What is Pollution?

Definition of Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the environment is called Pollution. It results in negative effects in the environment which makes lives of human beings and other living organisms a bit difficult.
In earlier days, pollution in the environment was much lesser than what it is today. Day by day, pollution is increasing due to increased human activities. Pollution can be caused by natural disasters too.

Different Types of Pollution

There are four different types of pollution:

1. Air Pollution

2. Water Pollution

3. Soil Pollution
4. Noise Pollution

1. What is Air Pollution?

Air Pollution is the introduction of contaminants like dust articles, carbon monoxide, etc. which imbalances the natural composition of air in the atmosphere and creates harmful effects on living beings.

List of Pollutants

1. Carbon Dioxide

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Methane

4. CFC (Chloro Flouro Carbon)

5. Dust Particles

6. Sulphur Dioxide

Causes of Air Pollution

Air Pollution is caused due to various reasons:

1. Smoking cigarettes

2. Emissions coming out of motor vehicles

3. Combustion of coal and wood

4. Emissions from factories

5. Paint fumes and aerosol sprays

6. Wildfire

7. Volcanic eruptions

Effects of Air Pollution

Air Pollution has many adverse effects on the environment as well as on living organisms.

1. Formation of smog

2. Global warming due to excess green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane, etc.

3. Deterioration of ozone layer

4. Respiratory problems and headache

5. Acid rain

6. Eye and throat irritation

2. What is Water Pollution?

The introduction of contaminants in water bodies like lakes, rivers, ground water, oceans, etc. is known as water pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

1. Emissions from factories and refineries

2. Human sewage

3. Animal waste

4. Oil spill from ships in rivers and oceans

5. Use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture

Effects of Water Pollution

1. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, etc.

2. Ailments of kidneys and hearts

3. Accumulation of chemicals like lead and cadmium in food chain

4. Aquatic ecosystem is worst affected by water pollution

3. What is Soil Pollution?

Soil Pollution is the contamination of soil due to harmful and toxic materials which are disposed of by living organisms and other natural disasters

Causes of Soil Pollution

1. Deforestation

2. Human sewage

3. Use of fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides

4. Disposal of waste materials from factories, reffineries and power plants

Effects of Soil Pollution

1. Decrease in soil fertility

2. Harmful effect on ground water

3. Loss of nutrients present in soil

4. Increase in salinity of soil

4. What is Noise Pollution?

Noise Pollution is any unwanted sound that displeases the ear and disrupts normal activities of human being or animals.

Sound is measured in terms of decibels. 

 dB          Sound

0           Threshold of hearing

10         Rustling of leaves

60         Conversation

74         Light traffic noise

100       Symphony orchestra

120       Aircraft takeoff 

Causes of Noise Pollution

1. Noise from vehicles on road like buses, trucks, bikes etc.

2. Noise from aircraft

3. Noise emanating from industries

4. Noise from home appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, chimneys, etc.

5. Noise from construction equipment like those used in road construction or building construction etc. 

Effects of Noise Pollution

1. It causes sleeping disturbance and long exposure to high intensity of noise pollution may cause insomnia.

2. It causes decrease in concentration of human being.

3. It may cause hearing impairment.

4. It causes very deep impact on people having cardiovascular problems. Noise pollution causes rise in heart     

    beat rate and in turn blood pressure.

5. Excessive noise may cause headache, anxiety and other similar problems.