Sources of air pollutants
Sources of air pollution refer to the various
locations, activities or factors which are responsible for the releasing of
pollutants into the atmosphere.
1.
Emission from motor vehicles
Motor vehicle emissions are
composed of the by-products that come out of the exhaust
systems or other
emissions such as gasoline evaporation. These emissions contribute to air
pollution and are
a major ingredient in the creation of smog in some large cities
2. Burning of coal and fossil fuel.
Factories,
offices, even homes use fossil fuels or
coals for power or heat. Even though beneficial, coal and fossil fuels contribute to air pollution and smog.
3. Open burning
Open
burning contributes to air pollution. These fires do not get hot enough
to completely burn yard waste. Instead, they smoulder and smoke,
releasing fines particles and other harmful pollutants into the air.
4. Construction
activities
Construction
activities that contribute to air pollution include land clearing, operation of
diesel engines, burning, and working with toxic materials. All construction
sites generate high levels of dust and this can carry for large distances over
a long period of time.
5. Agricultural
Agricultural operations, those that raise animals and grow crops, can
generate emissions of gases and particulate matter. For example, animals confined
to a barn or restricted area, produce large amounts of manure. Manure emits various
gases into the air. These gases can be emitted from the animal houses, manure
storage areas, or from the land after the manure is applied. In crop
production, the misapplication of fertilizers and pesticides can potentially
result in aerial drift of these materials and harm may be caused.
6. Radioactive
Radioactive
sources yield high amounts of energy, as well as harmful quantities of sulfur
dioxide and several heavy metals into the air. In highly-industrialized cities,
air pollution from radioactive fallout has been proven to create numerous
environmental concerns.
