One of gravest threats that people around the world have to face today is environmental pollution. With every passing year, it is causing irreparable damage to planet human beings live on. The introduction of toxic waste materials into the air, water and soil results in form of pollution. Among the various forms of environmental pollution, air pollution is the most harmful. The release of injurious smoke in form of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide from motor vehicles and factories causes air pollution. This form of contamination, results an increase in health problems like lung cancer, asthma, allergies and other breathing aliments in human beings. In addition to this, it also causes severe damage to animal and plant life.
Jonathan Schrag, an eminent environmentalist says the following factors are responsible for the increase in air pollution:
- Burning of fossil fuels
The emission of sulfur dioxide from constant burning of fossil fuels in factories around the world is the primary cause of air pollution. In addition to this, harmful fumes that various modes of transport like motor vehicles, aircrafts and trains release into the air cause this form of pollution. The widespread release of such dangerous gases into the air human being breathe is killing their environment.
- Agricultural activities
In agriculture, the extensive use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers by farmers result in the release of ammonia, as a by-product. This is one of the most hazardous greenhouse gases, which is responsible for contaminating the atmosphere and water.
- Exhaust from industrial factories
Manufacturing industries are responsible for releasing large quantities of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and other chemicals in the air. This reduces the quality of air human beings breathe. Manufacturing is an important human activity and there are factories in almost every part of the world. As results of this, such harmful chemical substances are present everywhere on the planet.
- Mining Operation
Mining refers to an activity where humans dig up minerals from beneath the earth surface using heavy equipment. This process results in the release of dust particles and chemicals into the atmosphere. This widespread release of such harmful substances into the air is the major cause of health problems among inhabitants living in such areas.
- Household Pollutants
Various kinds of sprays, home cleaning products and paints also release toxic chemicals into the air that result in air pollution. For instance, when people paint their houses, they never fail to notice a smell that makes it impossible to breathe at times.
Jonathan Schrag explains that unless people around the workplace take concrete actions now to reduce air pollution, there will be an increase in respiratory and other health problems. In addition to this, the rapid reduction in the ozone level in the earth’s stratosphere means an increase in global warming. This will have a negative effect on the well-being of human beings, animal and plant life on this planet. Moreover, as more nitrogen in the air enters the sea’s surface, it will turn into algae and kill marine life. This will ultimately threaten all forms of life on earth.
Daryl Green 
Barbara Ratliff