What is Air Pollution and Ozone Depletion

Air Pollution and Ozone Depletion

Contamination of air with smoke, dust and harmful gases is called air pollution and the substances causing pollution are called as pollutants.

The common pollutants are:

Gases like sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides and hydrogen sulphide, smoke soot and particulate matter etc.

SOURCES OF Air Pollution and Ozone Depletion

1. Burning/combustion of fuel: Burning of fuel for household purposes generates gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide as well as soot and particulate matter.
2. Vehicular emission: Gases emitted from the exhausts of motor vehicles contribute significantly to the air pollution. These gases include hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and others.
3. Industrial emission: With the increase in population, the numbers of industries are increasing day-by-day. They emit harmful gases and smoke. For example, operations like mining of coal release dust into the atmosphere.
4. Emissions from power plants: Thermal power plants and nuclear power plants release harmful gases, smoke and radioactive pollutants.
5. Deforestation: Trees absorb substantial amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore, cutting down trees releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which pollutes it.
6. Use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigerators, fire extinguishers, aerosol sprays etc. leads to release of harmful gases that deplete the ozone layer.

OZONE DEPLETION

The atmosphere of our earth is surrounded by an ozone layer which protects both plants and animals on the earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. but this layer has started depleting because of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released from leaky refrigerators, air conditioners etc.

A hole was discovered in the ozone layer right above the Antarctica by NASA in September 2004. It was found to be expanding continuously exposing some populated areas of South America to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Therefore, cutting down trees releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which pollutes it.

The CFCs released by us in the atmosphere convert ozone into oxygen. This causes a hole in the ozone layer and lowers its ozone content.

Air pollution is not just a scientific problem—it’s something we all experience in our daily lives. Have you ever noticed how the air feels heavier and harder to breathe in crowded cities compared to a village? That difference is air pollution in action.

When vehicles release smoke, industries pump out gases, or we burn fuels at home, we’re adding invisible enemies to the air we breathe. Over time, these pollutants don’t just stay in the sky—they enter our lungs, affect crops, damage buildings, and even change the climate.

One of the most alarming consequences is ozone depletion. Think of the ozone layer as the Earth’s natural sunscreen. Without it, we’re left vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Too much exposure leads to skin cancer, eye damage, and even reduced crop yield. The discovery of the ozone hole above Antarctica in 2004 was a wake-up call to the entire world.

The good news? We can fight back. Planting trees, reducing the use of plastics and CFC-based products, switching to cleaner fuels, and supporting renewable energy can all make a huge difference. Each small step we take contributes to a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for future generations. 🌍💚

Q.1. Which amongst the following is not an example of air pollutant:

Due to increased exposure to UV radiation, the health of humans and animals is impacted by the ozone layer’s depletion. They may develop skin cancer and eye problems if exposed to these rays for prolonged periods. Exposure to UV rays affects the crops also that to very adversely.

1. Hydrogen sulphide
2. Hydrogen gas
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Sulphur dioxide

Ans.b

Q.2. Ozone protects us from:

1. UV rays
2. Infra red rays
3. Visible rays
4. None

Ans. a

Q.3. Ozone layer is present in the:

1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesophere
4. Ionosphere

Ans. b

Q.4. Deforestation refers to:

1. Cutting of trees
2. Planting of trees
3. Replanting the trees
4. Planting trees in a society

Ans. a

Q.5. Burning of fossil fuels generate:

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Particulate matter
4. All

Ans. d