(expand) |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
== Particulates == | == Particulates == | ||
[[Particulates]] are a major cause of respiratory problems - these can be reduced by: | [[Particulates]] are a major cause of respiratory problems - these can be reduced by: | ||
* [[cleaner burning]], | * [[cleaner burning]], | ||
* Post-treatment (e.g. [[catalytic converters]] in vehicles - which require low sulfur fuel) | * Post-treatment (e.g. [[catalytic converters]] in vehicles - which require low sulfur fuel), use of [[air filters]]s | ||
* more efficient [[design]] such that less fuel is needed: | * more efficient [[design]] such that less fuel is needed: | ||
** Less [[heating]] of [[buildings]] through [[passive solar design]], or | ** Less [[heating]] of [[buildings]] through [[passive solar design]], or | ||
** Less power, through lighter [[vehicles]] with less wind resistance, energy capturing brakes, and [[urban planning]] to reduce traffic congestion. | ** Less power, through lighter [[vehicles]] with less wind resistance, energy capturing brakes, and [[urban planning]] to reduce traffic congestion. | ||
* Choice of fuel. Diesel is worse than standard petrol (aka gasoline) [[Biofuel]] is generally better than [[fossil fuel]] | * Choice of fuel. Diesel is worse than standard petrol (aka gasoline) [[Biofuel]] is generally better than [[fossil fuel]] | ||
== Indoor air pollution == | == Indoor air pollution == | ||
[[Indoor air pollution]] is a less visible threat, originating mainly in: | [[Indoor air pollution]] is a less visible threat, originating mainly in: | ||
* "off-gassing" from household products and [[construction materials]] containing synthetic compounds (especially in wealthy communities) and | * "off-gassing" from household products and [[construction materials]] containing synthetic compounds (especially in wealthy communities) and | ||
* [[indoor fires]] for [[heating]] and [[cooking]], including from [[kerosene fires|kerosene]] and dung (the worst), wood (also bad) and charcoal (less harmful smoke).{{fact}} | * [[indoor fires]] for [[heating]] and [[cooking]], including from [[kerosene fires|kerosene]] and dung (the worst), wood (also bad) and charcoal (less harmful smoke).{{fact}} | ||
==Outdoor air pollution== | |||
[[File:Global air pollution map.png|thumb|right|150px|Global air pollution]] | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
[http://www.newstatesman.com/200212090027 The big smoke], newstatesman.com 09 December 2002 - the smogs of London that killed thousands in the 1950s. | [http://www.newstatesman.com/200212090027 The big smoke], newstatesman.com 09 December 2002 - the smogs of London that killed thousands in the 1950s. | ||
[[Category:Pollution]] | [[Category:Pollution]] | ||
Revision as of 14:17, 7 June 2011
Air pollution is a chemical, particulate matter, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Worldwide air pollution is responsible for large numbers of deaths and cases of respiratory disease.[verification needed] While major stationary sources such as power plants are often identified with air pollution, the greatest source of emissions is actually mobile sources, mainly automobiles.[verification needed] Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming, have recently gained recognition as pollutants and internationally laws are being developed to reduce these emissions.
Particulates
Particulates are a major cause of respiratory problems - these can be reduced by:
- cleaner burning,
- Post-treatment (e.g. catalytic converters in vehicles - which require low sulfur fuel), use of air filterss
- more efficient design such that less fuel is needed:
- Less heating of buildings through passive solar design, or
- Less power, through lighter vehicles with less wind resistance, energy capturing brakes, and urban planning to reduce traffic congestion.
- Choice of fuel. Diesel is worse than standard petrol (aka gasoline) Biofuel is generally better than fossil fuel
Indoor air pollution
Indoor air pollution is a less visible threat, originating mainly in:
- "off-gassing" from household products and construction materials containing synthetic compounds (especially in wealthy communities) and
- indoor fires for heating and cooking, including from kerosene and dung (the worst), wood (also bad) and charcoal (less harmful smoke).[verification needed]
Outdoor air pollution
External links
The big smoke, newstatesman.com 09 December 2002 - the smogs of London that killed thousands in the 1950s.
Pages in category "Air pollution"
The following 33 pages are in this category, out of 33 total.
A
C
Media in category "Air pollution"
This category contains only the following file.
-
Triangular.jpg 1,024 × 1,365; 306 KB
