Pollution
Pollution
Historical background (quick)
Pollution increased rapidly after the Industrial Revolution
Earlier: natural balance absorbed waste
Now: human activities exceed nature’s ability to recover
What pollution does to humans
Causes respiratory diseases (asthma, lung cancer)
Leads to heart problems and weak immunity
Polluted water spreads cholera, typhoid, diarrhea
Noise pollution causes stress, anxiety, sleep loss
Chemicals can affect brain development in children
What pollution does to nature
Acid rain damages forests, crops, and buildings
Ozone layer depletion increases skin cancer risk
Animals die due to plastic ingestion and toxic water
Soil pollution reduces crop quality and yield
Coral reefs are destroyed by polluted oceans
Types of air pollutants
Carbon monoxide (CO) – from vehicles
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) – from coal burning
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) – from engines
Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) – dust, smoke (very dangerous)
Types of Pollution
1. Air Pollution
Major sources
Vehicles (petrol, diesel)
Thermal power plants
Industries and brick kilns
Burning of garbage and crop residue
Effects
Smog in cities
Reduced visibility
Lung infections
Global warming
Control
Electric vehicles
Emission standards
Afforestation
Clean cooking fuels
2. Water Pollution
Pollutants
Heavy metals (mercury, lead)
Microplastics
Pathogens
Chemical detergents
Effects
Death of fish (low oxygen)
Eutrophication (algae growth)
Unsafe drinking water
Control
Wastewater treatment plants
Ban on dumping waste
Rainwater harvesting
3. Soil / Land Pollution
Sources
Excess fertilizers
Industrial solid waste
E-waste
Plastic dumping
Effects
Reduced soil fertility
Toxic crops
Groundwater contamination
Control
Organic farming
Proper landfill management
Recycling e-waste
4. Noise Pollution
Sources
Traffic
Construction
Loudspeakers
Airports
Effects
Hearing loss
Hypertension
Mental fatigue
Control
Silent zones
Sound barriers
Time restrictions
5. Light & Thermal Pollution
Artificial lights disturb birds and insects
Hot water from plants harms aquatic life
Pollution & Climate Change (Link)
Greenhouse gases trap heat
Rising temperature
Ice melt
Sea-level rise
Food insecurity
Laws & Awareness
Environmental Protection Acts
Pollution Control Boards
International agreements (like climate treaties)
Environmental education in schools
Role of Individuals
Walk or cycle short distances
Save water and electricity
Avoid burning waste
Support eco-friendly products