Recently going through the news I just come across news regarding air pollution. According to the news India is placed 2nd after China in the number of deaths caused by the air pollution. In the case of air pollution, the number of deaths in India from ambient air pollution was 1.09 million, while deaths from household air pollution from solid fuels were 0.97 million in 2015.
A report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) stated that air pollution is responsible for 30 per cent of premature deaths in India while every third child in Delhi has impaired lungs. In the global index of air pollution Indian cities are at top Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad have deadliest of air to breathe, Pollution effects every human being still it has more effect on children and aged persons. As the no of aged population is going to increase the no of deaths caused by air pollution is going to be increased.
In order to understand the air pollution we must understand some terms associated with the air pollution.
1. Air Pollution: First term is air pollution itself. Lowering the quality of air is called Air Pollution.
2. Ambient Air: Outdoor air is called Ambient Air.
3. Indoor Air: Air inside a closed area is called ambient air (homes, schools, offices etc)
3. PM 2.5: Fine Particulate Matter. Fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
4. SPM: SPM stand for Suspended Particulate Matter. They consist of solid particles such as dust and soot that are suspended in the air.
5. PAN: Photochemical smog is a mixture of pollutants which includes particulates, nitrogen oxides, ozone, aldehydes, peroxyethanoyl nitrate (PAN), unreacted hydrocarbons, etc. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is the most abundant member of this family and is responsible for serious plant injury in some polluted areas.
6. Air Quality Index (AQI): The air quality index is a number indicating the air quality at a particular time in a particular area.
7. Haze: Atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility.
8. HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter used in Air Purifying devices.
There is still lot more to be understood about Air Pollution and Air Quality which we will discuss in further Post.