Pollution is one of the main problems worldwide, many nations have been affected by the high degree of deterioration in the environment, mainly in the ozone layer, this is due to the high emissions of toxic gases into the atmosphere, for Then we will learn about the Measures to Avoid Atmospheric Pollution.
Atmospheric pollution
Pollution is known as all those substances that alter the environment, negatively modifying the environment and affecting the living conditions on planet earth. It is a consequence of the practices carried out by man, such as the excessive consumption of natural resources, overpopulation in developed countries, destruction of natural habitats, accumulation of toxic waste; but one of the most prominent for its high impact on the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuel, being the main cause of the deterioration of the ozone layer.
Currently there is the presence of materials, gaseous substances or energies that are circulating in the air, decreasing its quality and being harmful to the health of living beings, this is known as atmospheric pollution. It is a reality that is latent throughout the world and generating serious consequences on planet earth, since these agents that alter the air can travel by transporting themselves from one area to another, covering a wide range of influence on the environment.
Atmospheric pollution is initiated by industrial activities, companies, cars and other factors that emit large amounts of polluting gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, hydrides, among others; They are also known as greenhouse gases, each one influences varying concentrations and has a very long lifetime, so they are deposited in the atmosphere and are dragged by air currents.
It is a persistent reality in our world, many cities have been affected by presenting a high degree of air pollution, mainly in those countries with industrial advances, causing poor air quality and affecting the health of all the people who live around it; awakening the interest of many government entities in taking measures to care for citizens and reduce the probability of diseases caused by harmful gases in the atmosphere.
Importance of the Conservation of the Atmosphere
There are areas that have not been harmed by high levels of air pollution, such as the mountains, which have clean air with large amounts of oxygen, while those spaces close to urban or industrial areas, where the amount of oxygen decreases and are replaced by carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and others. This type of environment, altered by greenhouse gases, influences people's health, deteriorating little by little and causing respiratory failure, chronic asthma, heart problems, among others, and getting worse as air quality decreases. .
The causes of air pollution lie primarily in cities, communities and capitals, where a large number of means of transport such as cars, buses, motorcycles, among others, circulate; its operation generates the burning of fossil fuel, considered as the source of energy used by man and also the cause of emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere.
The process of converting fossil fuel into energy is used for other treatments such as thermal, light and hydraulic power plants; considered essential industries for the development of society, therefore their contribution to the damage of the atmospheric layer is outstanding. Similarly, in everyday life some devices can contribute to this factor such as air conditioning, aerosols, refrigerants, among others, they emit a smaller amount of greenhouse gases but still influence the destruction of the ozone layer.
All these small emissions alter the biological cycles of the planet, such as the water cycle that is reduced, therefore generating a shortage of rain and lengthening the summer period, in addition to causing the accumulation of gases in the atmosphere that leads to the modification natural water, generating polluted rain and even acid rain. The presence of clean water in the environment is necessary, in addition to being one of the main sources of life, it is also responsible for cleaning and purifying the air, since it drags harmful particles and reduces the degree of pollution.
Due to this, the need arises to use ecological cars, known for being renewable or clean energies that do not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere; having as a principle the conservation of the environment and the care of the atmospheric layer, despite this they are not yet applied in society due to their difficulty of access and mainly due to the dependence on fuel combustion.
Measures to Avoid Atmospheric Pollution
Atmospheric pollution is a much-discussed problem today, noting that there are many countries affected with high levels of pollution such as China and India, also very persistent in cities such as New York, Beijing, Tokyo, Madrid, among others. These places are known for their high economic activity, being the center of many sources of work and the development of social activities; therefore, they represent a source of persistent contamination today.
Among the most cited causes of air pollution in these countries and cities, the increase in automobiles circulating in their areas, the increase in industrial processes, lack of rain, among others, stand out. Due to this, government entities seek solutions to reduce the rate of contamination in the atmosphere, using the following measures to highlight:
Recycling
Recycling is a type of process used to convert waste into new products or into some type of raw material; This measure guarantees to take advantage of waste and reduce industrial processes that generate emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Use of public transport
Cars are one of the most widely used means of transport today, therefore toxic gas emissions have increased significantly in recent years. Among some of the recommended measures is to use public transport and reduce the use of private transport only for what is necessary, contributing to the recovery of the ozone layer.
car sharing
People use private transportation mainly for comfort, ease of access and traveling long distances in less time. In this case, it is recommended to share a vehicle with acquaintances or relatives to reduce the volume of cars and gas emissions from burning fuel.
Low consumption vehicles (electric)
In the last century, the modality of electric automobiles was born, based on motors that work with electrical energy that is stored in rechargeable batteries, its gaseous emission is minimal, being considered as a type of clean and renewable energy; therefore, it represents a great advance to reduce the impact on the atmospheric layer.
Periodic car reviews
In some areas of the world it is mandatory to carry out the test for the emissions of polluting gases, in charge of determining if the vehicle complies with the ranges of gases emitted into the atmosphere. Checking the main pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and steam emission control.
Walking and cycling
For short journeys it is advisable to use bicycles, it represents a means of transport that collaborates with people's health and reduces the circulation of automobiles.
Sprays that emit few polluting gases
Greenhouse gases are promoted by aerosol products, so it is recommended to use containers that indicate a low content of harmful gases, this is verified in the certification that is observed in their advertising.
Take care of green areas
As the population of cities increases, the demand for natural resources and the growth of urban developments increase, causing the destruction of many green areas and subjecting the areas to rural stress; in addition to the high impact on the atmosphere due to gas emissions during construction. The main factor to reduce pollution is to maintain green areas in and around urban areas, since they collaborate with the maintenance of the air within them.
Measures to Avoid Air Pollution from Home
Air pollution is linked to the high impact of gases emitted from cars, industrial areas, among others. But there is also a percentage from households such as the use of refrigerants and air conditioning; In addition, as individuals we can influence this factor through smoking and cigarette smoke. Reducing environmental pollution is everyone's job, starting from home, here are some suggestions:
Use low energy light bulbs
Low consumption light bulbs, also known as LED bulbs, are considered an efficient option for the consumption of electrical energy, mainly due to their production with less polluting elements and with more environmentally friendly processes; saving money and reducing the impact on the atmosphere.
Don't waste water
One of the main concerns is the waste of water in homes, offices and other urban areas, mainly when showering, using taps or double-filling systems for cisterns. All of them represent an excessive energy expenditure and collaborate with the contamination of the atmosphere, for which it is recommended to maintain a strict control of the water faucets and avoid the waste of the vital liquid.
Reduce the use of sustainable products
For crops, chemical products are used that favor the growth and development of certain foods, affecting their natural condition and polluting the environment in the process. It is recommended to reduce the use of these products to obtain healthy foods and extend the life of the soil.
Avoid using a dishwasher
It is a self-washing system for domestic materials, causing excessive use of energy and water; therefore, it is recommended to use cutlery or non-biodegradable materials.
Avoid using air conditioning
The excessive use of air conditioning mainly in the summer or drought seasons, due to the high temperatures to which the different regions are subjected, has generated an increase in the deterioration of the ozone layer; Therefore, it is recommended to use fans that keep the home much cooler during the day and reduce its impact on the atmosphere.
Keep plants indoors
Plants are responsible for carrying out one of the most important biochemical processes for the planet, it is the generation of oxygen through photosynthesis, they can also absorb the carbon dioxide that is around them, acting as an air purifier and allowing to improve its quality.
Use extractors
The extractors are responsible for maintaining air circulation and allow ventilating those closed areas such as the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, among others. Causing the gases that may be concentrated to disperse and not affect the health of the people present.
Do not smoke in closed spaces
Avoid smoking in closed areas, since gases and toxins from cigarettes or tobacco accumulate, and it is advisable to do so on terraces or in areas that are ventilated.
Use air purifiers
Air purifiers are responsible for cleaning the entire environment, allowing healthier air for the people around; This type of device is widely used by those who suffer from respiratory problems or allergies.
Influence of Atmospheric Pollution
Air pollution is one of the main causes of diseases in the population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is considered that approximately 1,3 million people a year get sick from respiratory problems, worsening and causing death. 50% of these figures live in underdeveloped countries, highlighting that they are nations that do not have laws that regulate this type of pollution. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can have serious health consequences, let's know some of them:
Increased incidences of allergies
Allergies are a reaction of the immune system, creating sensitivity in different aspects, whether skin, food or respiratory; highlighting the latter for generating rhinitis, asthma and atopic eczema (children, adults and the elderly), in recent years there has been an increase in this type of allergies attributed to the high rates of local air pollution, becoming chronic and causing death of people.
Increase in heart disease
Heart diseases are related to the deficiency of the heart, generating difficulties with the circulatory system of the human body. Currently it is considered that air pollution ranks ninth for cardiovascular diseases, this is due to the accumulation of gases and substances that can cause oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, aerothrombosis and arrhythmogenesis in humans.
Increase in respiratory pathologies
An increase in chronic respiratory diseases has been observed in various countries, such as respiratory failure, diphtheria, acute bronchitis, whooping cough, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and others.
Increase in certain types of cancers in the population
High exposure to particles suspended in the air and harmful gases emitted by various sources (means of transportation, industries, aerosols) present the greatest risk for developing cancer, mainly lung cancer; standing out in those people who develop their day to day in industrial sectors and in large populations, due to their greater exposure to environmental pollution.
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