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Pollution: An Epidemic – Mr Known

Written by Mr Anown

Pollution is the combination of harmful substances available in the environment. Pollutants are mixtures of harmful substances. Which is the main cause of pollution. They are also formed spontaneously from volcanic ash, desert dust, meteorites etc. They are also made by humans from waste, effluents produced by factories, etc. Absolutely, it’s like an epidemic has started. Measures can be taken to avoid it, but there is no direct treatment for it at the moment.

Air pollution

Air pollution is the modification of the natural characteristics of the atmosphere by chemical, physical or biological agents in indoor and outdoor air. Sometimes air pollution occurs due to natural causes like volcanic eruptions, dust storms and forest fires. Domestic combustion equipment, motor vehicles, and industrial facilities are common sources of air pollution among human-made resources.

Humans have control over everything from cigarette smoking to toxic fumes from factories. When a dog steals bread from a house and runs away, it also goes to some fourth street and eats it sitting under cover. Even cigarette smokers understand the difference between right and wrong. They may also want to leave it, but they are slaves of their mind and in the clutches of their habits.

One thing that is a major contributor to pollution. There is no need to reduce its use either. Yet we can easily get victory on it. We live at home or are in the office. Children also stay inside for a long time. If you pay attention, you will find that we spend more time inside than outside. Household combustion appliances are a major contributor to human-made resources. If some such plants are planted in the inner environment which purify the air. These will not only reduce pollution but will also make you and your family healthy.

NASA conducted a study in the late 1980s to determine the best indoor plants to improve air quality in space stations. The aim of the study was to find plants that could help remove toxins from the air.  So that a healthy living environment can be created for the astronauts. Here are some plants that NASA recommended:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, this plant is highly efficient at absorbing formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are known for their ability to remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. They also add moisture to the environment, which can be beneficial in dry indoor spaces.

English Ivy (Hedera helix): It is effective in reducing airborne mold spores and various indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are known for their air-purifying abilities and can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. It also act as natural humidifiers.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): The Areca palm is excellent at removing indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. It also releases a significant amount of moisture into the air, improving humidity levels.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe vera not only has medicinal properties but also helps to eliminate formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It is low-maintenance and can thrive in various indoor conditions.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are easy to care for and are effective at reducing formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide levels. They are known for their ability to produce oxygen and remove toxins from the air.

These are just a few examples of plants recommended by NASA based on their air-purifying qualities. Including these plants in your indoor environment will help improve air quality and create a healthier living space.

When we burn fossil fuels, they release carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into the air. These gases, in turn, trap the heat coming from the Sun. As a result of which the global temperature rises. This increase in temperature intensifies air pollution by increasing the level of smog in the environment. And is a major factor behind global warming. This is common in the industrial sector. Many people are getting sick due to air pollution. Air pollution increases the risk of diseases such as heart disease, respiratory infections and lung cancer. According to W.H.O (World Health Organization), about 24 lakh people die every year due to air pollution.

Many innocent animals are killed when there is a fire in the forest. We are able to extinguish this fire later. Every time we have been successful in this, but we do not control that the fire may not take place. We have no control over natural causes. We are selfish, and we have become so since now. That’s why we do not control man made resources. And in the future it will not stop until we invent some new technology.

Air pollution

Harmful substances – often chemicals or microorganisms – discharge into a stream, river, lake, ocean, or any other water body without proper measures, due to which water gets contaminated is called water pollution. Water pollution is also sometimes caused by volcanic eruptions, animal waste, and remnants of storms and floods. Everyday sewage and sometimes the garbage of the cities are also dumped into the oceans, as a result of which the water gets polluted. Oil spills, fossil fuel combustion etc. are the main causes of pollution.

Not only do they contaminate the ecosystem of aquatic animals, but the pollutants reach our homes through groundwater. Drinking contaminated water can cause diseases like hepatitis, cholera, schistosomiasis etc. Aquatic organisms living in water bodies also die due to water pollution. Sometimes fish, crabs, dolphins and many other large animals have been found dead on the beach.

Improvement in the water quality of rivers is seen during the Corona period. This happened because the most important contributor to water pollution is the contaminated water and waste coming out of the factories. As long as this contaminated water is not purified and taken to the water bodies, Till then it is not possible to clean the water.

Soil pollution

Toxic substances – garbage, debris, xenobiotic chemicals or toxic chemicals, etc. – abnormal concentration of contaminants in the soil is called soil pollution. Waste produced in huge factories, garbage thrown out, pesticides used by farmers are the main causes of soil pollution. Methane gas released from waste is one of the main causes of global warming.

Due to mixing of dangerous chemicals in soil or water, many dangerous diseases like cancer, neurological disorders and skin problems etc. are born. According to an estimate by W.H.O, soil pollution is responsible for 13% of all deaths globally. This number is around 83 lakhs.

Governments say, we can reduce a lot of waste by reducing the use of garbage or polythene. People say, when there is so much concern, then ban polythene. Both will keep on giving arguments like this. Selfish humans will not stop until a good alternative to polythene is made.

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