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Caring for the planet is vital for our survival

What are the main causes of air pollution?

Nobody is safe from pollution, which comes from five main sources of human beings. These sources are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ground-level ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and lead , all  are harmful to human health.

1.Household

The main source of household air pollution is the indoor burning of fossil fuels, wood and other biomass-based fuels to cook, heat and light homes.

Around 3.8 million premature deaths are caused by indoor air pollution every year, the vast majority of them in the developing countries.97 countries , out of 193 countries have increased the percentage of households that have access to cleaner burning fuels to over 85 percent. More than 3 billion people continue to use solid fuels and open fires for cooking, heating, and lighting. The adoption of modern stoves and fuels can reduce the risks of diseases caused by air pollution can save lives. 

2.Industry

In many countries, power generation is a major source of air pollution. Coal-burning in power plants is the main contributor, while diesel generators are a growing problem source in off-grid areas. The solvent used in the chemical and mining industries, pollute the air.

 Government Policies and programs aimed at increasing energy efficiency and production from renewable sources have a direct impact on a country’s air quality. At the moment, 82 countries out of 193 have incentives that promote investment in renewable energy production, cleaner production, energy efficiency and pollution control. 

3.Transport

The global transport sector accounts for one quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and this proportion is increasing day by day . Air pollution emissions from transport causes nearly 400,000 premature deaths. Almost half of the total deaths by air pollution from transport are caused by diesel emissions, while those who are living closest to major traffic areas are up to 12 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

 Government Policies, standards as well as self initiatives that require the use of cleaner fuels and advanced vehicle emissions standards can reduce vehicle emissions more than 90 percent 

4.Agriculture

The major sources of air pollution from agriculture include stock, which produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of agricultural waste. Methane emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which causes asthma and other respiratory problems. Methane is also a more potent global warming gas than carbon dioxide. Around 24 percent of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide come agriculture, forestry and other land-use.

There are many ways to reduce air pollution from agriculture. People can move to a plant-based diet and/or reduce food waste, while farmers can reduce methane from livestock by optimizing feed digestibility and improving grazing and grassland management. 

5.Waste

Open waste burning and organic waste in landfills release harmful, furans, dioxins, fine particulate and methane, matter like black carbon into the atmosphere. Globally, an estimated 40 percent of waste is openly burned. The problem is most severe in urbanizing regions and developing countries.