A Thesis Report on Air

Pollution

Thesis Report
Submitted in Partial fulfillment of requirement
For awarding
M.TECH IN
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING (2019-2021)
Submitted by –
BISWA BHARATI SAHU (1907346006)
4th Semester
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
LECT.MR.BHAGYARATHI PRADHAN
 DECLARATION

I Miss Biswa Bharati Sahu student of M.tech in

Environmental Engineering of 4th Semester hereby declare
that the work presented in this report is my own work
carried out under the Supervision of Lect.Bhagyarathi
Pradhan .This Thesis report entitled as –“ A Thesis Report
on Air Pollution”.
I also declare that this Thesis report has not been
submitted and I will not be submitted either in part or in
full, for the award of any other degree in this institute or
any other institute or university.

Student’s Signature
Biswa Bharati Sahu
 CERTIFICATE

This is certified that this Thesis report “A Thesis on Air

Pollution. “is submitted by Biswa Bharati Sahu, who
carried out the Thesis work under the Supervision of
lecturer Mr.Bhagyarathi Pradhan. The report is found
worthy of acceptance as Thesis report. This Project is
approved for submission of the Masters of Technology in
the department of Environmental Engineering, affiliated to
BPUT,Rourkela (Odisha).

Mr.Bhagyarathi Pradhan
Department of Environmental Engineering
Adarsha College of Engineering, Angul,
Odisha
Acknowledgement

In preparing this Thesis I have benefitted immensely

referring to many books and publications from web.
We express our heartily thanks to our lecturer
Mr.Bhagyarathi Pradhan of Environmental
Department who gave us the golden opportunity to
do this wonderful Thesis of Air Pollution.
We are to our friends invaluable help in preparing
the indebted Thesis in a very short span of time.
Lastly we thanks our family and parents who helped
me a lot in finalizing the Thesis and make it
successful.
CONTENTS PAGE

ABSTRACT 1
1.Introduction 2-3
2.Images of air pollution 4
3.Literature review 5-6
4. Sources of air pollution 7
5. Indoor Air Pollution 8-9
6. Outdoor Air pollution 10-11
7. Indoor VS outdoor air pollution 11-12
8.Types of Pollutants 13-18
9. A brief report on Air pollution 19
10. Rise of air pollution world 20
11. Condition of air Pollution 21
12. Death rate due to air pollution 22
13. ICMR Report On Air pollution 23
14. Air pollution after lockdown by CPCB 24
15. Air pollution impact on Economy 25
16.Air Pollution in Odisha 26
17. Causes of Air Pollution 27-29
18. Effects of Air Pollution 30-32
19. Air pollution control by equipments 33-35
20. Prevention and Protection of environment 36-37
21. Protection laws by government of India 38
22. Conclusion 39
23. References 40
Abstract
Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air.
Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen and mold
spores may be suspended as particles. Ozone, a gas, is a major
part of air pollution in cities. When ozone forms air pollution, it's
also called smog. Some air pollutants are poisonous. Inhaling
them can increase the chance you'll have health problems. People
with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are at
greater risk from air pollution. Air pollution isn't just outside -
the air inside buildings can also be polluted and affect your
health.

Air pollution is one of the major environmental issues. It can

cause adverse health effects such as cancer, cardiovascular
diseases and high mortality rates. The main air pollutants of
concern are suspended particles and poly aromatic hydrocarbons.
Air pollution is a major global health concern, with substantial
impacts in high, middle and low income countries throughout the
world. More than 85% of the world’s population lives in areas
where the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guideline
is exceeded. In China and India less than 1% of the population
lives in areas meeting the WHO Guideline. These increases,
combined with population growth, aging and increasing
prevalence of diseases impacted by air pollution led to increases
in both total deaths from air pollution and the rate of attributable
deaths. These trends are expected to continue unless air pollution
levels are decreased substantially throughout Asia. in air pollution
from 1990-2013 were evident in most high income countries,
with consequent decreases in attributable mortality, indicating
the widespread population health benefits of clean air
policies. Important opportunities exist to reduce air pollution and
its health impacts in the near-term while at the same time
reducing emissions of climate-forcing pollutants.
Introduction

Air pollution is One of our era's greatest scourges is air pollution,

on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its
impact on public and individual health due to increasing
morbidity and mortality. There are many pollutants that are major
factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter
(PM), particles of variable but very small diameter, penetrate the
respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system
dysfunctions, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone in the
stratosphere plays a protective role against ultraviolet irradiation,
it is harmful when in high concentration at ground level, also
affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore,
nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are
all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Carbon
monoxide can even provoke direct poisoning when breathed in at
high levels. Heavy metals such as lead, when absorbed into the
human body, can lead to direct poisoning or chronic intoxication,
depending on exposure. Diseases occurring from the
aforementioned substances include principally respiratory
problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),
asthma, bronchiolitis, and also lung cancer, cardiovascular events,
central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases.
Last but not least, climate change resulting from environmental
pollution affects the geographical distribution of many infectious
diseases, as do natural disasters. The only way to tackle this
problem is through public awareness coupled with a
multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and
international organizations must address the emergence of this
threat and propose sustainable solutions.
Air pollution refers to the condition in which the existence of
toxic substances in the atmosphere, generated by various human
activities and natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions,
results in damaging effects on the welfare of human beings and
the living environment" . As stated here, this is a very serious
problem which is difficult to treat due to the nature of airborne
particles.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air
pollution is classified into four main categories: particulate
matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide.
Additionally, air pollution is further divided into primary and
secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants are released directly into
the atmosphere from a source, where secondary pollutants occur
as a result of complex chemical reactions taking place from two
pollutants reacting with each other. Air pollution is the presence
of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to
the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to
the climate or to materials. There are many different types of air
pollutants, such as gases (such as ammonia, carbon
monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous
oxides, methane and chlorofluorocarbons), particulates (both
organic and inorganic), and biological molecules. Air pollution
may cause diseases, allergies and even death to humans; it may
also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and
food crops, and may damage the natural environment (for
example, climate change, ozone depletion or habitat degradation)
or built environment (for example, acid rain). Both human
activityand natural processes can generate air pollution. Air
pollution results from the introduction of harmful compounds into
the atmosphere. Pollutants are introduced from both natural and
manmade sources. Major pollutants include particulate matter,
ozone, sulphur dioxides, and nitrogen dioxide.
Pictures of Air pollution
Literature review
A systematic review of the literature on the effects of air pollution
on low birth weight (LBW) and its determinants, preterm delivery
(PTD) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), was conducted.
Twelve epidemiologic investigations that addressed the impact of
air pollution on four pregnancy outcomes were identified. Results
were analysed separately for each perinatal outcome because of
differences in pathogenic mechanisms.

Effects of air pollution were apparent on PTD and IUGR, but not
on LBW. Most of the associations reported were rather small. The
estimation of summary effects was not meaningful because of the
heterogeneity of the effect estimates arising from differences in
the measurements of outcome, exposure, and confounders and
the small number of studies per outcome (four studies for PTD
and six for IUGR). Current scientific knowledge on the impact of
air pollution on fetal growth is still limited; thus, several issues
should be examined further.

The world's worst short-term civilian pollution crisis was the

1984 Bhopal Disaster in India.]Leaked industrial vapours from
the Union Carbide factory, belonging to Union Carbide, Inc., U.S.A.
(later bought by Dow Chemical Company), killed at least 3787
people and injured from 150,000 to 600,000. The United
Kingdom suffered its worst air pollution event when the 4
December Great Smog of 1952 formed over London. In six days
more than 4,000 died and more recent estimates put the figure
at nearer 12,000. An accidental leak of anthrax spores from
a biological warfare laboratory in the former USSR in 1979
near Sverdlovsk is believed to have caused at least 64
deaths.[125] The worst single incident of air pollution to occur in
the US occurred in Donora, Pennsylvania in late October 1948,
when 20 people died and over 7,000 were injured.
A review of relevant literature published since 1950 was
undertaken by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-
Madison to determine the state of knowledge of how air pollution
directly affects the health, well-being, reproductive success and
diversity of birds.

Only a handful of studies have been conducted that assess the

impact of direct exposure to air pollutants on bird health. The
relative paucity of data is largely attributed to the difficulty in
implementing research on wild bird communities. Factors such as
types and levels of air pollution, dynamic atmospheric conditions,
species-specific responses and challenges posed by
distinguishing direct versus indirect effects of air pollution can
confound efforts to assess avian impacts of pollutant exposure.

Despite some gaps in our understanding, the researchers provide

clear evidence that birds are affected by exposure to a range of
reactive gases and particles in the air, including air pollutants
with established adverse impacts on human health. Adverse
health impacts on birds are attributable to exposure to gas-phase
and particulate air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, ozone,
sulfur dioxide, smoke and heavy metals, as well as mixtures of
urban and industrial emissions. Avian responses to air pollution
include respiratory distress and illness, increased detoxification
effort, elevated stress levels, immunosuppression, behavioural
changes and impaired reproductive success. Exposure to air
pollution may furthermore reduce population density, species
diversity and species richness in bird communities.

The researchers hope this literature review serves as a

springboard for more extensive investigations. Future research on
avian responses to air pollution, especially of endangered
species, could inform bird conservation programs and improve
management of wild bird populations.
Sources of air pollution
There are mainly two sources of air pollution natural air pollution
and manmade air pollution
1.Natural Air pollution -
Some of the natural sources of air pollution are organic
compounds from plants, sea salt, suspended soils and dusts (e.g.
from the Sahara).Other natural sources are released during
catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Large
amounts of harmful gases and smoke are released which can
increase background pollution levels for years - even in areas far
away from the original source. Ozone is one of the most common
natural air pollutants. Volcanic eruptions and forest, swamp and
grass fires launch soot and ash into the atmosphere, which
reduces sunlight and lowers temperatures. Eruptions and fires
also produce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other
polluting gases.
2 .Manmade Air pollution –
Major contributors to air pollution are transportation, industry
and agriculture, which respectively release large amounts of
carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and methane (to name a few)
into the atmosphere. Furthermore, as air pollution changes the
chemical composition of the atmosphere it can lead to systemic
changes in climate systems. Man-made pollutants can threaten
human health and compromise the natural ecosystem and
environment. Man-made pollution is generally a by product of
human actions such as consumption, waste disposal, industrial
production, transportation and energy generation. . The harmful
emissions spewed out by billions of passenger cars across the
world and by highly pollutant power plants and factories have
gradually degraded air quality, leading to respiratory problems.
These manmade air pollution are of two types indoor air pollution
and outdoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution -
Indoor air pollution has become a more pressing concern in
recent years due to the construction of more energy-efficient
homes. These properties tend to be relatively airtight, meaning
that the air inside can quickly become stagnant and pollutant
levels rapidly rise. Elsewhere, the burning of fuels such as coal,
wood, and gas for heating and cooking produce a large number
of toxic chemicals. These include formaldehyde and carbon
monoxide, as well as particulates and other dangerous
compounds. Without effective ventilation, these chemicals are
inhaled and can cause serious damage to your health in a myriad

of ways.
Consequences of indoor air pollution
Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease,
lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air
pollution can also cause long-term damage to people's nerves,
brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Some scientists suspect air
pollutants cause birth defects. This data shows that how much
people suffer from these diseases Many people suffer from stroke
and heart disease have highest percentage of suffering thar is
very serious problem.
Outdoor air pollution
The common sources of outdoor air pollution are emissions
caused by combustion processes from motor vehicles, solid fuel
burning and industry. ... Other pollution sources include smoke
from bushfires, windblown dust, and biogenic emissions from
vegetation (pollen and mould spores).Outdoor air pollution is a
major environmental health problem affecting everyone in low-,
middle-, and high-income countries .Ambient (outdoor) air
pollution in both cities and rural areas was estimated to cause
4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year in 2016; this
mortality is due to exposure to small particulate matter of 2.5
microns or less in diameter (PM2.5), which cause cardiovascular
and respiratory disease, and cancers.
Consequences of outdoor Pollution
Exposure to outdoor air pollution is associated with numerous
effects on human health. These adverse health effects primarily
are those related to respiratory system, such as increases in
hospital admissions, decline in lung function, exacerbation of
asthma, and increase in respiratory infection. Some air pollutants,
especially particulate matter, are also associated with extra
pulmonary adverse effects, especially in the cardiovascular
system. The cardiopulmonary effects likely contribute to the
increased mortality associated with exposure to air pollutants.
Here we can see the adverse effects of Air Pollution .
Comparative study on indoor and outdoor Pollution

Here we can clearly see that 76% of the Pollution in developing

countries and only 14% is outdoor Pollution in the developing
countries. And pollution caused by indoor air pollution in the
industrialized countries is 9% and outdoor air pollution caused
by industrialized countries is only 1%. Here we can study that in
both industrialized and developing countries indoor air pollution
is much higher and toxic than outdoor air pollution. People
suffering from indoor air pollution is much than outdoor air
pollution.
Death due to indoor air pollution vs outdoor air
pollution

As we can see from this comparative data through bar chart in

indoor and outdoor air pollution. The percentage of death due to
air pollution in indoor air pollution is much higher than outdoor
air pollution. All these problems are related to respiratory and
lungs problems. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution
contribute to a number of diseases, but the data shows that
outdoor air pollution causes a greater percentage of Ischaemic
Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease), and Stroke, whereas
indoor air pollution has a more significant impact on Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Lung Cancer, and Acute Lower
Respiratory Infections (in Children). Global Air Pollution levels
are on the rise. We know this because air pollution is being
monitored, and its effects are being seen across world.
Pollutants responsible for Air Pollution
The atmospheric air may contain hundreds of air pollutants from
the natural or the anthropogenic source All these pollutants
which are emitted directly from the identifiable source either from
natural hazardous events like dust ,storms, volcanoes or from
human activities like burning of wood, coal, oil in homes or
industries or automobile etc are called the primary pollutants.
There are 5 primary pollutants contribute to about 90% of the
global air pollution.

1.Oxides of Sulphur
A colourless gas with a sharp, choking odour, sulphur dioxide is
formed during the combustion of coal or oil that
contains sulphur as an impurity. Most sulphur dioxide emissions
come from power-generating plants; very little comes from
mobile sources. This pungent gas can cause eye and throat
irritation and harm lung tissue when inhaled. Sulphur dioxide also
reacts with oxygen and water vapour in the air, forming a mist
of sulphuric acid that reaches the ground as a component of acid
rain.
2 Oxides of Carbon
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, invisible gas formed as a result
of incomplete combustion. It is the most abundant of
the criteria pollutants. Gasoline-powered highway vehicles are the
primary source, although residential heating systems and certain
industrial processes also emit significant amounts of this gas.
Power plants emit relatively little carbon monoxide because they
are carefully designed and operated to maximize
combustion efficiency. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be
acutely harmful since it readily displaces oxygen in the
bloodstream, leading to asphyxiation at high enough
concentrations and exposure times.
3.Oxides of nitrogen
Nitrogen oxides are formed when combustion temperatures are
high enough to cause molecular nitrogen in the air to react
with oxygen. Stationary sources such as coal-burning power
plants are major contributors of this pollutant, although gasoline
engines and other mobile sources are also significant. several
forms of nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide—a pungent, irritating
gas—is of most concern. It is known to cause pulmonary enema,
an accumulation of excessive fluid in the lungs. Nitrogen dioxide
also reacts in the atmosphere to form nitric acid, contributing to
the problem of acid rain. In addition, nitrogen dioxide plays a role
in the formation of photochemical smog, a reddish
brown haze that often is seen in many urban areas and that is
created by sunlight-promoted reactions in the lower atmosphere.
4.Volatile organic compounds (VOCs )
Most air toxics are organic chemicals, comprising molecules that
contain carbon, hydrogen, and other atoms. Many are volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), organic compounds that readily
evaporate. VOCs include pure hydrocarbons, partially oxidized
hydrocarbons, and organic compounds
containing chlorine, sulphur.

They are widely used as fuels (e.g., propane and gasoline),

as paint thinners and solvents, and in the production of plastics.
In addition to contributing to air toxicity and urban smog, some
VOC emissions act as greenhouse gases and, in so doing,
contribute to global warming. Some other air toxics are metals or
compounds of metals—for example, mercury, arsenic,
and cadmium. In many countries, standards have been set to
control industrial emissions of several air toxics.
5. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)
Very small fragments of solid materials or liquid droplets
suspended in air are called particulates. Except for airborne lead,
which is treated as a separate category, they are characterized on
the basis of size and phase (i.e., solid or liquid) rather than by
chemical composition. For example, solid particulates between
roughly 1 and 100 μm in diameter are called dust particles,
whereas airborne solids less than 1 μm in diameter are
called fumes. The particulates of most concern with regard to
their effects on human health are solids less than 10 μm in
diameter, because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and
become trapped in the lower respiratory system. Certain
particulates, such as asbestos fibres, are
known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and many
carbonaceous particulates—e.g., soot—are suspected of being
carcinogenic. Major sources of particulate emissions include
fossil-fuel power plants, manufacturing processes, fossil-fuel
residential heating systems, and gasoline-powered vehicles.
Certain less important primary pollutants are hydrogen sulphide,
hydrogen fluoride, and other fluorides, methyl and ethyl
mercaptans etc which are usually rarely found in our general
atmosphere, although if present, may prove quite harmful.
These primary pollutants often reacts with one another or with
water vapour, aided and abetted by the sunlight to form entirely
a new set of pollutants, called the secondary pollutants. These
secondary pollutants are chemical substances which are produced
from the chemical reactions of natural or man-made pollutants or
due to their oxidation etc caused by energy of the sun. These
new pollutants are often more harmful than the original basic
chemicals that produced them such as Sulphuric Acid, Ozone,
Formaldehyde and Peroxy-acyl-nitrate (PAN).
1.Sulphuric Acid
Secondary pollutants include Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) which can
cause respiratory problems. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which gives
air a brownish coloration. Acid rain which is caused
by sulphuric and nitric acids. They are created by burning fossil
fuels and some industrial processes.
2. Ozone
Ozone is a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. ... Ozone at
ground level is a harmful air pollutant, because of its effects on
people and the environment, and it is the main ingredient in
“smog."
Ground-level ozone (O3) is not emitted directly from
anthropogenic sources. It is a “secondary” pollutant formed by a
complicated series of chemical reactions in the presence of
sunlight. Photochemical reactions of NOx and VOCs (originating
from largely from combustion processes) govern the
concentration of ground-level O3 in the atmosphere. Under typical
daytime conditions with a well-mixed atmosphere, three reactions
reach equilibrium and no net chemistry occurs.
3 .Formaldehydes
Man-made products and uses are the major indirect sources of
formaldehyde, in particular indoors. Finally, it should be noted
that secondary formation of formaldehyde occurs in air through
the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reactions
between ozone (mainly from outdoors) and alkenes (especially
terpenes) have been widely described. The contribution of these
secondary chemical processes to the ambient and indoor
concentrations is still not fully quantified. Formaldehyde is
ubiquitously found in the environment, because it is formed
primarily by numerous natural sources and anthropogenic
activities. In the environment, it is released through biomass
combustion (forest and bush fires) or decomposition and through
volcanoes.
for example Anthropogenic sources include direct ones such as
on-site industrial emissions and fuel combustion from traffic.
Other combustion processes (power plants, incineration, etc.) also
represent sources of formaldehyde emissions in the atmosphere.
However, formaldehyde is also extensively produced industrially
worldwide for use in the manufacture of resins, as a disinfectant
and fixative, or as a preservative in consumer products.
4. Peroxy-acyl-nitrate (PAN)
Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN; CH3C(O)OONO2) is an important
constituent of photochemical smog. It is also a ubiquitous
chemical present throughout the global troposphere. A unique
property of PAN is that it is very stable at cold temperatures and
easily decomposes to release NOx at warm temperatures. In
remote atmospheres, it can act as a carrier and a reservoir of NO x,
which is necessary for ozone (O3) formation. Peroxyacyl nitrates
(PANs) are known to be eye irritants (lachrymators), phytotoxins,
and bacterial mutagens. The most serious biological effects of
PANs are of a phytotoxic nature resulting in injury to plants and
vegetation.
A unique property of PANs is that they are not directly emitted
from any known source They are all products of
atmospheric photochemical reactions involving hydrocarbons
and nitrogen oxides (NOx=NO+NO2). This makes them excellent
indicators of photochemical activity. PANs are
chemical pollutants that can cause damage to agricultural crops
and are often the reason for eye irritation felt by many people on
smoggy days. In recent decades, it has been shown that PAN is
not merely a pollutant but also a ubiquitous chemical present
throughout the global troposphere.
A brief Report on Air pollution
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year air
pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths around
the globe. Nine out of ten human beings currently breathe air
that exceeds the WHO’s guideline limits for pollutants, with those
living in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most. In
the United States, the Clean Air Act, established in 1970,
authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
safeguard public health by regulating the emissions of these
harmful air pollutants.
When the National Ambient Air Quality Standards were
established in 1970, air pollution was regarded primarily as a
threat to respiratory health. Over the next decades as air
pollution research advanced, public health concern broadened to
include cardiovascular disease; diabetes mellitus; obesity; and
reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders. Air
pollution exposure is associated with oxidative stress and
inflammation in human cells, which may lay a foundation for
chronic diseases and cancer. In 2013, the International Agency
for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO)
classified air pollution as a human carcinogens. Air pollution can
also be further divided into two distinct categories; visible and
invisible. Both can lead to an alteration of the delicate balance of
our atmosphere and cause problems to health on a local scale
and also damage to the ecosystem globally in terms of depletion
of the ozone layer leading to climate change. During recent years
an increasing focus has been directed towards the adverse health
effects associated with ambient air pollution. Elderly people
appear to be particularly susceptible to the adverse effects
involving the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, resulting in
symptoms, exacerbations of disease and even mortality.
Rise of Air Pollution in world

This report is produced by world Air Quality here we can see that
that particulate PM 2.5 the most worst particulate matter are
shown that is very dangerous for all this capitals of countries.
Here we can tell that Delhi is in top having 113.5 and all the
capitals are from Asia. This polluted cities have increased in
number of deaths or suffering from respiratory problems. In this
report Dhaka capital of Bangladesh becomes 2nd polluted capital
and Kabul the capital of Afghanistan occupies 3rd most polluted
cities in world. These two countries not only friends of India but
also neighbour’s country of India. People will suffer alot because
of these rising problems of air pollution.
Condition of air Pollution in India

This data shows the major cities like Delhi ,Kolkata, Hyderabad,
Mumbai and Chennai the rate of pollution is somehow decrease
but still it is not in good position . These cities are polluted cities
of India since 2015 but when gradually year by year pass it
slightly decreased in 2019. If we see these cities all these cities
are increased in 2018 but after 1 year in 2019 the PM2.5
decrease but still it is in bad condition.
Death rate in India due to Air Pollution

Here this table shows how much people died in India due to Air
pollution. This data gives that almost 1.67 million people India
because of air pollution. And that of particulate matter pollution
has highest rate that kill most of the people. Because of
household or indoor air pollution probably more than half
millions people died. And due to ozone pollution nearly 18 lacs
people died because of ozone. There has been a 64.2% decline
in the death rate due to household air pollution between the
years 1990 and 2019.
ICMR Report On Air pollution for Indian States

In 2019, here the report by ICMR states that almost in all states
that is shown here has the death rate more than 50% and the
people who are died due to air pollution are less than 70 years.
Here the data is taken for 10 states out of 10 states ,9 states
having more than 50 % death rate and only about 1 state that is
Andhra Pradesh having less than 50% death rate due to air
pollution. Jharkhand is at top for the death of people due to air
pollution in India in 2019.
AIR POLLUTION AFTER LOCKDOWN BY CPCB IN
INDIA

Here we can see clearly that after and before lockdown there is a
big difference in air quality. Central Pollution Control Board has
provided this data for some cities.
Air pollution impact on Economy

This is the how air pollution slowly destroying the economy of

China. As we can see that there are two types of losses people
are facing one is premature mortality and crop production both
costs 41.6 USD billion of economy of China. Slowly China try to
improve their air quality and develop their economy. Here we can
see all these power generation, ground transport, industrial,
Agriculture, residential and Commercial directly effect on ozone
and PM2.5 and all these disaster for economy of a country. ⁸
Pollution in Odisha

Here we can see the total emissions that are created before and if
we don’t control it then it will rise day by day. In this data it is
seen that the total emissions that are from transport, residential
and commercial sectors, industrial sectors, dust, wastages, diesel
generator supplements and brick kiln sectors these are the
sectors where day by day the increase emissions will destroy the
living of human beings .It will create problem for all people and
destroy the ecosystem and environment. People will suffer from
various airborne diseases related to respiratory problems. This
will adversely effect on young people, old people and all those
who are suffering from any other problems like asthma and
respiratory problems.
Causes of Air pollution
There are various causes of air pollution in our surrounding-
1.Burning of fossil fuels -Most of the air pollution takes place
due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline to
produce energy for electricity or transportation. The release of
carbon monoxide in high level indicates how much fossil fuel is
burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants in the air.
Inhaling air induced with pollutants due to the burning of
natural gas and fossil fuel reduces heart’s ability to
pump enough oxygen causing one to suffer respiratory illness.
2. Industrial Emission -Industrial activities emit several
pollutants in the air that affects the air quality more than we
can even imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, Nitrogen
dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide are key
pollutants that are emitted from industries that use coal and
wood as their primary energy source for production of their
goods. Industrial pollution effects associated with your health
can range from irritation in your eyes and throat to breathing
issues, at times can even lead to chronic illness.
3. Wildfires -Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but
also spiking air pollution. Burning stubble and farm residue is
also a major contribution to wildfire. It causes increased PM 2.5
in the air which collides with other harmful substances like
chemical gas and pollen creating smog. Smog makes the air hazy
and people find it difficult to breathe.
4. Transportation -There is no denying that vehicle pollution is
the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban cities.
When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is
as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits
carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and particulate
matter. When the vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it
creates hole the ozone layer.
5. Microbial Decaying Process-
Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large
number of carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons, chemicals and
organic compounds which contaminate our environment.
Bacteria and fungi play a fundamental role in the
biogeochemical cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of
abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying of these
microorganisms present in the surrounding releases methane
gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may
lead to death.
6.Indoor air pollution –
Use of toxic products also called as Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs), inadequate ventilation, uneven temperature, and
humidity level can cause indoor air pollution, whether you are in
office, school or at your comfortable home. House air pollution
can take place due to ignorant factors, for instance, smoking
tobacco inside a room or leaving mold infected wall untreated.
Use of wood stove or space heaters is capable to increase the
humidity level which can directly affect the health a person in no
time.

7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste

Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health
and the environment than one may think. As per Engage EPW,
Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health. Delhi generates a
whopping 9500 tons of waste every day, which makes it India’s
second waste dumping city. Exposure to open burning of
garbage waste can pose serious health risk including cancer,
liver issues, impairment of immune system, reproductive
functions; can also affect the developing nervous system.
8. Construction and Demolition
During clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) registered the highest number of air pollution
complaints in the Delhi NCR due to construction and
demolition activities. With the rise of population in the city,
construction and demolition is a part of the ever going
development phase of the national capital. Several construction
sites and raw materials such as bricks and concrete cause haze
and foul air which is hazardous for the people especially,
children and elderly citizens.

9. Agricultural Activities
Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the
decreasing air quality. To begin with pesticides and fertilizers
are the main source to contaminate the surrounding air.
Nowadays, pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new
invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick
growth of the crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed
over, the smell and the effect of the pesticides are left in the
air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground
which not only destroys the crops but also causes numerous
health-related issues.
10. Use of chemical and synthetic products

Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air

pollution dangerous for our lives but never talk about indoor air
pollution. Household products cause indoor air pollution which
is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution. Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and
personal care products such as perfume and deodorants are a
reason for common heath issues. Risks like asthma or other
respiratory issues and lung disease.
Disastrous effect of Air pollution
1.Effects of Air Pollution on human beings
The effects of air pollution are alarming. They are known to create
several respiratory and heart conditions like asthma, chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, heart attacks and strokes along with
cancer, among other threats to the body. Several million are
known to have died due to the direct or indirect effects of Air
pollution. Air pollution is detrimental to your health even before
you take your first breath. Exposure to high air pollution levels
during pregnancy causes miscarriages as well as premature birth,
autism, asthma and spectrum disorder in young children. It also
has the potential to damage early brain development in a child
and cause pneumonia that kills almost a million children below 5
years. Children are at a greater risk of short term respiratory
infections and pulmonary diseases in areas exposed to air
pollutants.

2 .Effects of Air Pollution on Plants

Air pollutants have a negative impact on plant growth, primarily

through interfering with resource accumulation. Once leaves are
in close contact with the atmosphere, many air pollutants, such as
O3 and NOx, affect the metabolic function of the leaves and
interfere with net carbon fixation by the plant canopy. Air
pollutants that are first deposited on the soil, such as heavy
metals, first affect the functioning of roots and interfere with soil
resource capture by the plant. These reductions in resource
capture (production of carbohydrate through photosynthesis,
mineral nutrient uptake and water uptake from the soil) will affect
plant growth through changes in resource allocation to the
various plant structures. When air pollution stress co-occurs with
other stresses, e.g. water stress, the outcome on growth will
depend on a complex interaction of processes within the plant. At
the ecosystem level, air pollution can shift the competitive
balance among the species present and may lead to changes in
the composition of the plant community.
3. Effects of Air Pollution on Animals

All animals, despite their size, can be affected by pollution.

Animals depend on oxygen that comes from the air, and when
the air is contaminated, harmful gases and particulates are
inhaled. Experts agree that pollution affects animals in the same
way as it does humans. The pollution that animals inhale can
accumulate in their tissues over time, causing damage to their
organs. Not only do animals inhale harmful gases from
pollution, but contaminants are also absorbed through the skin
and come from food and water. Not only humans but animals too
are affected by air pollution levels which can adversely affect their
lungs, trigger asthma and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Air pollution also increases risk of acute cardiovascular
events and development of coronary artery disease in animals.

4. Effects of Air Pollution on Aquatic Life

Eutrophication, the process of accumulation of nutrients,

including nitrogen, in water bodies, often results from air
pollution. Nutrient overloads in aquatic ecosystems can cause
algae blooms and ultimately a loss of oxygen, and of life. As
ecosystems are impacted, so is the biological diversity. Even
worse, ultimately human populations are also affected. Harmful
concentrations of pollutants may directly enter our drinking
water, notably through ground water seepage. Equally, water
quality may be deteriorated as air pollution negatively affects
vegetation which helps to naturally filter our water systems.
Affected vegetation also has negative consequences on another
important ecosystem service: that of capturing carbon and
thereby reducing the impacts of climate change. pollutants such
as sulphur can lead to excess levels of acid in lakes and streams,
and damage trees and forest soils; atmospheric nitrogen can
reduce the biodiversity of plant communities and harm fish and
other aquatic life.
5. Effects of Air Pollution on Global and Regional Environments
One of the most significant effects of air pollution is on climate
change, particularly global warming. As a result of the growing
worldwide consumption of fossil fuels, carbon dioxide levels in
the atmosphere have increased steadily since 1900, and the rate
of increase is accelerating. It has been estimated that if carbon
dioxide levels are not reduced, average global air temperatures
may rise another 4 °C (7.2 °F) by the end of the 21st century.
Such a warming trend might cause melting of the polar ice caps,
rising of the sea level, and flooding of the coastal areas of the
world. Changes in precipitation patterns caused by global
warming might have adverse effects on agriculture and forest
ecosystems, and higher temperatures and humidity might
increase the incidence of disease in humans and animals in some
parts of the world. Implementation of international agreements on
reducing greenhouse gases are required to protect global air
quality and to mitigate the effects of global warming.

6. Effects of Air Pollution on Material Services

Damage caused to materials exposed in the atmosphere
constitutes one of the most important direct effects of acidifying
air pollutants. Systematic field and laboratory investigations
performed in the recent decade in many countries have
contributed to a considerable increase in the knowledge on the
mechanisms of the effects of pollutants, on the quantification of
damage and on the assessment of the cost of damage. Beside the
very important role of SO2 for several materials also studies of
the direct or synergistic effect of NOx and O3 have contributed to
the understanding of the complex pollution effects. Even if there
are still considerable gaps of knowledge it seems that NOx and
O3 may contribute in an important way to the deterioration of
several materials also in indoor environments which are important
for electronic equipment, storage conditions and museums.
Methods To Control Air pollution By Using
Equipment
1.Scrubbers
Some of the most commonly used air pollution control devices in
manufacturing and processing facilities, industrial air
scrubbers employ a physical process—i.e., scrubbing—which
removes particulates and gases from industrial emissions, such as
smokestack exhaust (in the case of exhaust air scrubbers), before
they are released into the atmosphere. There are two main
categories of scrubbers—dry scrubbers and wet scrubbers.

2. Air filters
Air filters are devices used to control air pollution which
employ a specific type of filtration media—e.g., fabric, sintered
metal, ceramic, etc.—to collect and remove dry particulates and
contaminants, such as dust, pollen, microbes, chemicals, etc. from
air passing through them. These devices are utilized in
residential, commercial, and industrial applications to remove
pollutants from exhaust air and improve the air quality within the
work environment. For industrial applications, there are several
types of air filters available, including HEPA filters, fabric filters,
and cartridge dust collectors.
3. Cyclones-Cyclones are air pollution control devices which,
similarly to air filters, separate dry particulate matter from
gaseous emissions. However, rather than employing filtration
media, cyclones utilize centrifugal force to collect and remove
particulates. As gas streams enter a cyclone, they flow along a
spiral path within the cylindrical chamber. This swirling motion
forces large particulates against the chamber wall, which slows
their inertia, causing them to drop into the collection hopper
below for further processing and disposal.
4. Electrostatic Precipitators
Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), like air filters and cyclones, are
air pollution control devices used to collect and remove
particulate matter, such as dust, from industrial emissions and
exhaust. ESPs employ transformers to create high static electrical
potential difference between charging electrodes and collecting
plates. As gas streams pass between the two components, an
electrical charge is introduced to the particulates, which attracts
the particulate matter to the collecting plates. Similarly to air
filters, PM accumulation is periodically removed from the
collecting plates and deposited in a collection hopper below,
either through mechanically dislodging the particulates or by
introducing water to clean off the particulates. ESPs which
employ the latter method are known as wet ESPs. As ESPs
typically have multiple collection plates, their efficiencies often
exceed 99%.

5. Mist Collectors
Mist collectors, also known as mist or moisture eliminator filters,
are air pollution control devices which remove moisture and
vapor—e.g., smoke, oil, mist, etc.—from gas streams. These
devices employ fine mesh-like filters to separate liquid droplets
from the gas and collect them into a separate chamber for further
processing and, potentially, recovery and reuse.

6. Incinerators
Incinerators are devices which employ combustion methods to
break down pollutants into non-toxic byproducts. While these
devices can be used to incinerate wastes in solid, liquid, and
gaseous form, they are widely employed in a variety of industrial
applications to maintain air quality and regulate gas emissions by
converting VOCs, hydrocarbons, and other hazardous air
pollutants (HAP) into innocuous compounds, such as carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen.
7. Catalytic Reactors
Catalytic reactors, also referred to as selective catalytic reduction
(SCR) systems, are air pollution control devices widely used to
mitigate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions produced by the burning
of fossil fuels in industrial applications. These devices first inject
ammonia into the industrial exhaust and emissions, which reacts
with the NOx compounds to produce nitrogen and oxygen.
Similarly to incinerators, these devices also employ other catalysts
which enable some of the remaining gaseous pollutants to
undergo combustion for further processing and reduction. One
common application of catalytic reactors is in modern
automobiles; the three-way catalytic converter in a car’s exhaust
system is used to reduce the amounts of NOx, CO, and other
VOCs in the engine emissions. While for NOx reduction and
removal, SCR systems can achieve more than 90% efficiencies,
for other gaseous pollutants these devices can achieve 99.99%
efficiencies with lower energy requirements compared to
incinerators. Despite the high efficiencies possible, SCR systems
are not suitable for all gaseous pollutant reduction applications
as the large amounts of catalyst required are costly, and the
systems cannot process emissions and exhaust containing
particulate matter.

8. Biofilters
Biofilters are air pollution control devices which employ
microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to degrade and
remove water-soluble compounds. Similarly to incineration
devices, biofilters destroy the pollutants to reduce the amount
present in industrial emissions and exhaust. However, the
microorganisms in biofilters absorb and metabolize gaseous
pollutants, such as VOCs and organic HAP, without generating by
products typically produced through combustion, such as
NOx and CO. These devices are capable of achieving over 98%
efficiencies.
Prevention and Protection of Environment
1 .Use of public transport -Using public transport is a sure short
way of contributing to less air pollution as it provides with less
gas and energy, even carpools contribute to it. In addition to
less release of fuels and gas, using a public transport can also
help in saving money .

2. Turn off the lights when not in use-The energy that the lights
take also contribute to air pollution, thus less consumption of
electricity can save energy. Use energy saving fluorescent lights
to help the environment.

3. Recycle and Reuse-The concept of recycle and reuse is not

just conserve resources and use them judicially but also is
helpful for air pollution as it helps in reducing pollution
emissions. The recycled products also take less power to make
other products.

4. Reduction of forest fires and smoking-The collecting of

garbage and getting it on fire in dry seasons or dry leaves
catching fires is a huge factor for causing air pollution,
moreover smoking also causes air pollution and causes the air
quality to worsen along with obviously damaging one’s health.
5. No to plastic bags-The use of plastic products could be very
harmful to the environment as they take a very long time to
decompose, due to their material made up of oil. The use of
paper bags instead is a better alternative as they decompose
easily and are recyclable.

6. Use of fans instead of Air Conditioner-The usage of AC’s

takes a lot of energy and emits a lot of heat which is bad for
the environment. AC’s also take a lot of power and energy to
work as compared to fans.
7. Use filters for chimneys- The gas that is emitted from
fireplaces in homes and factories are extremely dangerous for
air pollution and harms the air quality severely. The use of
filters should be used at least if the consumption couldn’t be
lessened, this will help to reduce the effect of harmful gases
absorbing in the air.

8. Avoid usage of crackers-The use of crackers during festivals

and weddings is sadly one of the biggest contributors to air
pollution, leading to a layer of smog which is extremely harmful
for health. So, practice of no crackers should be implemented.

9. Avoid using of products with chemicals-Products that use

the chemicals in their usage or smell strongly, like paints or
perfumes should be used less or outside the house. There can
also be an alternative to use products with low chemical
content and organic properties.

10. Implement Afforestation-Last but not the least, plant and

grow as many trees as possible. The practice of planting trees
provides a lot of benefits to the environment and helps with
the release of oxygen.
Protection laws regarding Pollution
MoEF was established in 1985, which today is the apex
administrative body in the country for regulating and ensuring
environmental protection and lays down the legal and regulatory
framework for the same. Since the 1970s, a number of
environment legislations have been put in place. The MoEF and
the pollution control boards ("CPCB", ie, Central Pollution Control
Board and "SPCBs", ie, State Pollution Control Boards) together
form the regulatory and administrative core of the sector.
Some of the important legislations for environment protection are
as follows:

• The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• The Environment Protection Act, 1986
• The Hazardous Waste Management Regulation

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (the "Air
Act") is an act to provide for the prevention, control and
abatement of air pollution and for the establishment of Boards at
the Central and State levels with a view to carrying out the
aforesaid purposes To counter the problems associated with air
pollution, ambient air quality standards were established under
the Air Act. The Air Act seeks to combat air pollution by
prohibiting the use of polluting fuels and substances, as well as
by regulating appliances that give rise to air pollution. The Air Act
empowers the State Government, after consultation with the
SPCBs, to declare any area or areas within the Sate as air
pollution control area or areas.
CONCLUSION
Based on the thesis of air pollution it is found that While the
effects of air pollution on materials, vegetation, and animals can
be measured, health effects on humans can only be estimated
from epidemiological evidence. Most of the evidence comes from
occupational exposure to much higher concentrations of
pollutants than the general public is exposed to. Moreover, the
health effects of smoking and other lifestyle characteristics and
exposures confound the observations of air pollutant effects.
Ethical considerations preclude deliberate exposure of human
subjects to concentrations of pollutants that might produce
adverse effects, so evidence from sources other than
epidemiology is virtually impossible to obtain. All of the evidence
we have suggests that air pollutants threaten human health and
well-being to an extent that control of these pollutants is
necessary. It is necessary to create awareness among the people
and govt should take action regarding this pollution.
References
• Sewage disposal and Air Pollution Engineering by
Khanna publisher.
• WWW.GOOGLE.COM
• LECTURER BHAGYARATHI PRADHAN
• Environmental engineering book by S.K garg
• www.edbc.co
• Youtube.com
• Environmental Engineering book by N.N Basak
• Environmental Engineering book by B.C Punmia.