Air pollution is actually the addition of any harmful substances to the atmosphere, which causes damage to the environment, human health and the quality of life. With the development in industry, air pollution has increased, the pollution which occurs inside homes, schools, offices even in the countryside has added to it. Consequently there has been an increase in death rates resulting from various diseases caused by air pollution varying from breathing problem to lung cancer. Air pollution does not only affect people but it also damages the whole ecological system in which plants and animals are harmed as well.
Air pollution has reached such a critical stage, where it affects the earth's atmosphere, as it lets in more harmful radiation from the sun. Consequently, our polluted atmosphere is becoming a better insulator, thus, preventing heat from escaping back into space, that is why there is a global rise in temperature which scientists refer to as ‘global warming’. As a result of this rise in temperature the world food supply and sea level will be affected, also there is the probability of increase in the tropical disease.
Domestic fires are principal sources of air pollution as well as perfumes, sprays and automobile exhaust. While they account for nearly 52 percent of the pollution, industrial gases account for between 20-25 percent and the internal combustion engines account for the balance 25-30 percent. Some steps can be initiated to reduce air pollution. Use of LPG and electricity will make people less dependent on domestic fires. Non-conventional energy sources should be encouraged in rural areas. Factory chimneys should be as high as possible to distribute and dilute the pollution level over a larger and wider area. Separators and air filters should be used in factories. Chimneys should be provided with setting chambers, so that the smoke particles settle down separating from other gases. To prevent automobile exhausts, regular checking should be done. Forestation program should be implemented throughout the country.
M. OSAMA AFNAN HANAFI,
Karachi, April 20.