Air Pollution

As per World Health Organization (WHO), almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health.

Causes

The main causes of air pollution are:

  • Vehicular emissions
  • Industrial emissions
  • Dust fall

Effects

Major effects of air pollution are described here under:

  • Respiratory diseases and eye irritation etc.
  • Reduced visibility
  • Loss of vegetation
  • Damage to material, heritage and monuments
  • Effects the growth of plants

Remedies

Some remedies are given in the following which can be effective against rising air pollution:

  • Always keep your vehicle in good condition
  • Prefer 4-stroke engine vehicles
  • Use CNG as transport fuel
  • Limit the industrial effluents as per Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS)
  • Do not establish industrial units within the residential areas
  • Apply 3R formula i.e. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • Plant as many trees as possible