Volatile Organic Molecules: VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals released by petrol and diesel vehicles. They impact air quality and human health. VOCs can have a natural origin, too. Plants emit these chemicals to attract pollinators, defend themselves from pests and predators and adapt to environmental stress. Effect of VOCs on Health: VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, damage body organs …
Impact of Stubble Burning: Reduced Lung Function: Pollution from stubble burning has significantly reduced lung function and was particularly harmful to women. High PM2.5 levels: The concentrations of PM2.5 (category of unburnt carbon particles considered most harmful to respiratory health) were found to increase more than twice between the two-time frames. More Symptoms: During the crop …
Black Carbon (BC): Black carbon(BC) is a short-lived climate pollutant. It is the second-largest contributor to warming the planet after carbon dioxide(CO2). Black carbon is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel, and biomass. Primary sources include emissions from diesel engines, cook stoves, wood burning and forest fires. Black carbon can have significant direct and indirect impacts …
Methane: Methane (CH4) is a colourless, odourless, and highly flammable gas composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Methane is found in small quantities in Earth’s atmosphere. Methane is also a powerful greenhouse gas. Major natural sources of methane include emissions from wetlands and oceans, and from the digestive processes of termites. Major anthropogenic sources: Methane …
Pollen: Pollen is a fine yellowish powder that is transported from plant to plant by the wind, by birds, by insects or by other animals. The transportation of these pollen helps in fertilisation of plants. At times these remain suspended in the air and form part of the air we breathe. When inhaled by humans, they put a strain …