Air Pollution – A Hidden Menace


            No one can forget one of the most industrial accidents that occurred at Bhopal on 3 December, 1984. Deadly gas from a chemical plant operated by Union Carbide escaped into the atmosphere, killing over 4000 local resident and rendering blind and crippling a large section of the city’s surviving population.





     Not only Bhopal but now every city, every town, every corner of the earth is facing such a crucial problem. Every day, every moment we breathe polluted air and may become a victim of air pollution.




             A man can live without food for a month, without water for two or three days, but he cannot live without even for a minute.







     It is estimated that an average adult exchange 15 kg of air a day , in comparison to about 1.5 kg of the food consumed and 2.5 kg of water intake.


     It is obvious that the quantum of pollutants that enter our body through respiration would be manifold in comparison to those taken in through polluted water or contaminated food.



            Air is a mixture of gases comprising 78 percent of nitrogen,21 percent oxygen and a little less than 1 percent argon, together with 0.03 percent carbon dioxide.




     These elements make up 99.9 percent of dry air. As long as this composition is maintained, the air is pure. If this composition is altered, i.e. the oxygen level gets reduced or irritating gases enter the atmosphere, then the air is said to be polluted and inhalation of this polluted air can lead to respiratory disorders.





            Our air is being poisoned with the by- products of an expanding technological society. Air pollution is nothing new, but what is new is the scope and severity of air pollution.




            In recent times, quite a large number of industries can be seen in urban areas as well as in rural pockets. Most of these industries spew dense smoke from their chimneys.


     What is this smoke made of and how is it produced? Industries require steam and to produce it various fuels such as coal, coke, furnace oil are burnt. 




    During burning, along with heat, smoke is also produced.


     Where does this smoke go? Apparently, it disappears in a short time but in reality it never this polluted it never does so. Instead, it mingles with the atmosphere air and pollutes it. 


        We respire this polluted air containing obnoxious gases, ash and dust particles. Without our knowledge, our lungs