Air pollution refers to the undesirable change in the quality of air due to undesirable solid or gaseous particles in air around us which has harmful effects on plants, animals and the environment.

Air pollutants are of two kinds:

1. Primary Pollutants

• Carbon Dioxide CO2
• Carbon Monoxide CO
• Nitrogen oxides
• Sulphur Oxides
• Hydrocarbons
• Suspended particulate matter (SPM)

1. Secondary Pollutants

• Sulphuric Acid
• Nitric Acid
• Carbonic Acid

Effects of Air Pollution:

• Air pollution causes large number of respiratory diseases in Humans and animals. These diseases include bronchitis, Lung cancer, Asthma, Influenza and common cold. Irritation in the skin, nose and respiratory tract are also effects of air pollution.
• Some harmful gasses may enter the small pores in leaves and cause blockage. They may also cause mutation or stunted growth in plants.
• Pollutants cause damage to structures like buildings and monuments. The pollutants wear our paints on cars , damage stones of monuments.
• Air pollutants like CFC deplete the Ozone layer which in turn allows the harmful UV rays of the sun to enter the earth.
• Pollutants result in the rise in temperature. This is called the Green house effect. Due to this polar ice caps melt and this results in the rise of sea levels, submerging coastal towns and cities.
• Rise in temperature also results in damage to natural flora and fauna.