Harmful Pollutants of Air Pollution

“Dad, what makes the air around us polluted?” 18-year-old Priya asked.

“Dear Priya, the air quality index (AQI) is composed of 8 pollutants ((PM10, PM2.5, NO2 nitrogen dioxide, SO2 sulfur dioxide, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb). Air pollution refers to a situation where these pollutants in the air are higher than the norm set by the World Health Organization (WHO).” Dad replied.

“But, Dad, where do these pollutants come from?” Priya asked.

His father said that particulate matter comes from road dust, vehicles, domestic fuel burning, industrial sources, and concrete batching. Moreover, in our most important festival, Diwali, the smoke from crackers also often adds to the pollution. Hazardous air pollutants, also known as toxic air pollutants, are pollutants that cause serious health problems such as cancer.

“Do you know that 188 hazardous air pollutants have been identified? The major toxic air pollutants are benzene, which is found in gasoline; perchloroethylene, which is emitted from some dry cleaning facilities; and methylene chloride, which is used as a solvent and paint stripper.” his father added.

Priya understood that polluted air was all around her. This knowledge that her father shared will help her stay informed and keep herself safe in future.