Primary Sources of Air Pollution

1. Industrial Exhalations:
   • Factories and power plants release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM).
   • Chemicals and solvents used in manufacturing processes can also contribute to air pollution.
2. Vehicle Emissions:
   • Cars, trucks, and buses emit pollutants including nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).
   • Diesel engines, in particular, are significant sources of particulate matter.
3. Agricultural Works:
   • Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides, pesticides and fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it.

4. Domestic Sources

   • The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air.
   • The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. It not only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.
5. Natural Sources:
   • Volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms can introduce large amounts of pollutants, such as particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), into the atmosphere.
6. Waste Disposal and Landfills:
   • Decomposing organic waste emits methane (CH₄) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
   • Incineration of waste can release a variety of toxic substances, including dioxins and heavy metals.

Reducing Air Pollution

1. Avoid Using Vehicles

   • People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only prevents pollution, but also conserves energy.
2. Improving Energy Efficiency:
   • Implement energy-efficient practices in industries, homes, and transportation to reduce overall energy consumption and emissions.
3. Enhancing Public Transportation:
   • Invest in public transit systems to reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road.
   • Promote cycling and walking as alternative modes of transport.
4. Adopting Cleaner Technologies:
   • Encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions from transportation.
   • Implement pollution control technologies, such as scrubbers and filters, in industrial processes.
5. Regulating Agricultural Practices:
   • Use precision farming techniques to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
   • Implement better manure management practices to reduce methane emissions.
6. Improving Waste Management:
   • Promote recycling and composting to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
   • Capture and utilize methane emissions from landfills for energy production.
7. Promoting Afforestation and Reforestation:
   • Plant trees and restore forests to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality.
8. Implementing Strict Environmental Regulations:
   • Enforce regulations that limit emissions of harmful pollutants from industries and vehicles.
   • Monitor air quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards.