust storms. When this particulate matter is added to the air, it can cause health issues in animals exposed to the dust storms.

Furthermore, active volcanoes pump extremely large amounts of toxic plumes and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Wildfires also pump large amounts of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere and hamper photosynthesis for plants. Even animals, especially ruminants such as cows contribute to global warming by producing large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas.

However, air pollution was never a major concern until the industrial revolution. Industries grew rapidly, untreated emissions were pumped into the atmosphere, and the rise of automobiles significantly contributed to air pollution. Such activities continued without any restrictions until they started to cause a wide range of repercussions.

In humans, air polluted with contaminants can cause a wide array of illnesses ranging from asthma and bronchitis the various forms of cancer. Air pollution is not only present outdoors; interior air pollution is also a great concern. Recent research has actually found credible evidence that room fresheners have the many compounds within them, some of which are classified carcinogens. This means some of those compounds present in the aerosol has the potential to cause some forms of cancer. Other sources of air pollution can include gases such as carbon monoxide and radon.

Radon, in particular, is quite alarming. It is an odourless, colourless gas that occurs naturally. It is found in the soil as Uranium, which breaks down and eventually turns into radon gas. Radon has limited repercussions on health if exposed to low concentrations, however, when this gas gets trapped indoor, the higher levels of concentration can have wreak havoc or ultimately be lethal. Radon is also reported to be released from building materials such as granite. Exposure to radon causes no immediate health effects, but long term exposure has the potential to cause lung cancer.

Air pollution not only affects the lungs but the central nervous system too. It has been linked to a lot of diseases such as schizophrenia and autism. A study also implied that it can cause short-term memory losses or distortion of memory.

Historically, air pollution has caused many crises with the worst ever being the Bhopal Disaster in 1984. Fatalities were estimated at 3,800, with at least 600,000 injured. Next in severity was the Great Smog of 1952 which formed over London, killing an estimated 4,000 civilians over the course of four days.

Though measures have been taken to reduce the effects of air pollution, a lot of irreversible damage has been done. For instance, the effects of global warming have drastically increased; this is very apparent with the rise in sea levels and melting glaciers. If the ice caps continue to melt, then we will have to face drastic repercussions. Scientists have proposed a hypothetical scenario where the greenhouse effect becomes “uncontrolled.” Here, greenhouse gases build up and temperatures continue to rise steeply. Oceans will start to evaporate, adding more water vapour into the earth’s atmosphere. This intensifies the effect, reaching a point where temperatures are sufficiently high for rocks start sublimating. Though this scenario is hypothetical, some speculate that this phenomenon already occurred on Venus. The supporters of this theory back this up by claiming Venus has an atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide. The theory also explains why Venus has an extremely high surface temperature of 462 degrees Celcius; which is in fact, the hottest planet in the solar system.

Hence, we need to reduce our impact on the planet and make a conscious effort to reduce air pollution. Explore more essay topics or other fascinating concepts by registering at BYJU’S

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• Published: 20 November 2023

Exploring the relationship between air quality index and lung cancer mortality in India: predictive modeling and impact assessment

• Tamanpreet Singh 1 ,
• Amandeep Kaur 1 ,
• Sharon Kaur Katyal 1 ,
• Simran Kaur Walia 1 ,
• Geetika Dhand 2 ,
• Kavita Sheoran 2 ,
• Sachi Nandan Mohanty 3 ,
• M. Ijaz Khan 4 , 5 ,
• Fuad A. Awwad 6 &
• Emad A. A. Ismail 6  

Scientific Reports volume  13 , Article number:  20256 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is steadily deteriorating, leading to a rise in the mortality rate due to Lung Cancer. This decline in air quality can be attributed to various factors such as PM 2.5, PM 10, and Ozone (O3). To establish a relationship between AQI and Lung Cancer, several predictive models including Linear Regression, KNN, Decision Tree, ANN, Random Forest Regression, and XGBoost Regression were employed to estimate pollutant levels and Air Quality Index in India. The models relied on publicly available state-wise Air Pollution Dataset. Among all the models, the XGBoost Regression displayed the highest accuracy, with pollutant level estimations reaching an accuracy range of 81% to 98% during training and testing. The second-highest accuracy range was achieved by Random Forest. The paper also explores the impact of increasing pollution levels on the rising mortality rate among lung cancer patients in India.

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Introduction.

Globally India has been ranked 5th 1 country with highest air pollution among 118 countries. In 2019, a worldwide survey 2 was conducted that determined among 30 most polluted cities 21 cities are in India US AQI -EPA’s index of reporting air quality. The Five major pollutants are:-Ground-level ozone (O3), Particle Pollution (also known as particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). In 2021, average US AQI of India is 151, according to the 1 daily AQI Colour is red being Level of Concern Unhealthy. The average PM2.5 concentration in India is 11.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. Bhiwadi, Rajasthan was most polluted city in 2021 being AQI 177 1 , Unhealthy level of concern. As of 24 Oct, 2022 Delhi’s AQI is 256, Very Unhealthy 2 . Majorly lung cancer patients are highly affected by the constant rise of particulate matter concentration in the air 2 . According to the Exploratory Data Analysis of the data provided by Kaggle 3 , Ahmedabad 2 has the highest concentration of NO 2 , SO 2 , CO whereas Delhi with highest concentration of PM2.5, PM10 and NO 2 .

Among all the types of cancers Lung cancer is the huge cause of increasing mortality in India and is highly affected by the Air Quality Index. Lung cancer patients are vulnerable to degrading lung capacity and respiratory diseases due to the major rise in the composition of pollutants in the air. World-wide Lung cancer is the major cause of concern due to the increasing rate of death cases. According to the 2020 National Cancer Registry Programme report 4 1 in every 6 males and 1 in every 7 females had a cumulative risk of developing cancer of any site in the age of 0 to 74 years in India. A trend of gradual growth in Lung cancer cases and deaths have been noticed with the gradual increase in air pollution over past years. Lung cancer has become a historically dominant type of cancer in the past decade.

The rise in particulate matter as well as the alternative pollutants depicts a concerning issue to the community due to the impurity of air. There are various features affecting the quality of air some of which are shown in Fig.  1 .

Factors affecting AQI.

Lung cancer being the most familiar and dangerous cancer can develop some interest about the interrelation among the lung cancer and pollution caused by the air.

To evaluate copious data together with analyzing patterns and trends which is not easy for person to do can be done by applying some machine learning tools which can be utilized for the anticipating of the places having greater amounts of pollution and the possibility of having lung cancer. Machine learning algorithms can figure out the patterns and trends by getting trained on given historical data for the forecasting of the future status of the quality of air based on some different factors.

The correlations between the air quality index and the lung cancer can be established by using the machine learning techniques which can gives out the desired results which can be used further for the diagnosis of the public health. Machine learning techniques further used in the given research are:

Linear regression: This algorithm is known as one of the simplest and well-liked machine learning algorithms. Predictive analysis has been done by using the analytical algorithm. It predicts the relationship between the continuous variables and depicts the relation between the x-axis and y-axis which are independent and dependent variables respectively. Regression having a single input variable(x) is known as the simple linear regression whereas having multiple inputs is known as multiple linear regression. It depicts the relationship between the variables by giving a sloped straight line.

K-nearest neighbor: KNN is termed as the easiest Machine Learning algorithms established on supervised learning presuppose the closeness between the new case/data handset the unfamiliar case into the obtainable categories which have almost resemblance. Depending upon the resemblance it collects all the accessible data and creates a new data point. This implies when new data is visualized it can be simply designated into an appropriate category. KNN is a non-parametric algorithm, which states that it would not give any conjecture on provided data. This algorithm fails to give any conjecture from the training set instantly rather saves the dataset. At classification time, it executes an operation on the latest so it is also known as lazy learner algorithm.

Decision tree: Decision tree is simplest algorithm to use, it is used to provide a solution to a particular problem. It starts with roots and then branches off in various solutions just like a tree. It is a part of supervised learning algorithms which is used to solve classification problems and regression problems both. It is used to create a training model which predicts the class of the target variable by learning decision. It asks questions and on the basis of the answer it splits the tree into further subtrees. On this comparison, it goes along with the branch that leads to that value and then jumps to the next node. The start of a decision tree is known as a root node, the root node then splits and the initial split is called decision nodes, they are known as decision nodes because a split is made which causes the tree to branch in two directions. The leaf node often leads to the final answer or the predicted value.

Artificial neural network: Artificial intelligence provides a sub field known as the artificial neural network which tries to perform different tasks and designed the way in which the brain functions. It is being organized in a way in which the neurons are interconnected having layer of networks with each and every layer of the network. It receives the input signal from the outside sources in the pattern and the vector form. there are two artificial neural network topologies feedforward and feedback.

Random forest regression: Random forest regression is a machine learning approach which clarifies the classification and regression problem and contains plenty of decision trees. The ‘Forest’ drawn from this technique is qualified by bagging or bootstrap aggregating. To elevate the efficiency, it uses bagging as an ensemble meta-algorithm. The conclusion of this algorithm is based upon the forecast of the decision tree by taking the mean output from different trees. It has been concluded that random forest regression is more reliable than the decision tree model and gives an adequate way of approaching missing data without hyper-parameter tuning. Random forest regression clarifies the problem of overfitting in decision trees.

XGboost regression: This algorithm is based on class ensemble algo which is used for prediction modelling scenarios. It is open-source library that is easily accessible by all. It provides efficient and effective implementation.

Research article on lung cancer and its relationship with the Air Quality Index (AQI) may be justified by involve machine learning (ML) as an important use case for an array of solid reasons: (1) data complexity and volume: studies involving environmental factors like AQI and health effects like lung cancer frequently require huge and complex datasets, which the use of machine learning is excellent at handling. (2) Pattern discovery: ML algorithms could uncover connects and patterns in data that could not have been seen using traditional statistical methods. When employed on data related to lung cancer and AQI, ML can reveal complicated relationships that could provide light on the subtle interplay between external factors and health. (3) Predictive modelling: based on former AQI data and other relevant variables, predictive ML models, in particular models like regression and classification algorithms, can be used to anticipate lung cancer incidence or risk. (4) Feature selection: using ML approaches, it is possible to automatically select the most important variables from a pool of candidate predictors. When it comes to lung cancer and AQI, ML can assist identify which air quality indicators are most closely associated with the condition, offering crucial information for public health initiatives. (5) Real-time analysis: models based on machine learning (ML) may be taught to evaluate air quality index (AQI) data in real-time, opening the door to the possibility of prompt interventions and warnings in places where the quality of the air is quickly declining. (6) Non-linear relationships: machine learning models may represent non-linear and complicated links among AQI and lung cancer risk, in contrary to classic statistical approaches, which frequently presume linear relationships. As a consequence, the data may be interpreted in a more subtle manner. (7) Scalability: ML techniques are beneficial for studying lung cancer in different regions and demographic groups impacted by different levels of air pollution because they can scale to accommodate enormous regions and diverse populations. (8) Continual learning: as they are exposed to new data, ML models can evolve and get better over time. The research may grow more dynamic and relevant as a result of this adaptability, which can increase its accuracy of forecasts and insights. (9) Improved decision support: ML may offer policymakers and healthcare professionals significant decision support tools. (10) Innovation and progress: incorporating machine learning (ML) in your research advances the methodology of science. In conclusion, using machine learning as a use case in study demonstrates the importance and practicality of cutting-edge techniques in solving urgent public health concerns like lung cancer in connection to air quality.

Background and motivation

The changing demographics of lung cancer with each passing year has shown that Lung cancer has develop into the prominent cause of deaths due to cancer not only in India but worldwide. In India, according to the previous year statistics reports lung cancer is responsible for 5.9% 5 among all types of cancer. Along with this 8.1% 5 of all cancer deaths are due to lung cancer.

Lung cancer is also termed as lung carcinoma. It basically causes uncontrollable growth of cells in the lung tissue. The two types of lung cancer namely Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Majorly people are affected by lung cancer due to smoking but nowadays non-smokers are also highly prone to lung cancer because of the air pollution. According to the statistical reports of 2019 the concentration of PM2.5 in air was so high that it was equivalent to smoking 26 cigarettes 5 . There are two major types of SCLC—[A] Sc—Squamous cell carcinoma [B] ADC—adeno- carcinoma.

The cancer that origins in the lungs’ cells, commonly present either in the bronchi’s lining (air carrying tubes for in and out) or inside the petite air containing sacs named as alveoli is recognized as lung cancer. Moreover, it usually diagnosed at a higher stage when curing opportunities are bounded that’s why it is the most typical and lethal tumor. According to the demographics there are the majority of males or females that got affected by the disease are smokers and majorly males constitute to the highest ratio of lung cancer patients. Another fact that should be taken seriously is the ratio of doctors in India according to the demographics, there is only 1 doctor per 1456 people whereas Doctor- population Ratio as recommended by WHO is 1 doctor per 1000 people 5 . Hence, the need to subject this issue of rising Air quality Index with every day and rising mortality rate by lung cancer is required.

The increasing risk factors that are leading towards this high rate of mortality and found it to be a major issue of concern by the government of India. The government of India should take some preventive measures to ensure the control of air pollution and also create some awareness about lung cancer to prevent the gradual rise of lung cancer patients.

Assorted aspects that can influence an individual’s uncertainty of growing lung cancer are indicated as adjustable and non-adjustable.

Non-adjustable

Age—the possibility on diagnosed with a lung cancer is higher for elderly people as it grows with age.

Family’s past records and genetics—a family representative having a past record of lung tumor can increases the risk and ancestral mutations can be linked with a greater possibility of having a lung cancer.

Taking substances containing tobacco such as cigarettes, cigars and some chemicals namely carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, and diesel exhaust during occupational Exposure like Working in places namely mining, construction etc. can become a primary cause for having lung cancer.

Sitting frequently around smokers regularly can lead to the exposure of having a lung cancer for non-smokers (passive smokers).

Persistent exposure to greater levels of air contamination mainly in metropolitan areas has been bound with a greater risk of having a lung cancer.

Some of the effects of lung cancer are Constant cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, indescribable loss in weight, Effects of medical care such as surgery, chemotherapy immunotherapy can cause alopecia, changes in food desires and tiredness.

One of the major problems that India faces today is air pollution. Air pollution in India is majorly caused by the pollution coming from the various factories, industries and vehicles in urban areas. In rural areas it can be caused by large scale burning of crops in fields. Air pollution can also be caused my burring of diesel, petrol, biomass coal and other fossil fuels etc. High level of pollutants and impure matter cause a great threat to the health of the population in fact air pollution has been linked to lung cancer which means that high level of air population can cause lung cancer which is the reason of great concern as lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer prone to human beings. According to world health organization 6 22 out of 30 most polluted cities are located in India which in turn results in approximately 1.5 million deaths per year. There are almost 67,000 cases 6 which are registered per year of lung cancer which is caused my high level of air pollution.

In this paper various machine learning techniques are used which is an efficient tool, to analyse a huge volume of data and then help to identify the places which are most at risk of air pollution. By finding out these places it would be easier for the public health strategies to reduce pollution in that particular area that would bring down the total percentage of cases of lung cancer. Machine learning helps the researchers to do a close analysis of the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer and then make models which is used to predict the air quality and then helps in finding the area’s most at risk of air pollution which reduces lung cancer. This project will contribute to counter the increasing AQI hence also creating awareness about the harmful effects of AQI for Lung cancer patients and many other patients suffering from cancer, lung diseases or respiratory diseases. Since air pollutants majorly affect not only Lung cancer patients but also affect the lung capacity of everyone leading to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD and more.

Literature review

This section of the research comparises of a brief review of past papers / research regulating the issue and severe consequenses of rising AQI and lung cancer all over. Kalaivani et al. 7 stated about the detection system made by the use of deep learning techniques. The dataset of Computed Tomography (CT) images was taken up for the detection purposes. Further for the classification of the lung images dataset the images are classified as normal or malignant. A densely connected convolution neural network basically a DenseNet layer made for the classification and image detection purposes. Total 201 images were used and the train test split of 85–15 was encountered at the time of model configuration. Deep Learning is used since it provides better feature engineering than Machine Learning on its own. The accuracy of 90.85% was obtained by the proposed model.

Kumar et al. 8 stated the quality of air being highly dependent on the number of pollutants affecting the health of humans. The pollutant release from industries, vehicles being the major cause of air pollution in India the dataset comprises 23 Indian cities of the past six years. An exploratory data analysis was done after the feature scaling of the dataset to provide more visualised experimental results that can be concluded by the given data. The dataset has been resampled and further different techniques are used for air quality prediction model such as KNN, Gaussian Naïve Bayes, SVM RF and XGboost. The best accuracy provided was 91% by XGboost Model.

Wei Soh et al. 9 proposed a deep learning approach to use deep learning methods to forecast air quality for 2 days. The paper suggested the use of multiple neural networks with a combination of ANN, CNN and LSTM. Further providing the air quality predictive system over meteorological dataset. The proposed model observes higher results in specified regions giving the best accuracy. The visualization techniques are used for calculating the RMSE for both the training and testing dataset. The best performance was observed in Taiwan and Beijing.

Subramaniam et al. 10 stated the effect of air pollution on human beings by exploring the application of AI in predicting air pollution. in this paper author used many technologies such as decision tree, machine learning and neural networks in forecasting the air pollution and its effect on human health 11 . it is evident that these technologies improve the accuracy of predicting air pollution which would help in reducing it effects was something which was argued by the author. several different approaches such as machine learning algorithms, chemical transport models and statistical models which also help in predicting air pollution. the author states the limitations of current situation and future scope for predicting air pollution as he concludes the paper. this paper highlights an important overview of the need of AI technologies and their potential in predicting air pollution and why it’s important to continue the research in this particular field.

Previous researchers discussed solely about the Air pollution describing the levels of AQI and the gradual increase in the Air pollution all over India using the political maps of India showcasing the different levels of Air Quality Index with tables of AQI colour levels also mentioning the level of concern with respect to range provided. The data for such papers is made available at IQAIR website where one can check for worldwide air quality index at any time. These research papers are further discussed in Table 1 .

The Table 1 discusses about the Dataset and algorithms used by the researchers in the explained papers. Hence, providing a comprehensive detailed analysis on the Literature review provided in the paper.

Schulze et al. 12 stated the effects of air pollution on health and how microfluidic chips is used to fix these effects. An overview of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and Oxone which are found in air and their harmful effects on health such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases was given by the author, he further discusses the problems involved with measuring the air quality which includes the need for real-time monitoring data. The author highlights use of microfluidic chips which are a solution for fixing the quality of air, they are basically small tools which control fluids of small volume that enables the air pollutant measurement concentrations in real team; there are various kinds of microfluidic chips which are developed over time to monitor the quality of air and which measure particulate matter. The author concludes the paper by highlighting the fact that there is a need to continue research so that the accuracy of microfluidic chips can be improved and their application is expanded to a larger range of pollutants.

Gupta et al. 13 This paper stated that for predicting the presence of lung cancer the usage of machine learning algorithm is very important. In this paper various algorithms of machine learning such as support vector machines, decision trees, random forests are used in predicting lung cancer. The author talks about the conventional ways of diagnosing lung cancer and how important more effective methods are for early detection of lung cancer. The dataset that is used by the author included clinical features, images of CT scan and demographics. The author highlights how important the use of feature selection is in improving the performance of the machine learning models. The paper is concluded by discussing the limitations of current methods and the future directions of this study. The author describes the importance of clinical validation and the need of large and more diverse dataset to enhance the performance of machine learning algorithms.

Kumar et al. 14 In this paper machine learning algorithms were used using text datasets for predicting the presence of lung cancer which included logistic regression, naive bayes and decision trees. The author describes how lung cancer is diagnosed and treated using current methods and then gives an overview of dataset used in this paper that is pathology reports and text data from medical records of the patient. The accuracy and effectiveness of machine learning algorithms from text datasets for predicting lung cancer was presented by the author, he also highlighted how salient feature selection is in improvising the performance of lung cancer. The paper is concluded by stating that there is a need for more diverse and larger amount of dataset for improving the further performance and importance of clinical validation and how critical the synergy between medical professionals and computer scientists is.

Sumathi et al. 15 has mentioned various techniques of air quality prediction. The authors explained about the detailed effect of air quality on the health of people and the environment. The dataset used in the paper is extracted from various monitoring stations. Classification techniques are used such as KNN, Decision Tree and SVM. The proposed approach predominantly discusses about the feature selection process to improve the results provided by the algorithms. Also, the ensemble methods and deep learning approach is used for optimized performance of the selected models. Hence, providing the conclusion that deep learning models are more reliable than machine learning models. The authors have also expressed the requirement of more comprehensive dataset to provide better and more accurate results.

Bhattacharya et al. 16 talks about the air quality predictive models for AQI prediction in New Delhi. The paper has provided a detailed performance analysis of the various machine learning algorithms used. The data used in the paper was extracted by the different monitoring stations and meteorological data for air quality. The paper majorly focuses on the importance of air quality prediction for environment and healthcare services of Delhi to be precise due to the major degradation of air quality in past few years. The authors further mentioned the results and the conclusion provided by the models used in the proposed approach that is Decision Tress, Random Forests and Artificial Neural Networks also the use of hybrid models have led to more optimized predictive models. The best accuracy provided was 93.4%.

Further the brief detailing of these papers is provided in Table 2 . This table provides a brief of all the papers mentioned in the Literature Review provided in this paper.

Behera et al. 17 presented an overall report of the load and administration of lung cancer in India. It mainly focuses on the expanding incidence as well as the fatality rates and the objections and convenience for the enhancement for the medication of the illness. The aspect of tobacco usage, uncleaned environment and the genetic aspects and the progression have been discussed by the author. They also concluded the initial disclosure of the cancer and to cut down the use of tobacco and pollution. The need of extra extensive and authentic data on the load handling and the combined passage for the avoidance, diagnosis and the prescription for the enhancement of patient’s health and to decrease the burden.

Dritsas et al. 18 states the prediction by giving the elaborated study about the execution of discovering the lung cancer by performing some machine learning algorithms. The analysis of the cancer risk by focusing the factors of public health and climate. The dataset contains population based clinical, lifestyle and demographic data which gives the efficiency by using the feature selection through some of the hybrid models. The various machine learning models used for the analysis are the decision tree, support vector machine and the logistic regression. This evaluation shows the strength and the certainty of the algorithms by presenting the effect of feature selection and data pre-processing which enhances the model’s accuracy. It also derives the drawbacks and the coming guidelines of the study. The urgency of getting more extensive data carrying some extra features and the concern of the genetic aspects into the prediction of lung cancer to achieve stable forecasting.

Mustafa et al. 19 examines the usability of some machine learning algorithms for the classification and forecasting of the lung cancer into various stages. It gives out the relevance of the cancer prediction for civil health by drawing the etiology and the danger aspects. The dataset used constitutes of clinical and histopathological information from victims recognised for lung cancer. The classification of the disease into the various stages is determined by using the hybrid models and some extra complicated algorithms by highlighting the need of feature selection as well as the data pre-processing which increments the results. The drawbacks, further guidance and the demand of dataset including incorporating environmental and genetic aspects for the reliable forecasting have been discussed by the author. It gives out the beneficial contribution for the improvement of the public health by enabling prior exposure and approach for the treatment of the patients.

Nageswaram et al. 20 states the importance of techniques such as image processing and machine learning in predicting lung cancer. performance of machine learning algorithms and classification of the disease based on CT images into different stages is stated into this paper in detail. an overview of the need of lung cancer prediction with main focus on etiology and risk factors of lung cancer in provided by the author. the dataset which is used in this paper includes CT images of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. the effectiveness of machine learning analysis and other algorithms which predict lung cancer based on CT images by classifying disease into various stages. the need of feature selection and image processing is discussed in this paper which improves the efficiency of the model. while concluding the paper the author discusses limitations of the current scenario and future scopes of the study, he also states that there was a need of more comprising dataset which would have included more risk factors and features of lung cancer.

Comparative analysis

Critical facets of technology's effects on health are covered in two different research papers.

In Kalaivani et al.'s study, main focus is on healthcare. (CNNs) and (RNNs) may be used in the analysis of medical imaging data for the early recognition and categorization of lung cancer. Due to the fact that early diagnosis considerably improves patient outcomes, this is of utmost clinical significance. The authors are likely to have performed significant data preliminary processing, involving image enhancement and feature extraction, they would have tackled the class imbalance problem common in medical datasets using techniques such as oversampling or weighted loss functions. In contrast, the research carried out by Subramaniam et al. combines the disciplines of environmental science and the health of the public. Their narrative research looks into how artificial intelligence (AI) is utilised to estimate air pollution levels and assess how it affects people's health. The approach includes an in-depth examination of the body of research, highlighting several AI techniques. The assessment likely highlights the capacity of AI to offer actual time environmental information and its implications for accurate choices regarding public health. In conclusion, these two studies serve as excellent instances for the different ways that technology is used in environmental science and healthcare. While Subramaniam et al.'s research explores how AI could assist in reducing the health risks associated with air pollution, Kalaivani et al.'s work employs deep learning for lung cancer evaluation to tackle a key medical issue. Both studies highlight how technology may be used to tackle necessary health issues and provide useful data within the fields they work in.

Dataset used

The dataset is web scrapped from en.tutiempo.net website for 2013 to 2015 and also files have been downloaded month wise. This data contains hourly measurements of AQI 3 .

The data has been collected in different excel sheets and html sheets. Since some of this has been downloaded and some has been web scrapped from the website providing all the climate data for every country month wise.

The data contained different entries such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and rainfall. Further we have cleaned the manually combined data and performed the analysis on the cleaned dataset to get the desired results.

In machine learning, correcting the imbalance of classes in a dataset is a vital phase, especially when solving binary categorization issues like detecting lung cancer. The writers of your research article could have tackled the issue of class imbalance in the following ways:

Resampling methods: To balance the dataset, the authors may have used resampling processes. This involves either randomly including instances to the majority class (non-cancer cases) to under sample the minority class (lung cancer patients in the study) or introducing instances to the majority class (cancer cases) to overestimate it. As a result, the distribution of classes is equalised, reducing the probability that the model would be prejudiced in favour of the dominant class.

Weighted loss functions: In instead of resampling, the authors may have provided the classes in the machine learning algorithm varied weights in the loss function. Giving the minority class more importance pushes the model to focus on it more during training, which lowers the bias towards the dominant class.

Ensemble methods: Ensemble methods like Gradient Boosting or Random Forests may effectively tackle class imbalance. These algorithms gather the predictions from several models after building them. In order to organically resolve imbalance, they often give each classifier a varied weight according on the way they performed in every class.

Evaluation measures: The authors likely utilised assessments that are resistant to class imbalance for the purpose to assess model performance. Area under the Precision-Recall curve (AUC-PR), F1-score, confusion matrices, and the region of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) are popular options.

Data pre-processing

In the proposed model the prediction and EDA process is started by importing various libraries such as—(1) NumPy, (2) Pandas, (3) Matplotlib, (4) Seaborn, (5) Io, (6) Sklearn.

Data cleaning has been done by dropping null values found in the dataset. So, the cleaned data consisted of the following factors—T stands for average temperature (degree Celsius), TM stands for maximum temperature (degree Celsius), Tm stands for minimum temperature (degree Celsius), SLP stands for Atmospheric Pressure at Sea Level (GPa), H stands for average relative humidity (%), VV stands for average visibility (km), V stands for average wind speed (km/h), VM stands for maximum sustained wind speed (km/h), PM2.5 stands for Particulate Matter.

Now this data is the cleaned data with no null values and can be used to perform feature engineering to apply different machine learning models. Feature engineering is used to create a predictive model using machine learning using the PM2.5 variable since it the key variable that is majorly affecting the lung cancer patients. PM2.5 saturation is increasing with each day as seen in the dataset the graph is used to represent the PM2.5 density over these years.

Data cleaning—the process of data cleaning started by identifying the null values in the dataset. Then the null values were dropped by the drop function. The dependent and independent features were declared namely X and y using the iloc function to be used as training and testing of the models. The training and testing data will be used as a 70–30 split from the original dataset. The correlation matrix is formulated to find the relations among the elements used in the dataset. Using these correlations, a heatmap is to be plotted. The model fitting is done using regressors. The cleaned data is used to find the increase in PM2.5 using different regression models at different rates of efficiency. The best efficiency is considered the final result of the experimental theory.

Computational complexity and the experimental environment

The test setup, including the software and hardware environment used for the machine learning research, is explained in this section. We also go with the computational complexity related to the various machine learning methods used in this study.

Environment for hardware and software

On a computer cluster with strong GPUs and CPUs, the experiments were carried out. These are the main hardware environment requirements:

Data preprocessing

Performed many kinds of data getting ready operations, such as data normalisation, feature engineering, and handling missing values, before to training machine learning models. Python's pandas and NumPy libraries were used to complete these getting ready tasks.

Algorithms for machine learning

Took several types of machine learning algorithms into action and evaluated them, including but not limited to:

Logistic regression: a basic approach that is simple but effective.

Random forest: a robust combination method known for its capacity to handle complicated data.

Gradient boosting: we made use of XGBoost and LightGBM, two gradient boosting methods that work well with unbalanced datasets.

Computational complexity

The methods for machine learning used in this study vary in computational complexity. Deep learning models require more computing power during training and inference phases. Convolutional neural network training may be computationally demanding and often requires a bit of GPU time and resources. In contrast, while computationally straightforward, traditional machine learning algorithms like logistic regression and random forests may still be successful when used in combination with appropriate feature engineering and data prior to treatment methods. Batch processing and early stopping circumstances in order to speed up model training and preserve convergence were included in the study. In conclusion it's important to take computational complexity in consideration for the preparation and execution of machine learning experiments.

Experimental results

The results obtained and the plots made are mentioned to get a broader understanding of the paper. The plots used in the visualisation of the used dataset are further the depiction of the relationships among the parameters in the data. Below are some graphical and tabular illustrations of the results obtained by the modelling. As shown in Table 3 we can see the highest and the lowest range of accuracy and other performance parameters clearly.

This is the tabular depiction of the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the accuracy of various ML models after the compilation of the code to obtain the desired results.

The pair plots explained in the Fig.  2 is basically the depiction of the correlation of each parameter in the dataset to the other. These graphs predict the relationship parameters between all the functional parameters that are present on the dataset.

sns pair plot for all the data fields in the provided dataset.

The data fields used here are plotted as pair plot. A pair plot manages to depict the bivariate data frames of the dataset. The diagonal plots are univariant plots in the given figure.

The graph shown in Fig.  3 further depicts the feature importance of all the different parameters present in the data to provide the best feature selection mechanism for the model predictive systems.

Graph of feature importance for better visualization.

This graph shows the visualization of importance of different features present in the dataset after feature scaling.

The graph presented in Fig.  4 discusses about the density variation of the PM 2.5 (particulate matter).

Histogram representing PM2.5 density.

The graph is represented of PM2.5 density as per the data available in the dataset.

Result and discussions

The findings from our study shed light on the complicated relationship between lung cancer incidence rates and the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the discussion section. Though the results we obtained demonstrated a significant positive correlation between high AQI levels and a higher rate of lung cancer, it is essential to recognise the challenges involved in proving causation in an observational study. Our results imply that poor air quality may increase the risk of lung cancer, but other factors, such as smoking habits and occupational exposures, may obscure this relationship. Additional study of putative biological processes by which air pollution may affect lung carcinogenesis is necessary given the complex nature of lung cancer aetiology. However, our findings highlight the importance of initiatives to enhance air quality for public health, demonstrating need for stringent air Inspections of quality and thorough initiatives to prevent lung cancer, especially in regions with high AQI numbers. Further research should look at these procedures and possible remedies to mitigate the impact of poor air quality on lung cancer risk.

The results obtained in the proposed model are discussed on the basis of the performance parameters that have been evaluated and the best accuracy range 81–98% is obtained by XGboost model as compared to the accuracy of 91% by XGboost in research conducted by K. Kumar et al. Also, the second highest range of accuracy is obtained by Random Forest (79 to 97%).

Conclusion derived

According to the analysis performed the AQI is increasing rapidly which can be determined by using XGboost Regression. AQI major pollutant PM2.5 is directly affecting lung cancer patients by causing microenvironmental alterations in lung cancer leading to increase in inflammation cells also triggering asthma and COPD. As a next step we would like to find more pollutants directly affecting the lung cancer patients and people suffering from respiratory diseases. Further we can test the model using deep learning or hybrid models.

Future scope

The proposed study can be further extended in the following aspects:

Various genetical mutations(alterations) have been associated to a greater possibility of lung cancer. Some machine learning algorithms can evaluate massive datasets carrying the genetic knowledge for the identification of the mutations. Moreover, it can analyse the possibility of having lung cancer of a specific person. Some machine learning algorithms like deep neural networks can be engaged to determine thorough genetic datasets. Convolutional neural network can spontaneously derive some characteristics from genetic arrangements, determining exquisite mutations connected with lung cancer possibility.

The patient’s medical background, their style of living, and various applicable data to anticipate the possibility of having a cancer can be evaluated by using some machine learning algorithms which can also be used to predict the medication for the patients having severe problems. Machine learning models can be accustomed for analysing individuals’ data, containing medical pictures, medical variables, and microscopic markers, for the estimation of individuals condition and chances of living.

The treatment process which can be the adequate for the particular patient which can give the person a specially made prescription and can advance the health of the patient can be detected by applying some machine learning algorithms. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) or concentration mechanisms can forecast patient information and genetic description to forecast medication feedbacks.

The chances of a person’s survival can be concluded with the help of these techniques which can be capable to give advice for the improvement of the patient outcome.

Data availability

All data used in this manuscript have been presented within the article.

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Acknowledgements

Researchers Supporting Project number (RSPD2023R1060), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This research received funding from King Saud University through Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSPD2023R1060), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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M. Ijaz Khan

Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China

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Singh, T., Kaur, A., Katyal, S.K. et al. Exploring the relationship between air quality index and lung cancer mortality in India: predictive modeling and impact assessment. Sci Rep 13 , 20256 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47705-5

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Essay on Air Pollution in India

Read this essay to learn about Air Pollution in India. After reading this essay you will learn about: 1. Meaning of Air Pollution 2. Causes of Air Pollution 3. Sources 4. Effects 5. Consequence 6. Air Pollution 7. Control 8. How to Reduce Air Pollution?.

Essay Contents:

• Essay on How to Reduce Air Pollution

Essay # 1. Meaning of Air Pollution:

Air pollution may be defined as imbalance in the quality of air so as to cause ill effects. According to Maxwell, “our enormously accelerated abuse of the atmosphere has become a health hazard and a threat to life, damaging both plants and animals in areas polluted with poisonous fumes, dust and smoke”.

The different types of pollutants are continuously introduced into the atmosphere and are removed by natural process of cleaning. But when pollution exceeds the atmosphere’s self purifying capacity, accumulation of pollutants occurs causing serious hazards for environment and other organisms including humans.

The following are the main reasons for the increasing rate of our pollution:

(i) Poisonous gases and other particles emitted from industries without any treatment.

(ii) Heavy increase in the number of automobiles and their emission.

(iii) Increased use of chemicals and petro-chemicals.

(iv) Population concentration in cities.

(v) Fast rate of deforestation.

(vi) Tests of experiments of atomic weapons.

(vii) Tests of chemical and bio chemical weapons.

(viii) Space research and satellite wastes.

(ix) Unorganized mining and traditional practices of the use of fuel wood etc.

Certain natural events such as volcanic eruption, dust storms etc., are also a cause of air pollution. In order to understand the nature of air pollution it is necessary to know the various sources of pollution.

Essay # 2. Causes of Air Pollution:

A. pollution by automobiles:.

The automobiles is man’s greatest achievement in minimising distances. The number of automobiles is increasing day by day and has become a cause of air pollution and degradation of the environment.

The automobile illustrates how the free market principle, in this case the principle of freedom to select one’s method of transportation, may conflict with the aim of maintaining an environment congenial to people. For a long time, the growth of the automobile was regarded as an indication of prosperity and a good standard of living.

The expansion in individual transport now promoted materially and psychologically from both a political and commercial point of view and this led to the present situation. The automobile, with its internal combustion engine, emits poisonous gases which are harmful to human health and is the most serious pol­lution problem of the technological age.

The exhaust emission is a major source of air pollution in an automobile. Evaporative losses from fuel tank and carburettor and losses from the crank case, particulates from road surface, rubber tyres, brake linings and clutch plates also contribute significantly.

If oxidation were complete, water and carbon dioxide would be the only products produced from the combustion of petrol in an internal combustion engine. Neither of these products is considered to be a pollutant. But in practice it is difficult to achieve complete oxidation and carbon monoxide is formed in considerable quantities. Also a part of the fuel remains unchanged and some other compounds.

Apart from these products of incomplete combustion most petrols contain anti-knock agents which contain lead. The lead usually added to gasoline is the organic compound ‘tetra ethyl lead’ (TEL) which is extremely poisonous.

In addition, the conditions in the combustion chamber favour the oxidation of the nitrogen in air so that oxides of nitrogen are also formed in the engine. Further under favourable conditions the products emitted by vehicles can react with one another to produce unpleasant secondary pollutants.

It becomes clear from the above analysis that the problem of air pollution is increasing with the growth and expansion of industries and automobiles. It is high time that all of us should know the harmful effects of air pollution and also evolve technology to control it.

b. Industrial Emission:

The rapid rate of industrialisation has resulted in more and more air pollution. Various industrial processes release almost all types of pollutants into the air. Some industries like cement, iron and steel, fertilizer, petrochemical etc. are of great concern because of the difficulty in controlling the emission of pollutants from them. Acid ram has become a great threat to the environment.

The use of solvents is increasing with the growing use of paints, spray, polish etc. Due to the presence of hydrocarbons in these materials, air pollution is caused which is dangerous for health. Similarly, spray of pesticides in agriculture is also responsible for air pollution even in rural areas.

c. Chemical Industry :

Chemical reactions do not always continue to completion, so that in addition to the desired product, by -products occur, which on cost grounds are often released by the chemical industry into the atmosphere or discharged into the drainage system.

The spectrum of products manufactured by the chemical industry is extraordinary wide-ranging; inorganic substances such as sulphuric, nitric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids and their salts; organic substances such as hydrocarbons, fertilizers, plant protection and pest destruc­tion agents, plastics, man-made fibres, paints and lacquers, pharmaceutical products, adhesives, detergents, cosmetic products, polishing powders, and leather and textile accessories.

The principal emissions given off by the chemical industry are gases and vapours of organic chemical compounds such as hydrocarbons and their halogen derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and nitrogen and sulphur compounds (amines, mercaptans, sulphides); gases and vapours of inorganic chemical com­pounds such as hydrogen sulphide, hydrochloric acid, fluorine compounds, sulphur dioxide, and hydrogen phosphides; and finally toxic powders such as fluorides and carbides and powders from iron alloys, arsenic and asbestos.

Extensive control is necessary, partly because the human sense of smell is very sensitive to substances emitted by chemical industries (such as hydrogen sulphide and ercaptans), even when they are highly rarefied.

To eliminate these substances, purification plants of very high degree of efficiency are required. Furthermore, the chemical reactions take place in many cases under very heavy pressure.

For safety reasons the reaction apparatuses and accessories must therefore, be equipped with pressure relief facilities (safety valves). In the event of breakdowns, which can be fairly frequent in a chemical works, the noxious substances are released in relatively large quantities.

d. Petroleum Industry:

The petroleum industry is characterized by the regular discharge of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds and of sulphur dioxide and fine dust. Crude oil imported form the oil-producing countries is processed in refineries into various petroleum products, in particular heating oil and gasoline.

In the refining process, the crude oil is heated and vaporized and then condensed again at various temperatures. In this way the varying fractions, from highly volatile gasoline to heavy heating oil, are separated. In the process, tarlike bitumen is left behind for further processing in its turn.

In order to produce the energy needed to vaporize the crude oil, the distillation residues are used in the refineries as the main fuel. These residues contain large quantities of sulphur, which after combustion, is given off into the atmosphere in the form of sulphur dioxide. In addition, according to where it comes from, the material consumed can contain larger or smaller quantities of fine dust, which is also given off with the flue gas.

The second group of components in air pollution by refineries are organic substances such as hydrocarbons. These are discharged in the main from various sources, at ground level, spread over the entire area of the works, such as storage tank, flanges, safety valves, vents, seals, settling tanks and torch flarges. These organic gases and fumes are in some cases very pungent, and so can cause serious nuisance in the vicinity of the refinery.

It is assumed at present that one-third of production losses by the petroleum industry pass into the atmosphere as hydrocarbons. Discharges into the environment also occur when finished products are loaded into vehicles and vessels for distribution.

Each time gasoline is loaded into a container or tanker for transport by land or sea, gas vapour will be discharged into the atmosphere with the expelled air to the amount of 1.3% of the gasoline transported.

The situation is very similar in the case of petro-chemistry. Petrochemical production plants are usually situated in close proximity to refineries, and in them the end products from the refineries are processed further.

The petrochemical plants also contain extensive pipeline systems and numerous valves and flanges through which hydrocarbons and other organic compounds are discharged. It is estimated that on an average some 1% of the substances processed in petro-chemistry escape in the production process.

e. Pollution form Spray Gun:

A good example of serious irreversible damages to the environment caused by an industrial product which was previously regarded as neutral in its effects is the spray gun, which is in increasing use today for a variety of purposes.

As a propellant, the spray gun contains chlorofluorocarbons (CF 2 CL 2 and CFCL 2 ). When the spray gun is used, the propellants are released into the atmosphere. Until recently it was believed that the compounds were so stable that they would not be absorbed or reduced by either plants, soil or water.

They were consequently regarded as harmless. In 1974, however, American scientists at the University of Michigan discovered that chlorofluorocarbons could cause serious disturbances in the environment.

The gas rises into the stratosphere and damages the ozone belt surrounding the earth; the ozone belt intercepts a large part of the ionizing radiation coming in from outside and so reduces damage to the earth by this radiation.

f. Industry & Power Generation :

The two major air pollutants produced by industry and power stations are sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Sulphur dioxide is the main pollutant emitted from power stations. In Britain, 90% of sulphur dioxide pollution comes from power stations and industry.

Once in the air, sulphur dioxide mixes with moisture to form sulphuric acid, which will later fall as acid rain. Nitrogen oxides are pollutants which are mainly associated with car exhausts, although some come from industry. Again, they mix with moisture in the atmosphere to form nitric acid, which then falls as acid rain.

Today, industries that emit air pollution must have chimneys or stacks which release the waste gases into the atmosphere at higher levels, thereby reducing the risk of ground level pollution. Power stations are now also required to reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide they give off by using specialised clean technology.

Essay # 3. Sources of Air Pollution :

Air pollution is the result of the combined effects of several pollutants. These pollutants are associated with each other and also react with other elements, therefore, it is difficult to categories them, but for proper understanding they can be divided into the following categories on the basis of their origin, nature, size, impact, etc.

1. According to Origin, particulate matter can be divided into two types, viz., natural and man-made. The natural form of particulate matter is the result of volcanic dust and gases, mineral dust, sea-salt crystals.

Another class of natural particulate matter is smoke from forest fires and grass fires. Living plants release pollens and spores into the air, these are organic compounds. From forest trees certain hydrocarbons called terpenes are also released into the atmosphere.

Man-made particulate matter comes from many sources, but the major source is from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels—petroleum products, coal, peat and wood. Combustion of solid wastes is another source.

Other kinds of matter introduced into the atmosphere are industrial chemicals, fly ash, refining fossil fuels, mining and smelting ores, as well as pollutants discharged through quarrying, farming activities, etc. Use of various types of solvents and also radio-active elements are the cause of air pollution created by man.

2. Another classification, according to Origin, is (i) primary, and (ii) secondary pollutants. The primary pollutants are those gaseous and other solid micro particles inducted into the atmosphere. These pollutants are emitted and as such are not found in the air.

The most important gaseous pollutants are carbon monoxide, oxides of sulphur, hydrogen sulphide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, ozone and other oxidants. Secondary pollutants are the result of chemical reactions. Evidences and experiments indicate that exhaust gases of automobiles contribute more in the formation of secondary pollutants.

For example, oxides of nitrogen produced in the combustion of petroleum and other fuels emitted into the atmosphere, yield ozone in the presence of sunlight. It is to be noted that ozone is not emitted as such into the atmosphere but formed only from primary pollutants.

3. According to chemical composition air pollutants can be divided into organic pollutants and inorganic pollutants. Others have divided them into solid, liquid and gaseous pollutants.

The gaseous pollutants are carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and organic sulphide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, oxides of nitrogen, aldehydes and organic acids, etc. Particulate pollutions consist of both solid and liquid particles. They vary in size from 0.01 micron to 20 microns. Dust, fume, mist, spray, smoke are included in this category.

4. According to source type, pollutants can be classified as being produced from: (i) Combustion, (ii) Transportation emissions, (iii) Industrial process, (iv) Use of solvents and (v) Radioactivity.

Combustion process yield particulates such as fly ash and smoke and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. The amount of sulphur dioxide emitted depends upon the contents in the fuel. High temperature processes such as thermal fixation of atmospheric nitrogen yield larger quantities of oxides of nitrogen. Carbon monoxide is also emitted from combustion. The other contaminants that are produced by combustion include acids and aldehydes.

The simplest form of combustion is the use of fuels in domestic use. In India as well as in many developing countries, wood, coal, cow dung and kerosene oil are commonly used. All these materials yield carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, etc.

Automobiles may be considered as the main source of air pollution, specially in urban areas.

The rapid rate of industrialisation has resulted in more and more air pollution.

Nuclear material, when released into the air, is hazardous for all living organisms. Nuclear weapon testing’s, nuclear reactors, chemical processing plants, research institutes and hospitals contribute many radionuclides to the atmosphere.

An average adult exchanges about 15 kg of air every day. Pure air is a mixture of gases (78% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.03% carbon dioxide, 0.93% inert gases, 0.00005% hydrogen and variable amount of water vapour). Air is never found clean in nature due to natural and human activities.

The concentration level of the above gases show considerable variations along with the presence of a number of harmful gases and particles of solid or liquid due to pollution. The pollutants causing air pollution hardly exist beyond 2,000 feet (600 m) above the ground level.

Air pollution is the presence of gases and other substances in concentrations that disturb the dynamic equilibrium of the atmo­sphere and cause hazards to human health harm to living resources and ecological systems, damage to structures or amenity or interference with legitimate use of the envi­ronment.

Air pollution is one of the most dange­rous and common kind of environmental pollution that is reported in most industrial towns and metropolitan cities of India and abroad. Incidences of air pollution are numerous and contributors to air pollution have increased over the decade.

As air is mobile, one cities problem yesterday has become a concern of another city today. Urban areas too have spread so rapidly that industries once outside the city boundaries are today well within the city limits.

Sampling of air pollutants are generally done by thermal and by electrostatic preci­pitation, Sonkin impactor and electrostatic dust collectors. Particulate pollutants are measured by deposit gauge or by Owen’s dust counter, Liegean sphere and Ringel-mann chart are used to measure the thickness of smoke.

Some gases like fluoride are esti­mated by colour reactions. Estimates of SO 2 in air is made by chemical analysis of the dust collected in a deposit gauge or by a bubbler method.

Air pollution sources are natural and due to the activities of mankind:

A. Natural sources:

Air pollution from natural sources include volcanic eruptions, naturally occurring forest fires, airborne pollen dust from deserts and storms, dust from erosion and gases produced by decay. Volcanic eruptions lead to the injection of large quantities of gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Particles of vol­canic ashes may penetrate the stratosphere, spread widely and may lead to climactic cooling.

About 57% of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) produced globally from hydrogen sulphide gas, comes from natural sources. Forest fires contribute about 7.2% of carbon monoxide (CO) and 5.8% of nitrogen oxide (NO) emissions. Natural sources of hydrocarbons come from forest fires and bacterial decomposition of organic matter. Pollen grains are often carried by dust and storm which may affect the people sensitivity to it.

B. Anthropogenic sources:

Anthropo­genic sources of air pollution are the result of human activities which are thought to be as old as our ability to start fire. Man made sources of pollution are due to industries, automobiles, thermal power stations etc. Their effects may be small on a global scale but are very severe locally. Anthropogenic sources of pollutants can be classified as stationary combustion sources, mobile com­bustion sources and manufacturing sources.

(a) Stationary combustion sources:

Stationary combustion sources include the use of coal or petroleum and the principal emission are particulate pollutants like fly ash and smoke, oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. Incomplete combustion of carbons and hydrocarbons produces carbon mono­xide.

Among the worst stationary sources are the power plants. The fly ash emitted from this plant reduces visibility and contains traces of arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese, beryllium and fluorine. Another important stationary source is the burning of biomass fuel and coal for domestic cooking and room heating at high altitudes.

Emission from this source includes carbon monoxide, oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, aromatic hydrocar­bons, formaldehyde and particulate matters. Women and children are affected most from exposures to such burning of biofuels. About 200 million women in developing countries are exposed to such conditions which is sim­ilar to smoking 2-20 packs of cigarettes per day.

(b) Mobile combustion sources:

Mobile combustion sources are from gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel used for mobile engines. As these are hydrocarbons, the pollutants released when they are burnt are similar to those from stationary combus­tion sources.

(c) Manufacturing sources:

Manufacturing sources are the materials that are used in industries, com­merce and house holds, resulting in the release of unwanted particulate matters and gasses into the atmosphere.

The sources of air pollution can also be divided into:

(a) Industrial sources:

Industries are potent sources of air pollution. The major culprit being the petroleum refineries that are major sources of gaseous pollutants like SO 2 , NO x etc. About one-fifth of the air pollution comes from industrial processors such as metallurgical plants and smelters, pulp and paper mills, sugar mills, cotton mills and synthetic rubber manufacturing plants.

Cement factories and stone crushers create plen­ty of dust. The suspended particulate matter (SPM) are above the industrial safely limits in these areas and cause health hazards. Acid vapours are emitted into the air by chemical industries.

(b) Automobile sources:

Automobiles such as scooters, cars, trucks, buses, air- crafts, ships, rails etc. contribute substantial amount of pollutants into the air. The ever-increasing vehicular traffic density possess continuous threat to the surrounding air quality.

The sources of pollutant emission from automobiles are the:

(i) Exhaust system,

(ii) Fuel tank and carburettor

(iii) Crank case.

The exhaust produces many pollutants such as un-burnt hydrocarbons, CO, NO x and lead oxides and traces of aldehydes, esters, ethers, peroxides and ketones. As fuel tanks contain petrol which volatile in nature, it results in the emission of hydrocarbon into the air.

Such emission of hydrocarbons also occur due to evaporation through carbure­tor when the engine is stopped and heat builds up. The crank case also discharges hydrocarbon into the atmosphere.

(c) Thermal power sources:

The chief pollutants of thermal power station due to the burning of coal are fly ash, SO 2 , NO 2 , CO, aldehydes and hydrocarbons.

(d) Other sources:

Other sources of air pollution are of minor consequences, but they release some harmful tonic substances. Agricultural practices release pesticides and dust into the atmosphere. Forest and field burnings release CO and NO x .

Essay # 4. Effects of Air Pollution :

Air pollution has now become a widespread problem and every individual in one way or other is facing problems caused by air pollution.

The effects of air pollution can be grouped under the following heads:

a. Effects on Human Health:

Some environmental poisons can cause acute illness and even death. Others may be harmful, but the disease may take years or even decades to appear. Air pollution mainly affects the respiratory system. Bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and lung cancer are some of the chronic diseases caused due to exposure to polluted air.

It is feared that lung cancer is caused mainly due to polluted air because carcinogens are found in the polluted air. Sulphur dioxide is the most serious and widespread air pollutant. Its low concentration is a cause of spasms in the smooth muscle of bronchioles and its higher concentration induces increased mucus production.

Sulphur dioxide is also considered to cause cough, shortness of breath, spasm of the larynx and acute irritation to the membranes of the eyes. So, also acts as an allergenic agent. When it reacts with some compounds, sulphur acid is formed which may damage lungs.

Carbon monoxide often affects the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Nitric oxide is reported to be a pulmonary irritant and its excess concentration may cause pulmonary haemorrhage. Hydrogen sulphide is also toxic. Lead emitted from automobile exhausts is a cumulative poison and is dangerous particularly to children and may cause brain damage.

The particulate pollutants such as asbestos, silica, carbon, beryllium, lead, etc., are capable of exerting a noxious (fibrotic) local action in the interstitial areas of the lungs. Radio-active elements are also harmful to man and other living organisms. In fact, the growing air pollution has now become a health hazard for man.

b. Effect on Animals and Plants :

The impact of air pollution on animals is more or less similar to that of effects on man. Chronic poisoning results from the ingestion of forage contaminated with atmospheric pollutants. Among the metallic contaminants arsenic, lead and molybdenum are important.

Fluoride is another pollutant which causes fluorosis among animals. A number of livestock have been poisoned by fluorides and arsenic in North America. Bone lesions in animals due to excessive fluorides have also been reported.

Air pollution has caused widespread damage to trees, fruits, vegetables, flowers and in general, vegetation as a whole. The total annual cost of plant damage caused by air pollution in USA alone has been estimated to be in the range of 1 to 2 billion dollars.

The most dramatic early instances of plant damage were seen in the total destruction of vegetation by sulphur dioxide in the areas surrounding smelters. When the absorption of sulphur dioxide exceeds a particular level, the cells become inactive and are killed, resulting in tissue collapse and drying of leaves. Cotton, wheat, barley and apple are more sensitive to this pollutant.

Fluorides are responsible for various types of injuries to plants. The leaves of apple, apricot, peach, prune are more susceptible to air borne fluorides. Fluorides are seen to interfere with the photosynthesis and respiration of plants. Smog also causes injury to plants. Similar impact of ozone can be seen in the lesions to plants. Chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, etc., are also harmful to vegetation.

i. Acid rain (as a by-product of atmospheric pollution) may acidify lakes and streams and kill fish and aquatic plants.

ii. Pollution may affect animals through plants on which they feed.

For example, if a certain plant is negatively affected by air pollutants, this will also affect the animals that depend on this particular plant for food.

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are transformed in the atmosphere to produce acid compounds-sulphuric and nitric acids. These compounds then fall back on to the ground as particulates or raindrops-in other words, acid rain.

Acid rain falls on streams and lakes, acidifies them and destroys fish life in freshwater ecosystems.

For example, in Sweden acid rain made over 18,000 lakes so acidic that all the fish died.

Some other populations of animals in Europe and North America have also been declining due to acid rain.

i. Pollution may also affect animals through plants on which they feed.

For example, pea aphids feed on pea plants exposed to sulphur dioxide in the air. High exposure to sulphur dioxide negatively affects the health of the pea plants, and therefore, the health of the aphids as well.

Some other examples of effects on animals of air pollution are:

i. Excessive ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun through the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere which is eroded by some air pollutants may cause skin cancer in wildlife.

ii. Tropospheric ozone may damage lung tissues of animals.

It is also probably logical to assume that many higher order animals (especially those closely related to humans, e.g., mountain gorillas) experience air pollution effects similar to those experienced by human beings.

c. Effects of Air Pollution on Forests, Trees & Plants:

Air pollution can have both long-term and short-term effects on plants.

i. Physical injury to leaves is the immediate effect of air pollution on plants which are generated due to.

ii. Ozone produces a speckle of brown spots, which appear on the flat areas of leaves between the veins.

iii. Sulphur dioxide: larger bleached-looking areas.

iv. Nitrogen dioxide: Irregular brown or white collapsed lesions on intercostals tissue and near the leaf edge.

v. Ammonia: unnatural green appearance with tissue drying out.

vi. Of all main air pollutants, sulphur dioxide often comes up as the one that most negatively affects plants & trees.

Lichens are considered to be most sensitive to sulphur dioxide. During the period of high levels of sulphur pollution, large parts of Europe lost many species of lichen and became known as “lichen deserts”.

Sulphur dioxide may also affect higher plants, including wild species, crops and trees (through) some species may develop sulphur dioxide tolerant populations in response to long-term to long-term exposure).

These effects may be:

i. Cell metabolism disruption (membrane damage, respiration and photosynthetic effects).

ii. Leaf injury and loss.

iii. Reduced growth and reproduction.

iv. Increase in susceptibility of plants to attacks by insect herbivores.

v. Nitrogen dioxide, another air pollutant, may act in synergy with sulfur dioxide to produce a negative effect on plants’ photosynthesis.

vi. Troposphere ozone can prevent plant respiration by blocking stomata and negatively affecting plants’ photosynthesis rates which will stunt plant growth; ozone can also decay plant cells directly by entering stomata.

vii. Particles, just like ozone, often affect plants & trees via blocking of leaf stomata through which plants undertake the gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis and respiration.

Dust particle form a smothering layer on leaves, reducing light and hence lowering photosynthesis rates.

viii. Many dust are inert and so only act by shading.

ix. However, some dusts are also chemically active.

x. Thus cement dust will also dissolve leaf tissue, resulting in additional injury.

xi. Coal dust may also contain toxic compounds.

Dusts may also affect ecosystems through their action on soil. Thus the alkaline chemistry of limestone dusts can raise the soil pH of acid and neutral habitats, resulting it the loss of plant and animal species.

Acid rain (a product of air pollution) severely affects trees and plants as well. It can kill trees, destroy the leaves of plants; can infiltrate soil by making it unsuitable for purpose of nutrition and habitation.

It is also associated with the reduction in forest and agriculture yield.

d. Smog Formation:

One of the most hazardous effects of air pollution is the classi­cal smog. The word smog is coined by combi­ning smoke and fog which was associated with London, Glasgow, Manchester and other cities of U.K., where sulphur-rich coal was used. The term was coined by H. A. Des Voeux in 1905. The UK smog was a mixture of reducing pollutants and has been termed as reducing smog.

On the contrary, photochemical smog is much more complex and was first reported from Los Angles in 1943. It is also termed oxi­dising smog as it contains a mixture of oxi­dising pollutants. The comparison between Los Angeles and London smog is given in Table 4.16.

The pollutants that are responsible for the Los Angeles smog are not emitted directly from any source. These are the secondary pol­lutants, formed in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions involving the primary pollutant/ Nitrogen dioxide in the atmos­phere dissociates when irradiated by intense, short-wavelength, radiant energy from the sun and a series of photochemical reactions lead to the formation of the powerful oxidant, ozone (O 3 ) in the following way:

Photochemical smog is very much preva­lent in big cities of India like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kanpur etc. The chief sources of smoke in these cities are automobiles and industries. Mumbai, in 1987, experienced a smog for about 10 days.

Photochemical smog adversely affects human health, plants and materials. Serious outbreaks of smog cause asthma and bron­chitis in epidemic form. Tokyo-Yokohama asthma occurred in Yokohama, Japan in 1946. Another serious disease is emphysema which results in structural breakdown of the alveoli of lungs.

PAN is known to block “Hill reaction” of photosynthesis and results in bronzing and glazing of abaxial leaf surface. It is due to plasmolysis and collapse of mesophyll cells. Smoke and particulate matters in smog reduce the visibility, damage crop and livestock and cause corrosion of metals, stones, building materials, textile, paper leather, painted surface etc.

e. Effects on Atmosphere:

There is an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration in the air due to increased combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide absorbs heat strongly and the radioactive cooling effect of the earth is thus decreased. The rising of temperatures and ozone holes are some of the problems which have attracted the attention of the scientists of the world.

These problems are not related to any region or a country but are the global problems and their impact on world climate may be hazardous to the whole world. The local weather conditions are highly susceptible to air pollution. Its impact on temperature, humidity, rainfall and clouds is apparent. The ‘smog dom’ on large urban centres are the result of air pollution. Due to air pollution visibility also reduces.

f. Effects of Air Pollution on Environment :

Acid rain and green-house effect are the major effects of air pollution on environment.

The have adverse effects on:

i. Forests & other vegetation

ii. Freshwater lakes & streams destroying aquatic life

iii. Soil and

iv. Buildings & materials

g. Green House Effect:

The temperature at the surface of the earth is maintained by the energy balance between the sun’s rays that strike the planet and the heat that is radiated back into space. Some of the heat is absorbed and retained by the earth or objects on the surface.

Much of this does not pass through the air envelope to outer space but is absorbed by the carbon dioxide and water vapour in the atmosphere and adds to the heat that is already present.

Thus carbon dioxide acts like the glass of a greenhouse, and on a global scale, tends to warm the air in the low levels of the atmosphere. This is called the greenhouse effect which is also responsible for the increase in temperature over the earth’s surface.

Scientists are of the opinion that carbon dioxide will increase global temperature significantly. There is no two opinion about the fact that due to industrial and other forms of air pollution the carbon dioxide content is increasing.

Volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the increase of carbon dioxide. Volcanic activity during historical period as well as in present times has thrown out dust and ash which spread throughout the entire atmosphere and last for years.

With the increase in temperature, scientists have predicted that the process of melting of ice caps of Antarctic, Greenland, etc., may lead to a rise in the sea level. Some of them have pointed out that there is a rise of four indies in every ten years.

There is a crucial relationship between the presence of the polar ice cap and global temperatures and if it happens its impact on climatic conditions of the world will be drastic and change the entire pattern of our ecosystem.

h. Economic Losses Due to Air Pollution :

Apart from direct health related and other environment issues, air pollution brings with it economic losses as well.

Some of the economic losses caused by air pollution are as follows:

i. Direct medical losses

ii. Lost income from being absent from work

iii. Decreased productivity

iv. Travel time losses due to reduced visibility

v. Losses from repair of damage to buildings

vi. Increased cost of cleaning

vii. Losses due to damage to crops & plants and

viii. Losses to historical buildings, e.g. Taj Mahal in Agra.

We can only imagine the economic losses suffered by developing countries such as China, where air pollution level is among the highest in the world.

i. Other Effects:

Air pollution can also cause damage to property and materials. The smoke, grit, dust and oxides of sulphur have harmful effects on structures. In 1972, when an oil refinery at Mathura was opened, its impact on Taj Mahal became a major issue. Sulphur dioxide is the most damaging of gaseous pollutants.

Aluminium alloys, copper and copper alloys, iron and steel are corroded when exposed to contaminated air. Hydrogen sulphide reacts with lead paints to form lead sulphide thereby producing a brown to black discolouration. The damage caused by air pollution to structures is not serious but from an aesthetic point of view it is not desirable.

Essay # 5. Consequence of Air Pollution:

Some of the major consequence of air pollution are as follows:

a. Rainfall Acidity:

Rainfall is naturally acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which combines with rainwater to from weak carbonic acid. However, the combustion of fossil fuels produces waste gases such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and to a lesser extent, chloride.

These pollutants can be converted, through a series of complex chemical reactions, into sulphuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid, increasing the acidity of the rain or other type of precipitation, such as snow and hail.

Carbon dioxide + water = Carbonic acid (weak)

Sulphur dioxide + water = Sulphuric acid

Nitrogen oxides + water = Nitric acid

Acid emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides arise from many industrial sources as a result of combustion processes. In the UK power stations contributed 65% of all sulphur dioxide emitted in the UK in 1999. Other industries were responsible for 22%.

Industries also emit nitrogen oxides which can also cause rainfall to become more acidic. While road transport is the major source of nitrogen oxides in the UK (44% in 1999), power stations accounted for 21% and other industries 13% in 1999. There are many technologies which can be used in industry to reduce the emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere and these can be applied before, during or after combustion.

Examples of pre-combustion sulphur control technology (removing sulphur before burning) include coal scrubbing and oil desulphurisation. Another removal process is to change the design on the boiler and to install pressurised fluidized bed combusters (FBC) which removes sulphur from coal during combustion is the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle.

Coal is gasified under pressure with a mixture of air and steam which results in the formation of gas which can then be burned to produce electricity.

One of the post-combustion sulphur controls (removing sulphur after burning) is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD). In FGD processes, waste gases are scrubbed with a chemical absorbent such as limestone to remove sulphur dioxide. There are many different FGD processes, the main ones being the limestone-gypsum process and the Wellman- Lord regenerative process.

The limestone-gypsum FGD involves mixing limestone and water with the flue gases to produce a slurry which absorbs the sulphur dioxide. The slurry is then oxidised to calcium sulphate (gypsum) which can then be used in the building trade.

Unlike sulphur, it is not possible to reduce the nitrogen content of the fuel before combustion of the fuel by physical cleaning as it is combined with the organic matter of the fuel, and at present there are no commercially available methods to reduce organic nitrogen.

Instead, nitrogen oxides can be removed during combustion. Low nitrogen oxides burners ensure that the fuel is burnt in low oxygen concentrations, such that any nitrogen oxides produced are reduced to nitrogen gas. Once initial combustion has taken place, further air is added to the combustion chamber to ensure that the fuel is completely burnt.

Advanced low nitrogen oxides burners can reduce emissions by up to 30%. Such burners can be installed on either new or existing combustion plants.

Emissions of nitrogen oxides, like for sulphur dioxide, can also be reduced by treating the flue gases. One method involves mixing the flue gases with ammonia, converting the nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and water. This process is suitable for fitting to existing plants and new build applications, and can achieve an emissions reduction of up to 80 to 90%.

Some fuels, for example natural gas, are naturally less polluting in terms of acidic emissions, whilst traditional coal power generation is more polluting, depending on the amount of sulphur there is in the coal being burnt. To help reduce atmospheric emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the UK, many of the more recent power stations have been built to operate on gas rather than coal.

b. Acid Deposition:

Acid rain is a general name for many phenomena including acid fog, acid sleet and acid snow. Although we associate the acid thread with rainy days, acid deposition occurs all the time, even on sunny days. Acid deposition is the scientific term used to describe “Acid Rain”.

When atmospheric pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mix with water vapour in the air, they are converted to sulphuric and nitric acids. These acids make the rain acidic, hence the term “acid rain”. Rain returns the sulphur and nitrogen acids to Earth, and in high concentrations, can cause damage to natural environments including forest and freshwater lakes.

This form of acid deposition is known as wet deposition. A second method of acid deposition is known as dry deposition. Whilst wet deposition involves the precipitation of acids, dry deposition occurs when the acids are first transformed chemically into gases and salts, before falling under the influence of gravity back to Earth. Sulphur dioxide, for example, is deposited as a gas and as a salt.

The gases present in the acid deposition are found to occur naturally in the environment. They are given off from a number of sources including volcanic eruptions and the rotting of vegetation’s. They become a problem when humans produce the gases in large amounts, and at high concentrations by the burning of fossil fuels.

The distances that pollutant gases travel means that acid deposition is an international or trans-boundary problem. This means that acid pollutants are not necessarily deposited in the same country’ where they were produced.

c. Acidic Emissions:

Rain water is naturally acidic as a result of carbon dioxide dissolved in water and from volcanic emissions of sulphur. However, it is the chemical conversion of sulphur and nitrogen emissions from power stations, factories, vehicles and homes, where fossil fuels are burnt, that we call acid rain. These waste gases are carried by the wind, sometimes over long distances, and can in time be converted into sulphuric and nitric acids.

Natural sources of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) include releases from volcanoes, oceans, biological decay and forest fires. Actual amounts released from natural sources in the world are difficult to quantify; in 1983 the United Nations Environment Programme estimated a figure of between 80 million and 288 million tonnes of sulphur oxides per year.

Man made sulphur dioxide emissions result from combustion or burning of fossil fuels, due to varying amounts of sulphur being present in these fuels. Worldwide emissions of SO, are thought to be around 69 million tonnes per year.

Levels of sulphur dioxide from combustion sources in the UK have declined in recent decades. Between 1970 and 1999, UK sulphur dioxide emissions fell by 82% due to recession, restructuring of industry, substitution of fuels (for example natural gas) and air pollution control technology.

Power station emissions fell by 73% over the same period, but the percentage of UK emissions from power stations has actually increased to 65% of the 1999 total compared to 45% of the total in 1970.

Natural sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) include volcanoes, lightening strikes and biological decay. Estimates range from between 200 million and 90 million tonnes per year NOx from natural sources, compared to around 24 million from human sources world-wide. Nitrogen oxides are produced when fossil fuels are burned.

The major sources of NOx in the UK in 1999 were road transport (44%), power stations (21%) and industry (including iron and steel, and refineries) (12%). Emissions of nitrogen oxides from road transport increased during the 1970s and 1980s before decreasing again during the 1990s.

For example, in 1970, emissions of NOx from road transport in the UK were 0.769 million tonnes by 1990 they had risen to over 1.31 million tonnes NOx. Since then, however, emissions from transport have been declining due to improvements in vehicle technology, such as the use of catalytic converters, and the use of cleaner fuels. In 1999 they were 0.714 million tonnes, lower than in 1970.

The geographical distribution of human acidic emission sources is not even. Nitrogen and sulphur emission sources are heavily concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe and North America. As a result, precipitation is generally more acidic in these countries, with an acidity in the range of pH 4.1 to pH 5.1. ‘Normal’ or ‘unpolluted’ rainfall has a pH of 5.6.

d. Critical Loads :

Critical loads have been defined as: “the highest load that will not cause chemical changes leading to long-term harmful effects in the most sensitive ecological systems” . Critical loads are the maximum amount of pollutants that ecosystems can tolerate without being damaged. The definition has been redrafted in order to fit specialist areas of interest, most particularly the acidification of freshwater and soils.

The concept behind critical loads is upon a dose-response relationship where the threshold of harmful response (within the ecosystem) is triggered by a certain load of pollutant—the critical load. However, it is not always easy to apply without careful consideration of the nature of the affected ecosystem and the threshold effects of harmful pollutants.

In order for critical loads to be used, target loads need to be set for different areas in order to try and halt the acidification processes. Target loads have been defined as “the permitted pollutant loads determined by political agreement”.

Therefore, target loads can be either higher or lower than the critical load values. For example, the target loads may be lower so as to give a safety margin or the target loads may be higher for economic reasons.

The reasoning behind this is that critical loads only show where there is an acidification problem and to what degree damage is occurring. Target loads are used in order that emissions can be reduced accordingly to meet the targets and limit the amount of damage.

The critical loads for total acidity of sulphur and nitrogen need to be determined so that a coherent international agreement can be reached with regard to abatement policies. There are numerous methods that are available for obtaining critical loads.

In order to obtain values for the critical loads, an ecosystem has to be chosen and then a suitable indicator species is selected to represent the ecosystem. A chemical limit is subsequently defined as the concentration at which the indicator species will die. In forests the indicators are trees, and in freshwaters they are fish.

Through the Convention on Long-Range Trans boundary Pollution, member countries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) agreed that the critical loads approach provided an effective scientific approach for devising strategies for the abatement of acid deposition.

The UK Government accepted that the critical loads approach was the best way to establish abatement strategies in relation to sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions. It was recognised that critical loading maps were essential in providing information on the geographical distribution of pollutant- sensitive locations.

The Critical Loads Advisory Group (CLAG) was set up to produce critical load maps for the United Kingdom. The National Centre for Critical Loads Mapping was subsequently established at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, now the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Critical load maps of soil acidity have been produced for the UK at a grid resolution of 1 km squares. Maps for the critical acidity of freshwater environments are based on a single water sample from a single site in each of the 10 km squares used, assumed to be the most sensitive surface water within the grid square.

These critical loads maps, when combined with acid deposition values, produce exceedance maps which show where and by how much the critical loads are being exceeded. Maps are available for soils in the UK relating to acidity and sulphur deposition showing areas that are sensitive to acidification.

These correspond to areas where have been reports of acidification. In the UK a national target load map for the year 2005 has been produced for soils on a 20 km by 20 km grid system, showing the target loads that need to be met for such areas.

In 1997, critical loads for acidification were exceeded in 71% of UK ecosystems. As sulphur deposition continues to fall, this value is expected to fall to below half by 2010, when nitrogen deposition will dominate.

Critical loads for eutrophication (nutrient depletion) in 1997 were exceeded in about a quarter of UK 1 km by 1 km squares with sensitive grasslands and a little over half with heathland. Again, this is expected to decline over the next 10 to 15 years.

As resulting in less air pollution there are many ways to help reduce air pollution which causes acid rain. Use buses and trains instead of cars, as they can carry far more people in one journey. This cuts down the amount of pollution produced. Walking or cycling whenever you can will by even more beneficial, as it does not create any pollution. It will also benefit your body, as regular exercise will keep you fit and healthy.

If your parents must use the car, ask them to avoid using it for very short journeys if possible, as this creates un­necessary pollution. Try to encourage them to share their journeys with other people, for example, when they go to work or go for shopping. Also encourage them to drive more slowly as this produces less pollution.

We can also help prevent pollution from our own homes which may contribute to acid rain. Turning off lights when they are not needed and not wasting electricity will reduce the demand. Less electricity will need to be produced and so less coal, oil and gas will have to be burnt in power stations pollution.

Essay # 6. Air Pollution in India:

Industrialization and urbanization have resulted in a profound deterioration of India’s air quality. Of the 3 million premature deaths in the world that occur each year due to outdoor and indoor air pollution, the highest number are assessed to occur in India. According to the World Health Organisation, the capital city of New Delhi is one of the top ten most polluted cities in the world.

Surveys indicate that in New Delhi the incidence of respiratory diseases due to air pollution is about 12 times the national average. According to another study, while India’s gross domestic product has increased 2.5 times over the past two decades, vehicular pollution has increased eight times, while pollution from industries had quadrupled.

Sources of air pollution, India’s most severe environmental problem, come in several forms, including vehicular emissions and untreated industrial smoke. Apart from rapid industrialization, urbanization has resulted in the emergence of industrial centres without a corresponding growth in civic amenities and pollution control mechanisms.

Regulatory reforms aimed at improving the air pollution problem in cities such as New Delhi have been quite difficult to implement, however. For example, India’s Supreme Court recently lifted a ruling that it imposed two years ago which required all public transport vehicles in New Delhi to switch to compressed natural gas (CNG) engines by April 1,2001.

This ruling, however, lead-to the disappearance of some 15,000 taxis and 10,000 buses from the city, creating public protests, riots, and widespread “commuter chaos”. The court was similarly unsuccessful last year, when it attempted to ban all public vehicles that were more than 15 years old and ordered the introduction of unleaded gasoline and CNG.

India’s high concentration of pollution is not due to lack of effort in building a sound environmental legal regime, but rather to a lack of enforcement at the local level.

Efforts are currently underway to change this as new specifications are being adopted for auto emissions, which currently account for approximately 70% of air pollution. In the absence of coordinated government efforts, including stricter enforcement, this figure is likely to rise in the coming years due to the sheer increase in vehicle ownership.

Air pollution is considered to be one of the most dangerous and common kinds of environmental pollution that has been reported in most industrial towns and metropolitans of India and abroad, such as Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Kanpur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Firozabad, Tuticorin etc. In foreign countries, London, New York, Tokyo and Pittsburg etc., were worst affected by air pollution.

The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur initiated the air quality monitoring programme in 1978 in 10 cities in India. It provides data to study the air quality trends on a long-term basis.

The analysis of data of NEERI revealed that annual mean values of the SPM indicated positive trends in Bombay, Cochin and Jaipur, S0 2 levels also showed a positive trend in Bombay, Cochin and Nagpur, NO 2 levels showed a positive trend in Bombay, Calcutta, Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Nagpur.

Cochin appears to indicate increasing trends with respect to all pollutants. Delhi and Nagpur showed increased trends with respect to gaseous pollutants.

According to NEERI’s survey, Chembur- Bombay area of Bombay is having highest SO, pollution, while New Delhi is having highest air pollution of suspended particulate matter (SPM). In another survey, Calcutta is reported to have highest carbon monoxide pollution during peak traffic hours. The following Table indicates the levels of SO 2 and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in air during 1980.

The EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards for each of the six criteria pollutants. Consequent on the strict communities of air quality regulations and also the obedience of communities which do not violate the quality standards, there has been considerable decrease in pollution and the quality of ambient air has significantly increased during the last 20 years in USA. As per EPA’s report, there were considerable reduction in carbon monoxide emissions and nitrogen oxides.

But the most significant achievement has been a sharp decrease in air borne lead from a national emission of 23,000 tons annually in 1985 to 9,500 tons in 1985, a 59 per cent decrease achieved largely by continuing reductions in the lead content of gasoline. However, in the case of other pollutants, most of the urban areas are yet to reach the ambient air quality standards.

This is more so in the case of ozone pollution. According to EPA, 96 cities, countries, and other areas of urban settlement failed to meet federal ozone standards (1988) and more than 150 million Americans live in geographical areas that exceed the minimum safe levels of ozone exposure. Japan, UK and other countries also have enacted appropriate Air Pollution Legislations to ensure Ambient Air Quality.

In India also, the constitution provides for protection of environment through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. There are umpteen Acts to control pollution. It is not the number of legal provisions that are important, but the ability of the government to enforce the legislation effectively to realise the objectives of the Acts and also the character of citizens and their civic sense.

Essay # 8. How to Reduce Air Pollution?

To reduce the pollution load entering the environment several measures are taken:

a. Natural Cleaning of the Atmosphere:

Small particles in the air move around in the air like gas molecules. They collide with other particles and grow by coagulation. They ultimately fall down as large particles. Small particles also may fall within a rain­drop and the raindrop also may collide and collect particles as it falls.

These processes are called rainout and washout. Gases also may be washed out by precipitation (absorption) from the atmosphere or they may be adsorbed (deposited) on solid particles and removed by gravity.

b. Source Correction:

The easiest solution to pollution problem is to stop pro­ducing the pollutant or to maintain an atmos­phere in which pollutants have no negative impact on human activity. For example, lead emissions from automobiles are eliminated by burning non-leaded fuels. Similarly, nitro­gen oxide emission can be significantly reduced by redesigning engines.

c. Control of Particulate P ollutants:

Designers of particle emission control equip­ment must deal with solid and liquid parti­cles ranging from smaller than 1 pm to larger than 100 pm in diameter. The smaller parti­cles are the most difficult to collect.

The important devices which are used to control particulate matters are:

i) Gravity settling chamber

ii) Centrifugal collectors (cyclone collec­tors and dynamic precipitator)

iii) Wet scrubbers (spray towers and venturi scrubbers)

iv) Electrostatic precipitators

v) Fabric filters.

d. Control of Gaseous P ollutants:

Generally there are four ways to reduce emis­sion of undesirable gases:

i) Reduce or eliminate the production of the undesirable gases.

ii) Induce the gases to react after produc­tion in chemical processes to produce different, less objectionable emissions.

iii) Selectively remove the undesirable product from a gas stream by absorption (transfer of gas molecules into a liquid).

iv) Selectively remove the undesirable gas by adsorption (deposition of gas molecules on the solid surface).

The process by which the gas is reco­vered from the adsorbing solid or the absor­bing liquid is called regenerative because the solid or liquid is used repeatedly in the same process.

e. Typical Recovery Processes:

As SO 2 has effects on plants and human health and as H 2 S has foul odour even at very low con­centrations, their removal or their reduce effects in industrial gas streams, is done by the following processes:

i) Selective removal of SO 2 at high con­centration in smelter gases.

ii) Selective removal of SO 2 at low con­centration from gas streams.

iii) Selective removal of H 2 S at high con­centration from sour natural gas.

f. Nitrogen Oxide Emission C ontrol:

Control of nitrogen oxide from combustion processes can be done by reducing the reac­ting temperature. In combustion processes, lower flame or combustion chamber tempe­rature can be achieved by burning the fuel slowly and using multistage combustion. Recirculation of exhaust to dilute the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber has a similar effect.

g. Ambient Air Quality Control by Dilu­tion:

Air pollution control processes have excessive cost for maintenance and operation, and high capital and interest charges. In air pollution it can be said that a substance is not a pollutant unless it causes an effect.

Thus, in the vicinity of the source, dilution is fre­quently used to achieve acceptable air quality. Dilution using tall stacks is a more economical way than installation of removal systems (cost effective) to attain an air quality standard.

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• Air Pollution: Compilation of Essays on Air Pollution | Environment
• Essay @ Indoor Air Pollution in India | Pollution | Environment

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Essay on Air Pollution – Causes, Effects, Solutions, Conclusion

Category: Essays and Paragraphs On November 20, 2018 By Aparna

Air Pollution

The whole world has been suffering from lots of problems since its existence, and the problems are getting bigger and bigger day by days.

One of the biggest problems that the entire planet faces is the amount of pollution on the planet. Pollution is of several kinds, but the pollution that affects the most to our nature and environment is Air pollution .

Air pollution is the pollution in which the pollutants get released in the air, and those pollutants then pollute the air which affects the health of a human being.

Air pollution is the pollution when the dirt, dirt particles and other kinds of pollutants get mixed to air and make the air polluted.

Today, every city in the world is suffering from air pollution , and that is why a lot of people and organizations in the world are trying their best to save the world from air pollution.

Air Pollution in India

Indian cities are much polluted and that can get seen from various visuals. Land and air pollution are connected directly as if the land is dirty, after a few days, that dirty land will lead to air pollution. In India, there are only a few surfaces where the pollution level is less. For example, the pollution level in Chandigarh city is lesser than a lot of cities in India. However, the pollution level in various cities of NCR, UP and Bihar is way higher than a lot of cities in India. The air pollution in India is getting increased day by day. But, the good news is that the people who had no interest in cleaning their country before, are now getting involved in schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, etc.

There are lots of causes of air pollution in the world and here are a few of those causes:

• The burning of fossil fuels is the biggest cause of air pollution, and that is why it has been prohibited at a lot of places in the world.
• Cars, buses, motorbikes are another big cause of air pollution because they emit a lot of pollution also.
• Volcano eruptions are another big cause of air pollution.
• When we cook at home, sometimes we need wood and charcoal for it, and these materials cause a huge amount of air pollution.
• People smoking cigarettes is another big cause of air pollution.
• If due to some reason a forest catches fire , then it becomes one of the biggest reasons for air pollution.

These are a few effects on human beings, plants, and animals due to air pollution:

• The rainwater flows through the surface and ends in the river, and when the surface gets polluted, all the rainwater will take the polluted surface particles with itself which will not only pollute the river, but it will also pollute the land through which the water flows .
• A lot of people suffer from allergies which are a side effect of living in an air-polluted
• Air pollution can also lead to severe diseases like cancer, heart diseases, and other respiratory problems, etc.
• One should restrict the use of charcoal , wood, thus the pollution caused by these resources would not be there in the world.
• A restriction should be there on industries to use the kind of materials which causes zero to no air pollution at all.
• The cities which have the maximum air pollution should get asked as to how they will reduce the air pollution and what are their plans for it.

Air pollution is a huge problem not only in India but the whole world, various organizations do their bit to make sure that plans are made to restrict air pollution , but unfortunately those plans never get executed rightly. That is why even after knowing that the air is getting polluted every day, the organizations around the world are unable to provide a good solution to it. As a human being, we must contribute, that is why, we need to gather and make sure that all the places, suffering from air pollution, should get organized in a manner so that air pollution should not exist. Everyone should participate in schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan which will not only reduce the air pollution in the country but will also reduce various other kinds of pollution.

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Air Pollution: Types, Causes, and Effects

Last updated on January 18, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Air Pollution is one of the most important topics for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

As we all know that Poor air quality is a danger to public health.

Let’s discuss all about this Air Pollution.

Table of Contents

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is t he presence of compounds (air pollutants) in the atmosphere that are hazardous to human health and the health of other living things or impair the climate or materials.

What are Air pollutants?

There are many different types of air pollutants, such as gases (such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane, carbon dioxide, and chlorofluorocarbons), particulates (both organic and inorganic), and biological molecules.

Then, what do you mean by primary and secondary pollutants?

Primary Pollutants : The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants.

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Secondary Pollutants : Secondary pollutants are those that are produced as a result of the mixing and interaction of primary pollutants.

Air pollution may  cause  diseases, allergies, and even death to humans.

Additionally, it may hurt other living things like animals and food crops, as well as impair the built environment or the natural environment (for instance, by causing climate change, ozone depletion, or habitat destruction) (for example, acid rain).

Both human activity and natural processes can generate air pollution.

Read more about Photo chemical smog Click here

Source of Air Pollution

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• Burning of Fossil Fuels:  The majority of pollutants are created when fossil fuels or wood are burned for transportation, heating, industrial processes, and power plants.
• Further,  stubble burning  is also one of the major sources of air pollution in northern India, especially in winter.
• Natural Sources:  Apart from it, there are some natural sources of outdoor air pollution such as dust storms.
• Around Delhi, there are thermal power plants, and the dirty air spreads to the nearby cities. A lot of companies use very polluting high-sulfur oil.

There are substantial amounts of solid garbage. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn crop leftovers on a seasonal basis.

Due to prepare their fields for the following crop, and during the winter, when the air is dense, there is a temperature inversion, and there is very little pollution dispersion.

During winter we also see people burning fires at night to bear the cold. All this put together has a cumulative effect on the air quality.

• fumes formed from aerosol sprays, paint, hair spray, varnish, and other solvents. These can be significant; in the Los Angeles basin in the 2010s, it was estimated that emissions from these sources were responsible for about half of the volatile organic compound pollution.
• Waste deposition in landfills generates methane. Methane is highly flammable and may form explosive mixtures with air.

Methane can displace oxygen in an enclosed environment and is an asphyxiant as well. If the oxygen concentration is displaced below 19.5%, asphyxia or suffocating may occur.

Air pollution is usually thought of as smoke from large factories or exhaust from vehicles. 

But there are many types of indoor air pollution as well.

Do you know Indoor Air Pollution?

Heating a house by burning substances such as kerosene, wood, and coal can contaminate the air inside the house.

Ash and smoke make breathing difficult, and they can stick to walls, food, and clothing.

Naturally-occurring radon gas, a cancer-causing material, can also build up in homes. Radon is released through the surface of the Earth. Low-cost solutions put in place by experts can lower radon levels.

Insulation is one of the building supplies that can be harmful to people’s health. Additionally, the movement of air in buildings and spaces can promote the growth of harmful mold.

 A single mold colony could exist in a home’s moist, chilly areas, including in the spaces between walls.

The airborne spores of the mold spread throughout the entire house. The spores can make people unwell if they breathe them in.

Regulations for Air Pollution

The majority of affluent nations have passed rules to control emissions and lower air pollution in addition to the international Kyoto Protocol.

A cap and trade system to control emissions is the topic of discussion in the US. The quantity of pollution a corporation is permitted under this approach would be capped, or set at a certain level. Companies would be required to pay if they went over their cap.

Companies could trade or sell their leftover pollution allowance to other businesses if they exceeded their cap but did not exceed it.

In essence, cap and trade would pay businesses to reduce pollution.

The World Health Organization updated its air quality recommendations in 2006. The WHO recommendations are stricter than the majority of individual nations’ current recommendations.

The WHO recommendations are designed to lower annual air pollution-related mortality by 15%.

Consequences of Air Pollution:

• Pollution is responsible for a significant number of deaths (about 2000), which is highly alarming. Since the numbers are simply estimates, they could not be accurate.

 To obtain precise data, a thorough study is needed, but neither the time nor the money is available, nor are there enough people to carry it out. As a result, we must address the problem of pollution cautiously.

• Between 1990 and 2015, India saw a 50% increase in premature deaths associated with PM 2.5, practically at the same time as economic liberalization.
• Because pollutants enter the lungs deep inside, the lungs’ ability to cleanse blood is lowered, which has an impact on a person’s ability to grow, think clearly, and function, particularly in youngsters, pregnant women, and the elderly.
• Air quality has also become a severe health concern.
• Poor people are more vulnerable  to air pollution because they are the ones who spend more time on roads.

What is the National Air Quality Index?

Launched in 2014 with an outline  ‘One Number – One Color -One Description’  for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity.

The measurement of air quality is based on  eight pollutants, namely: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb) .

AQI has six categories of air quality. These are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.

It has been developed by the  CPCB in consultation with IIT-Kanpur  and an expert group comprising medical and air-quality professionals.

Categorization of Air Quality under AQI:

Measures to improve air quality:

• Improving public transport
• Limiting the number of polluting vehicles on the road
• Introducing less polluting fuel
• Strict emission regulations
• Improved efficiency for thermal power plants and industries
• Moving from diesel generators to rooftop solar
• Increased use of clean renewable energy
• Electric vehicles
• Removing dust from roads
• Regulating construction activities
• Stopping biomass burning, etc.

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research

• SAFAR is a national program launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to assess both the city’s overall pollution level and its local air quality to gauge how clean the air is in a major metropolis.
• The system is  indigenously developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) ,  Pune , and is  operationalized by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• The project’s ultimate goal is to raise public awareness of the state of the air in their community so that proper remedial action and organized action can be performed.
• SAFAR is a n integral part of India’s first Air Quality Early Warning System  operational in Delhi.
• It  monitors all weather parameters  like temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, UV radiation, and solar radiation.
• Pollutants Monitored: 5, PM10, Ozone, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, and Mercury.

Way Forward

• WHO’s 4 Pillar Strategy:  WHO adopted a resolution (2015) to address the adverse health effects of air pollution. There is a need to adhere to a roadmap highlighted under this.

This 4-pillar strategy calls for an enhanced global response to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Those four pillars are:

• Expanding the knowledge base
• Monitoring and reporting
• Global leadership and coordination
• Institutional capacity strengthening
• Proactive Measure:  It is important to encourage interventions like pollution-monitoring apps so that individuals can opt to avoid bad travel times and choose alternate city walking routes that keep them away from the places with the poorest air quality.

The application of  the Graded Response Action Plan  in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) is a step in the right direction.

• Innovative Measure:  There is a need to adopt innovative solutions for the in-situ treatment of pollution.

For example, the Delhi government is also experimenting with a new organic way of decomposing stubble with Indian Agriculture Research Institute’s “Pusa decomposer”.

• Responsibility of Citizens:  Even though there are many suggestions and methods for reducing air pollution, the problem persists. This is a result of a lack of strong political will and public involvement. As a result, people should keep advocating for their right to safe and sustainable surroundings and hold governments responsible.
• Addressing Injustice:  Since the poorest individuals are also those who are most exposed to air pollution, there are major injustices at the root of the problem. As a result, the Polluter Pay Principle must be followed and industries that produce pollution must pay a fee to protect the environment.

Fighting air pollution is a public concern, hence it is within everyone’s purview. As a result, there is a need for focused, coordinated activities that include all relevant parties.

The government (federal, state, and municipal), cities, the general public, and individuals should all be considered in this.

Further, there is a need for a policy that envisages a healthy energy transition and healthy urban planning transition.

Read:  GRAP

Article Written by: Remya

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Air pollution refers to the unwanted and harmful substances in the air we breathe. These substances are known as pollutants. Air pollution can be caused by natural sources or human activities and can have serious health, environmental, and economic impacts. In recent years, air pollution has become a popular debate topic due to the decreasing quality of air. The atmosphere of Earth comprises 78% of Nitrogen, 21% of Oxygen, and 0.93% of Argon.

The causes of air pollution are both natural and man-made. Natural sources of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms. However, human activities like transportation, industrial activities, agricultural practices, waste management, etc. have more serious and long-term impacts on the air we breathe. An essay on air pollution is a popular academic writing topic assigned to students. To help students with their essays on air pollution, we have listed some samples in 100, 200, and 300 words. These samples will discuss the causes, consequences, and steps to reduce air pollution.

Table of Content

Essays on Air Pollution in 150 Words

Essays on air pollution in 200 words, essays on air pollution in 500 words, 10 lines on air pollution.

Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks. It is caused by the release of harmful particles and gases in the air. This deteriorates the quality of air we breathe and poses a serious threat to the existence of all living beings on Earth. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air.

Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature death. Not only this, air pollution also poses a serious threat to the environment, leading to climate change. Environmentalists, international organizations, governments, and even private organizations are collectively working to reduce air pollution. They have implemented strict, cleaner technologies, and public awareness campaigns. These concerted efforts can help improve the air quality and create a healthy environment.

With rising environmental and health concerns, air pollution has become a popular debate topic. Air pollution is caused by natural and human activities, which release harmful substances, chemicals, and gases into the air we breathe. Our once-healthy environment has become a gas chamber, causing an existential threat to every species on Earth.

Since the advent of 18th-century Industrialisation, the emission of harmful gases like hydrogen chloride, benzene, and toluene has significantly increased. According to a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a total of 188 pollutants have been classified as hazardous.

Human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy production, vehicular emission, construction and industrial releases are the major causes of air pollution. There are natural sources also which are responsible for air pollution but their impact is limited to their respective regions. For example, during a volcanic eruption, harmful gases like water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), are released into the atmosphere. However, such natural activities do not pose a global threat.

Tackling air pollution requires global cooperation and environmentally friendly approaches. One such method is relying on renewable energy sources, rather than exhausting limited natural resources, fossil fuels. World Health Organisation, along with global governments is taking steps to switch to affordable clean household energy solutions for cooking, heating and lighting.

Air pollution is a global concern. Therefore, it requires a collective approach from all countries and their respective governments. Careful implementation of environmentally friendly and sustained approaches will surely help create an air pollution-free environment.

World Health Organisation in its 2019 report stated that 99% of the world’s population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met. Air pollution is known as the releaseof unwanted harmful substances and chemicals in the air. This damages the qualities of air we breath, affecting health and detoriates the environment quality. Air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths every year.

Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is caused by both natural and man-made activities. Nature causes of air pollution are volcanic erruptions, dust storms, and wildfires. During a volcanic eruption, harm gases and chemicals like water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are released. Also, a small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride are also released. However, natural causes of air pollution are limited to there regions and do not poses long term environmental threats.

Human activities causes are the major factors causing air pollution. Human activities like industrialisation, vehicular emission, combustion, energy production, construction, agricultural activities and waste management are major factors of air pollution. Human activities releases pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and methane causes air pollution.

In metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, Tokyo, etc. vehicular emission and construction are major causes of air pollution. Construction sites generate dust and emissions from equipment, contributing to local air pollution.

Consequences of Air Pollution

• Air pollution has harmful consequences on human health, the environment, and the economy.
• Air pollution contributes to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. Some of these diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravation of existing health conditions, and premature death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
• Our ecosystem is the first victim of air pollution. Pollutants deposited onto soil and water bodies harm plants, animals, and aquatic life.
• Acid rain, caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water vapor in the atmosphere, damages forests, soils, and freshwater ecosystem
• Pollutants like carbon dioxide, methane, and black carbon are all also greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
• The rate at which these pollutants are released in the atmosphere can lead to global warming, rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
• Air pollution also affects our economy. Investments in air pollution control measures and environmental cleanup efforts entail financial expenditures for governments, businesses, and individuals.

Steps to Reduce Air Pollution

• Policies and investments in air pollution control measures are necessary to reduce the content of pollutants.
• Switching to environmental friendly activities can significantly help reduce air pollution. Excessive use of natural resources not only depletes them but puts a stain on the environment.
• Relying on solar energy, hydro energy and wind energy can reduce them burden on coal for electricity and power generation.
• On individual level, we can practice carpooling, use public transportation, cycling, walking, or electric vehicles whenever possible.
• we can avoid unnecessary idling to maintain proper tire pressure, and combine errands to minimize trips.
• Build a habit of turning lights and electronics off when not in use. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and adjust thermostats for optimal temperature control.
• Minimize waste generation and opt for reusable products whenever possible.
• Recycling reduces the need for raw materials and lowers energy consumption during production of new goods.

Here are 10 lines on air pollution. Feel free to add themto your essay on air pollution or similar writing topics.

1. Air pollution refers to the release of harmful gases and chemicals in the air we breathe.

2. Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks.

3. It is caused by the release of harmful particles and gases in the air.

4. The causes of air pollution are both natural and man-made.

5. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air.

6. Air pollution is a global concern and it requires a collective approach.

7. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravation of existing health conditions, and premature death.

8. According to a WHO report, 99% of the global population is breathing harmful air.

9. Human activities release pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and methane causes air pollution.

10. Switching to environmentally friendly activities can significantly help reduce air pollution.

This was all about an essay on air pollution. We hope the essay samples listed above will help you with your essay writing practice. For more information on such informative articles, visit GeekforGeeks.

Also Read: Essay on My Father in English: 300, 500 & 800 Words Essay 500+ Words Essay on Importance of Education in English 800 Words Essay On Internet in English for Students 500+ Words Essay on Mother Teresa in English For Students 500 Words Essay on Summer Vacation For Students in English

Essay on Air Pollution- FAQs

How to write an essay on air pollution.

Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks. It is caused by the release of harmful particles and gases in the air. This deteriorates the quality of the air we breathe and poses a serious threat to the existence of all living beings on Earth. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air.

What are the major causes of air pollution?

Air pollution has both natural and man-made causes. The natural causes of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, wildfires and dust storms. The man-made causes of air pollution are industrial wastes, domestic wastes, agricultural activities, vehicular emissions, construction dust, etc. The man-made causes have a greater impact on the air quality.

What is the government doing to reduce air pollution?

The Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to fight the air pollution problem all over India in a sustainable manner. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 lists all the central and state rules to manage air quality and monitor pollutants released by industries, constructions, and agricultural and vehicular activities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board manage these activities in their respective jurisdiction.

Is air pollution causes by natural sources?

Natural sources of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and dust storms. However, these natural sources of air pollution do not pose a serious threat to the global air quality.

What are some lines on air pollution?

Air pollution refers to the release of harmful gases and chemicals in the air we breathe. Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks. The causes of air pollution are both natural and man-made. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air. Air pollution is a global concern and it requires a collective and systematic approach. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravation of existing health conditions, and premature death. Human activities release pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and methane causing air pollution.

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