10 Ways to Reduce and Control Air Pollution

Air Pollution can be defined as anything that contaminates the air to an extent that makes the air dangerous to breathe.

Air pollution happens when pollutants are carelessly discharged into the air. In other words, air pollution indicates the existence of impure, unsafe, and hazardous substances in the air.

The impact of air pollution on human health includes impairment of health, respiratory problems, allergies, etc. Further, air pollution greatly impacts ecological diversity and environmental sustainability.

We all should become aware of the growing air-pollution and the need to take steps to make it free from pollution. Some of the measures to reduce and control air pollution are as follows:

1. The forest cover should be protected. Adequate forest cover is essential for maintaining the quality of air. Trees absorbs carbon-dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen (O2).
2. Green belts should be created. Such areas should be developed around densely populated cities. There should be strict restriction for establishment of large buildings and industries along the Green belt areas.
3. Automobile engines should be redesigned in such a way that their emissions cause minimum pollution. Old automobile engines should be replaced by new ones. People should be encouraged to share the vehicle, and to avoid vehicles for short distances.
4. Use of railway steam engine should be stopped. The burning of combustible materials such as coal produces poisonous gases that are released into the air. Electric engines should be used instead of steam or diesel engines.
5. Industrial areas should be located at a safe distance from the residential areas.
6. Newly designed smoke free furnaces should be used.
7. Forest fires should be checked. Adequate preventive measures should be adopted to protect the forests.
8. In industries there should be the arrangement for pollution control.
9. Cheap devices for controlling air pollution should be developed.
10. Air pollution can be checked only through the joint efforts of the government, non‑government organizations and the general public.