1

Review

Air Pollution sources, pollutants and mitigation measures

Sivakumaran Sivaramanan*
Environmental Officer, Environmental Impact Assessment unit, Environmental Management and Access division,
Central Environmental Authority, Battaramulla,
Sri Lanka.
[email protected] DOI: 10.13140/2.1.5106.8485

Abstract
Air pollution is a global issue, it is a growing challenge since the time of industrialization and according to WHO ambient both urban
and rural areas was estimated to cause 3.7 million premature deaths all over the world in 2012, in addition 3 billion people still depend
on coal and biomass fuel (in door), annually there is several billion CO 2 and other greenhouse gases are brought to atmosphere.
Industries, power plants and transport are some major anthropogenic sources. In industries and other stationary sources there are
various emission reduction techniques are being practiced such as Dilution, controlling at the source, cleaner the fuel, profitable
modification in process, modern advanced technologies, adequate maintenance, ideal housekeeping and various end pipe treatments are
discussed here. In addition, natural sources such as volcano and forest fire events, different types of air pollutants, health hazards, their
effects, possible remedies and international conventions and protocols on air pollution control are reviewed in this paper.

Key words: Air pollution, Industrial air pollution, air pollutants, Environmental pollution

Introduction technologies for better fuels and engines

Air pollution is not a new for this planet of minimal emission are used, in IV. Households
even 65 million years ago during the currently emerging concept of zero Carbon and soot emission during the
cretaceous period the earth had emission electric and solar engines are cooking by the use of fossil fuels can be
experienced huge air pollution due to the considered as a solution for now and considered here. Volatile toxicants such
clouds and smoke formed after the crash near future. as Permethrine compounds of from
of meteorite, this caused mass extinction insecticides could contaminate in the air
leads to the complete elimination of Sources of Air pollutants or even food and resulting in the
dinosaurs and various other species. Type and factors of air pollution vary intoxication.
Currently pollution due to natural country to country, for instance in Sri
sources such as forest fires and volcano Lanka it is particles and CO, in South V. Agricultural practices
eruption are creating several tones of Africa SO2 from Coal power plants and Agriculture activities such as use of
greenhouse gases and other pollutants, CO from house hold combustion and natural fertilizer release greenhouse
which are unable to find human solution forest fires. gases. Pesticides release persistent
as it is naturally occurred. However, organic pollutants (POP). Enteric
Global emission of CO2 reached 34.5 I. Sources of Energy generation fermentation in cattle ranching produces
billion tonnes in 2012 and yearly This is where COx and SOx and water green house gases mainly methane.
increase was 1.4% from that of vapor are released in the atmosphere as Toxic chemicals found in pesticide and
2011(Oliver, et al., 2013). Extreme large amount of coal, oil, L.P/ Natural weedicide also reduces the quality of air
weather pattern and environment gas, gasoline and bio-fuels are used in inhaled.
condition observed as anthropogenic air combustion.
pollutants are continuously released to VI. Land mining, earth moving
the atmosphere and are increasing in II. Transport activity and quarrying
quantity and diversity with time. This is mobile and most leading source Process of mining large mineral deposits
Addition to global warming, acid rain of CO. Combustion in engines is mainly in the earth accompanied with emission
and ozone depletion are well marked for fueled by Gas, petrol, diesel, and of dust and other chemicals. Blasting,
its severity. Manmade sources can be kerosene. Jet engines of sub sonic long quarrying limestone in cement
categorized by source either point or range air crafts are major source of NOx, manufacturing produces dust particles.
non-point sources or by its formation Traffic on road is considered as non-
primary or secondary pollutants. Most point or line source, addition to that VII. Construction and repair works
primary pollutants are emission of point harbors and turbine engines of huge Drilling, blasting, transportation, loading
sources such as factories and nonpoint ships are also emits tons of greenhouse and unloading activities often causes
source such as motor vehicle traffic of gases and toxic particles in the air. dust generation. In addition, there are
high way, whereas secondary pollutants several non point anthropogenic sources
originates by the chemical reaction of III. Industry related to dust generation such as
primary pollutants and generally Most of the industries are directly or welding, painting, auto mobile repairing,
nonpoint source of origin. Addition to indirectly depend on fossil fuel, as they etc.
naturally existing gases and particles produce CO and CO2, sulfur
manmade compounds such as fumes and hexafluoride and particle matters. VIII. Burning of wastes and
gases of plastic, heavy metals, Mainly cement industry releases large incinerators
pesticides, fibers and chemical gases are amount of particle matters in the This is more severe threat to the
extremely hazardous and cause severe environment. There is an array of environment as it contaminates the
health impacts. hazardous volatile compounds that are atmosphere with persistent organic
After the industrial revolution air released from paints, electronics, dry pollutants (POP) such as dioxins, furans
pollution become a severe problem to cleansing, decreasing agents. probably major sources are plastics and
entire world. Various types of collectors, Furthermore, utilization of HFC, Oxides electronic wastes. In addition, as in
filters and precipitators are used by of Nitrogen, PFC and SF6 produces normal combustion carbon is emitted as
industrialist and in motor transport. Also pollutants. oxides and soot. Wastes are in a vast
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array such as plastic, electronic wastes, Carbon monoxide Mercury

cement dust, industrial chemicals, paper, Mainly from automobiles and during the Gold refinery is the major source of
glass, steel and various derivatives of combustion of fossil fuel, gas, charcoal Mercury and it is a known carcinogen
soil minerals, biological and medicinal and wood, naturally from forest fires
wastes, drugs and other chemicals. and volcanoes causes difficulty in Lead
Incinerators destroys the hazardous breathing as it compete with oxygen by Lead particle found in petrol smoke and
effect of any gas or particle and the forming carboxyhemoglobin, Asphyxia, cause health issues such as affects
remaing dust emission could be as damage to heart and nervous system. respiratory system, blood and kidneys
smalls as PM10-PM2.5 or lesser, unless also cause dyslexia and hyperactivity in
right particle filters are used it is also Carbon dioxide children, however currently it is
end up with adverse results. CO2 is considered as an air pollutant as completely banned from fuel as use of
it defined by the clean air act. And it is a lead free gasoline. Burning of lead
IX. Natural sources greenhouse gas increasing levels of CO2 containing electronic wastes causes the
Compounds released from volcanic causing global warming. CO2 emission adverse effect to the atmosphere.
activities such as black smoke, ash, is available from all kind of combustion
metals, SOx, COx and release of both natural and manmade. Compounds of Cadmium, Antimony,
methane form thawing of permafrost Arsenic, Zinc and Copper.
regions in the northern hemisphere, Ground level Ozone These metallic elements often toxic and
wetlands, sanitary landfills. Forest fires Auto mobile emission, air craft cabins, irritating smoke causes adverse health
and bush fires, dust storm, sea spray and Ozone generators effects, generally found in pesticides and
conversion of land use and release of fumes and gas emission during the
isoprenes and terpenes by forest Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon burning of plastic and electronic wastes.
(precursors of low level ozone). Which are released from cigarette
smoke and stove smoke, can cause lung
cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Major air pollutants and their effects VOCs are xylene, ethyl benzene and tri-
Radon methyl benzene compounds commonly
Primary pollutants Released naturally from volcanic found in Air freshener, air cleaners (with
These are gases and particles released to eruption, it is a radioactive material ozone), cleaning and disinfecting
the atmosphere and remain in the same ionizes biological molecules, causes cell chemicals, cosmetics, gasoline, fuel oil,
form as it is from the source. disruption and causing lung cancer. moth balls and vehicle exhaust. There is
an array of compounds listed in this
Sulphur compounds Asbestos category such as Acetone, Benzene,
Flue gas desulphurization plants (FGD), Asbestos fiber dust released from Ethyl glycol, Formaldehyde, Methylene
coal power plant (about 0.02-2% of building material, mines, mills and chloride, Perchloro ethylene, Toluene,
emission) (Ray, 2004) furnace oil insulations causes Mesothelioma, lung Xylene, 1, 3- butadiene. Short time
(Sulphur content is generally 2.3 per cancer, Asbestosis. exposure may result irritation in eye and
cent by weight) (Muthukuda Arachchi, nose, headache, nausea, vomiting,
2012), paper mills, steel industry, Arsenic dizziness and asthma. Continues
refineries and sewage treatment plants, Found in copper smelters and cigarette exposure damages central nervous
petroleum refinery and vehicles engines, smoke causing in lung cancer. system, kidney and liver, some are
burning rubber, crackers and match carcinogens causing cancer. (‘MDH,’
smoke. Naturally sources such as Allergens n.d.)
volcanoes, marshes, bogs and swamps House dust, Pollen, animal dander
emit sulphur compounds. US, China and causes Asthma and rhinitis. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Russia are leading sulphur emitting
countries. Found as SO2, H2S, CS2, Particle matter SPM, PM10, PM2.5 These substances could persist in the
COS, Methyl mercaptan, Dimethyl Suspended particles are formed in every environment, causing bioaccumulation
sulphur, and Dimethyl disulphide. type of combustion and originated from via the food chain, they are found in
(‘TRS,’ 2010) Health effects are various sources; PM 2.5 can even reach chemicals which transport for long
generally wheezing, the blood circulation via the respiratory range by air current to countries that
bronchoconstriction, chronic bronchitis, tract. even not produce them. Main sources
Chronic obstructive and lung disease. are industrial products such as Poly
(‘Carnegie Mellon University,’ 2003) HCl chlorinated biphenyl (PCB), pesticides
Released naturally from volcanic such as DDT, industrial by products and
Nitrogen compounds activities, causes eye irritation and burning of waste products such as
Major source is combustion such as get damages mucus membrane and affects dioxins and furans. (European
engines, NH3 come from fertilizers, respiratory system. commission,’ 2014)
livestock & poultry wastes, and
vegetation, burning of biomass and Dioxin Secondary pollutants
ocean spray, energy production, Dioxin is a toxic gas produced from These compounds are generated by the
petroleum refinery, forest fire, volcanic burning of electronic wastes and plastic chemical reaction of primary pollutants
activity, bacterial breakdown of organic materials; it could cause cancer and in the atmosphere.
nitrates. It promotes acidification. NO2 affect the immune system and leads to
favours photochemical smoke and developmental reproductive disorders. Ground level Ozone
reduce visibility. 77% of combustion It is the major component of Fog and it
gas of coal consist oxides of Nitrogen. Furans is produced by the photochemical
In high concentration causes pulmonary Furans are released during the burning reaction between NOx and Volatile
edema, airway injury, impaired lung of plastic products such as nylon, Organic Compounds. Causes breathing
defenses, dissolved atmospheric NOx as containing various harmful compounds. difficulty and aggravates the lung
in acid rain destroys fish and plant life diseases such as Emphysema and
and N2O is a greenhouse gas causes Odour chronic bronchitis.
global warming. (‘Ontatrio,’ 2010; Odour also causes irritation causing
‘Carnegie Mellon University,’ 2003) nausea and headache.
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Peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN) Brominated organic compounds used as

PAN is formed due to photochemical CFC fire retardant which is also an Ozone
reaction of NOx with hydrocarbons in CFC formed by chemical reaction of fog depleting compound.
the sunlight, it is a component of in the atmosphere during volcanic
photochemical smog, smog is a mixture activity, causes depletion of Ozone H2SO4
of air pollutants such as gases and layer. Used as propellant in sprays, Sulpuric acid formed due to the reaction
particles react with sun light. PAN often deodorants and repellants, this is now of oxides of Sulphur with atmospheric
causes irritation to eye and together with completely banned. water vapour, causes acid rain and
Ozone it lowers the lung capacity and respiratory problems.
increases breathing rate. (Ron Brecher, Halons Also refer Table 1.
2003)

Table 1 Effects of Air Pollutants to the atmosphere

Smog
Gas

Sources

Ozone depletion

Decreased self-cleansing of atmosphere

Greenhouse effect

Decreased visibility
Acid deposition

Corrosion
CO Combustion of fossil fuel, biomass +
burning
CO2 Combustion of fossil fuel, deforestation + +/-
CH4 Rice field, cattle, landfills, production of + +/-
fossil fuel

NO Combustion of fossil fuel, biomass +/- + + + -

burning
NO2 Combustion of fossil fuel, biomass +/-
burning,
N2O Combustion of fossil fuel, biomass + +/-
burning, deforestation, Nitrogenous
fertilizer
SO2 Combustion of fossil fuel, smelting of ore - + + +

CFC Aerosol sprays, refrigerants, foams + +

O3 + + -
[+: Contribution to the effect, - : amelioration, +/-: variation in effect]
(Adopted from Ray (II), 2004)

Industrial Air Pollutants Forest is the natural sink to many used to reduce NOx into NO2, generally
Major sources are Thermal Power pollutants and it has extremely high lime water is used to absorb HF, HCl
Plants, Boilers, Thermic Fluid Heaters, resilience It is Estimated a hectare of and SO2, in some cases water alone is
Incinerators, Cupola, blast furnace, forest receive 3 tons of CO2 and releases sufficient in the absorption of HCl.
Coke oven, Basic Oxygen Furnace, 2 tons of O2. (Ray (II), 2004)
Induction and air Furnace and Cement Adsorption: here the molecules either
kilns. (Gunadasa, 2014) c. Ban on hazardous compounds enter into the adsorbent or remain
Compounds such as Chlorofluorocarbon outwardly attached to the surface.
Solution by limiting indiscriminate are completely banned due to the Ozone Common adsorbents are activated
the use of resources depletion. Carbon, Silica gel, alumina and zeolites.
d. End – of- pipe –add – on pollution Adsorption beds are regenerative or
a. Consumption of Energy control mechanism non- regenerative. If regenerative the
Solid collectors and filters are used to beds gain the receptivity to the pollutant
In this way use of raw material such as collect particle pollutants and gases. again, but non- regenerative beds has to
fuel is minimized or most efficient fuel be replaced when they are saturated.
which releases less quantities of Addition of add on control devices
pollutants, are chosen. However, in This is done in four different ways Condensation: These process
developing coal is still being used, absorption, adsorptions, condensation converters the gaseous pollutants into
according to its Sulphur content price of and incineration. liquid form, this can be done by
the coal differ, though there are modern lowering the temperature or raising the
boilers which use more efficient form of Absorption: it is selectively isolating pressure. Contact condensers: gases
fuels, coal is more welcomed in the the pollutant, here the gaseous pollutant come into contact with cold liquid E.g.
market due to the low price. dissolved in a liquid scrubbers are Surface condensers: here the gas
coming under this category: SO2 contacts cooled surface where the cold
b. Afforestation and Reforestation scrubber, Flue gas desulphurization, liquid or gas is circulated. It’s efficiency
selective catalytic reduction Ammonia is
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ranging from 50 to as high as 95 per are distracted from the flow to protect passing the fabric over heated plate or
cent. the bag of fabric filter. flame), Coated finish( improves
efficiency by Teflon coating this
Incineration: It is a process of b. Separation by Centrifugation – enhance the cake release).
combustion and used to control the Cyclone Durability depends on how it withstands
emission of organic compounds. It This is an excellent pre-collector and the heat and acid chemicals.
involves rapid oxidation of material with protects the fabric filter from glowing
combustible compounds in the presence and coarse particles. Mechanically Maintenance also another aspect such as
of heat releases CO2 and water vapor. driven cyclone can collect particle non-woven fabric is difficult to clean
There are three different categories such below 10Micro m more efficiently. though they are more flexible. (Ray,
as Cyclones are either parallel or multi- 2004)
Direct combustion: - air and all cyclone. Efficiency of cyclone can be Bag houses are used for dry filtrates
combustible gaseous pollutants react at enhanced by spraying water (wet such as fly ash, grain dust; fertilizer also
the burner (efficiency 98%), cyclone) this agglomerates the particles may combine with an SO2 adsorption
Thermal incinerator: - here the waste and eliminates re-entrainment of dust. media. (Gunadasa, 2014)
gases passes over burner flame
(efficiency 99%). 2. Fabric filter
Catalytic incinerator: - similar to Filtration mainly depends on type of 3. Electrostatic precipitator
thermal but after passing through the filtration size which determines the Here dust particles passed through the
flame gases pass through the catalytic capture mechanism such as inertial electric field and get charged to
bed, here the catalyst promote oxidation impaction, direct interception, sieving, saturation level and electrical force
so the fuel cost for high temperature electrostatic attraction, diffusion. causes charged particle move towards an
generation can be minimized. Generally, parameters such as electrode and get trapped subsequently
Temperature, dew point & moisture, they are discarded.
chemical composition of dust, It has four distinct phases 1. Ionization
Flue gas Desulphurization: distribution of particle size and and corona formation 2. Charging of
Desulphurization by injecting operation pressure affect the particles 3. Migration & precipitation of
Ammonia, lime dissolves with SO2 and performance. particles 4. Removal of dust deposits.
produces Sulphate and Sulphites sea Fabrics commonly made of cotton wool,
water also use to absorb oxides of polyester(better mechanical strength& Negative corona, here electrode is
sulphur in wet process, in dry process thermo sensitive not exceed 150 OC), negatively charged a narrow negatively
Ca(OH)2 slurry is used here polypropylene(PP is thermo sensitive, charged region is generated called
desulphurization reaction occur after temperature not exceed 100 OC, used in corona, here the electrons are absorbed
dehydration of gas. Recirculations of gas dust extraction), acrylic(or Dalton-T by gas molecules, space outside the
further enhance the quality of effluent mechanically weak & thermo sensitive corona filled with negative ions and dust
air. not exceed 100 OC cheaply available for particles collide with negative ions and
boilers), polyamides, polyphenylene move towards collecting positive
Flue gas Denitrification: Here the sulphide(or Rhyton, used in boilers can electrode. In positive corona the
mixing of nitric or nitrous oxides with with stand up to 100 OC ), Aromatic opposite happens in the same manner.
water resulted with nitric acid polyamide (heat & acid tolerance is high
compounds (which is a water and soil suitable for coal fired boilers), Fiber Negative corona is most preferred in
pollutant in liquid phace). In Selective glass(thermo stable and high acid industrial application as the industrial
Catalytic Reduction method ammonia is tolerance used in boilers ), gases such as SO2, CO2, and H2O have
applied to the gas steam which reacts Polyterafluoroethylene(or Teflon, boiler best ability to absorb free electrons and
with the oxides of nitrogen at very high application), Gore tex( made by spark over voltage is higher in negative
temperature (300oC) in the presence of W.L.Gore, formed by lamination of corona. However, negative corona
catalysts such as active Vanadium substrates such as polyester, fiberglass generates higher level of Ozone, thus
pentoxide and tungsten trioxide on a with a membrane of expanded Teflon not used in air conditioners.
carrier of titanium which releases applied on dirty side of filter) and receptivity of fly ash depends on sulphur
nitrogen and water. Ceramic (composite of alumina, silica, content S<1 per cent gives high resistive
boron and Nextel 312; are extremely ash, 1-2 per cent medium and greater
In coal burning boilers about 80% of heat resistant up to 1150oC, used in coal than 2 per cent gives low resistive ash,
coal is found in fly ash while the rest fired boilers). similarly presence of SIO2, Al2O3
remain in bottom ash. Fly ash has high increases the resistivity while Na2O,
tendency of deposition on wall of pipes, Efficiency also determined by type of Li2O, K2O and P2O5 reduces the
water tubes and furnace, this can be woven such as monofilament, resistance during performance of
overcome by soot blowing, where multifilament and spun yarn and pattern electrostatic precipitator.(Ray (II),
compressed air and steam is blown. of woven fabric such as Plain weave, 2004). Efficiency of ESP is as high as
Twill and Sateen. 99 per cent.
1. Mechanical collector
In this method dust is separated Fabric finishing is another aspect fabrics 4. Scrubber
mechanically by means of gravitation or underwent silicon treatment gives Scrubbers are most efficient pollutant
centrifugal forces. smooth surface and decreased abrasion, removal mechanism where dust and
a. Separation by Gravity (settling heating setting (heat treatment to gases are removed by liquid or/and solid
chamber/ baffle chamber) preshrink the fabric in order to avoid droplets flows and contact intimately on
This is generally used as a pre-collector loss of efficiency due to heat shrinking the effluent pollutants similar to the
at the upstream of highly efficient after application), flame retardant finish removal of particle dust during the rain.
collector such as fabric filter or electro (it consists oxygen consuming Scrubber is used in foundries (iron &
static filter. In a high load of dust large substances to reduce the effect of fire, steel), fertilizer, chemicals and
particle are initially withdrawn by this Antistatic treatment (this is to handle nonferrous alloys.
method. Baffle chamber is used to charged particle during the flow and Advantages are micron level dust
prevent the entry of glowing particle flammable gases and to avoid particles can be collected, liquid
towards inner fabric filter and prevent it explosion), Calendering (smoothen the scrubber collects both particle and gases
from burning. In addition, where the surface by pressing the fiber for easy simultaneously, handles high
dust is much abrasive and coarser they dust release), singeing( smoothen by temperature and corrosive gases,
 5

absolutely free from fire and explosion in recirculation tank at the bottom, clean 7. Local Exhaust Ventilation
hazards. Only disadvantage of liquid gas is collected by mist eliminator at the systems (LEV)
scrubber is it creates slurry discharge top. LEV is generally a combination of hood,
and leads to water pollution. 2. Packed bed tower: This is suitable air cleaner, fan and duct. Hoods which
for meagerly soluble gases such as SO 2 are the essential components of the air
a. Particle scrubber and H2S. since they are less soluble it is outflow system, hoods ensure the
This is primarily to collect dust particle necessary to increase the contact are of efficient capture of dust particles which
both scrubber liquid and gas phases for also protect the employer from the
1. Spray tower: here a nozzle that counter current flow is established exposure to smoke and dust. E.g. Local
produces droplets which fall by gravity through randomly packed bed (pack is hood, downdraft hood, side hood, booth
concurrent gas flow absorbs the dust in ceramic, metal or plastic-Poly hood, ring hood, canopy hood (more
the flow. propylene), gas flows from bottom and effective in furnace operations) and
2. Centrifugal spray scrubber: directed through the beds where the enclosure hood.
liquid is sprayed from central header liquid from the nozzle wets the surface
gives spinning motion to the bottom and meet the gas flow counter currently. 8. Fan
entered gas stream, centrifugal force Packed bed tower is also used with There are two different types of fans in
thrown the dust away with water highly soluble gases in order to achieve use Axial and Centrifugal. In industrial
droplets and slurry collected at the high efficiency such as Acetic acid, systems centrifugal fans are widely used
bottom. Alkaline fume, Ammonia, Amines, to move certain quantity of gas from one
3. Self-induced Spray or Chlorine, Chromic acid, Cyanide, HCl, place to another against the system
Impingement scrubber: here the HF, H2S, SO2, H2SO4. pressure. Design of blade and position
pollutant gas is impinge on pool of may vary as it depend on the role it is
water and pass the lip of venture and 5. Flare and Thermo Oxidizers intend to such as fan handling extremes
flow through the water surface, Flare stacks are used for burning off the of temperatures, abrasive dust or
contaminated water droplets flammable gas release generally used in corrosive gas. Design of fan should
agglomerates, settles at bottom of the petroleum refineries, natural gas aimed for the task it handles spark proof
hopper and get collected, zig zag path of processing plants and chemical plants, fans are used under the exposure to
the gas increases the efficiency. this also used to release the pressure of explosive gases, when handling toxic
Commonly used in grinding operation, the equipment, flares are designed for gases maximum air tight environment is
foundries, coal plants and mining short term combustion. To avoid most maintained. Similarly lining of the
process. hazardous methane release during system designed with rubber where the
4. Venturi scrubber: Most efficient fermentation in beer factories flares are effluent is acidic and glass also not
particulate scrubber, this is the only used to burn and release in the form reactive against most chemicals.
scrubber recommended for sticky and CO2. Ground level flares are used in
corrosive dust. Here gas is sent through earth pits. Among thermal oxidizers 9. Chimney
a narrow (venture) throat where water is regenerative thermal oxidizers are Height of the stack is determined by
introduced and gas produces droplets efficient up to 95%, the process is more considering structural, environmental
and gas and droplets flow through a simplified by the use of catalytic thermo parameters, the type of effluent and
divergent section. Factors such as oxidizers where the catalyst are used to emission speed or flow. If the downward
particle size, velocity of gas through reduce the ignition temperature and the air current is high the chimney height
throat, pressure drop, concentration of reaction is employed in relatively low has to be raised far enough to avoid the
inlet dust, and nature of dust, rate of such as temperatures (reduction of 600 pollution risk. Generally minimum
water flow, spray system, power and to 200 oC) there are ventilation air height of chimney of industries other
design of the scrubber determine the methane thermal oxidizer, thermal than thermal power plant is 30m (Ray,
efficiency. recuperative oxidizer and direct fired 2004). There are two categories self
thermal oxidizer used for the relevant supported and Guy supported chimneys.
b. Gas Absorption scrubber purposes (‘Thermal oxidizer,’ 2014).
This is applicable when the 10. Remedies to handle explosive
pollutant gas is soluble to the scrubber 6. Conditioning Gas effluents
liquid; it is simply a physical
transformation from gas to liquid. This process alters the characters of Explosion pressure must be released so
During the absorption a chemical gaseous effluents and removes dust it is must to ascertain the availability of
reaction may occur. The process is particles. Addition of water (reduces the sufficient explosion vent area, earthing
explained by two film theory whereas temperature of the air), Ammonia of the equipment ensures the discharge
bulk of liquid and gas are mixed in (agglomeration agent, lowers acid dew of any static electricity generated within
turbulent flow while the concentration point and minimizes corrosion, the system, in fabric filter antistatic
remains the same. Concentration eliminates the bluish plume of SO3), fabric ensures the safety, dosing of inert
gradient exists only at the boundary of Sulphur trioxide may reduce the gases prevent combustion resulting due
two different phases, mass transfer receptivity of ash. Both SO3 and to sparks E.g. CO2, N2, inert dust
occurs as laminar flow and there is no Ammonia together improves particles also can be use but it is
resistant across the interface. When the cohesiveness and the porosity of dust essential to conform that is not increases
system is gas filmed controlled has is cake thus, increase the performance of the ability of dispersal of the
highly soluble in the liquid phase or fabric filter and electrostatic combustible particle (us of silica is
about to react quickly. In liquid film precipitator. prohibited), dosing of lime subsequently
controlled the gas is either less soluble Major component of gas conditioning is give rise to CO2 which is an inert gas.
or reaction is slow with the component. facilitated by mixing of ambient air with
Two types are commonly used. the effluent which dilutes the flow and
reduces the temperature. However it Air pollutants during waste disposal
1. Spray tower: used with highly requires large dust collectors, due to the
soluble gases such as HCl, NH3, HF. subsequent increase in the mass of air. It is becoming a major source of air
Spray system equipped with nozzles and In some cases whereas the temperature pollution. Mainly in Ghana, Africa and
system maintains counter current flow of the effluent is equal to water or acid China also some part of India hazardous
of scrubbing liquid and gas as liquid dew point hot air also applied. wastes are burnt mainly e-wastes,
sprayed from top and gas released at plastics. Toxic gases are produced
bottom, and tower is provided with built during the burning of plastics and heavy
 6

metals. Release of particle matters from also affects kidneys. Hexachlorobenzene (Kim et al., 1999). It is also stated as
cement, asbestos, and other chemicals (HCB) is a group 2B carcinogens it possible carcinogen by International
cause severe problem as they move damages immune system, liver, thyroid, Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC,
several mile away from the sources and CNS, kidney and nervoussystem (Van 1989). Mercury results in respiratory
effects the people by various ways such Birgelen, 1998). It is also reported the and skin disorders and causing chronic
as asthma and allergic responses, bioaccumulation of HCB. damage to brain. Chromium is a known
irritation, effecting liver and kidney. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers carcinogen it affects the DNA and
Some of such particles are carcinogens (PBDEs) is an environmentally causing asthmatic bronchitis. Barium
and leading cancer. Phthalates such as persistent compound, which is also causes damage to heart, spleen and liver
DEHP in tis monomer form effects the reported in bioaccumulation, it causes also causing muscle weakness,
development of testis, Butylbenzyl abnormal brain development during the Beryllium is a carcinogen causing lung
phthalate (BBP) and dibutyl phthalate initial development of a fetus, it also cancer inhalation also causes chronic
(DBP) also hazardous to reproduction associated with impacts on learning, disease beryllicosis and resulting skin
exposure to phthalates in pregnancy memory, behavior and thyroid, warts (Ramachandra and Saira
reduces ano-genetal index in male child oestrogen hormone systems and Varghese, 2004), free Carbon radicles
(distance between anus and genitals) effecting the immune system (Legler & are carcinogens.
(Swan et al. 2005), DINP and DIDP Brouwer 2003). When PBDEs are burnt
(diisodecyl phthalate) effects liver and they produce brominated dioxins/furans Safe methods such as using incinerators
kidneys. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the which are similarly hazardous. and carefully filter the remaining
most harmful plastic, where dioxins are Triphenyl phosphates (TPP) are a particles (ceramic filters), dumping at
released during it manufacture, dioxins contaminant in human blood (Jonsson et sanitary landfills are the best ways to
causing cancer and affect the immune al. 2001), potent inhibitor of a key avoid air pollution through waste
system and leads to developmental enzyme (monocyte carboxyl esterase) in burning.
reproductive disease. Chlorinated human blood cells (Amini & Crescenzi
compounds includes Polychlorinated 2003). Teflon and Domestic air pollutants
biphenyls (PCBs), PCB accumulates in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used Indoor air pollutants are in a broad rage
fishes and other organisms and undergo as coatings of non-stick pans. Teflon such as Products of Incomplete
bioaccumulation which result in high cook wares should be handled carefully; Combustion (PIC) from stoves and hose
value in top- level carnivore such as when they are mistakenly placed on lit hold burning of garbage, Tobacco and
humans, PCB is absorbable via skin and (inner side of pan) they may release cigarette smoke, Plastic and metal
inhaled or ingested causing harmful substances at ≥260°C, fumes, Toxic sprays, pesticide and
neurotoxicity, liver damage, tumors, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used insecticides, dust and particles, Volatile
immunosuppression and behavioral during the processing PTFE and it may Organic Compounds, Infectious agents.
changes, and reproductive disorders, cause cancer.
abnormal sperms (Allsopp et al. 1999; Heavy metals such as lead may produce Products of incomplete combustion
Allsopp et al. 2000). Poly Aromatic irreversible effects; it affects nervous (PIC) include greenhouse gases such as
Hydrocarbon (PAH) are formed during system, blood, reproductive system and CO2, CH3 Nitrogen oxides. It also
the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, kidneys, it affects brain development in produces eye irritating volatile organic
gas, garbage and other organic children (ATSDR 2007, Canfield et al., compounds such as aldehydes and
substances, prolonged exposure to PAH 2003). Cadmium is a toxicant which can carcinogens such as benzene, polycyclic
causes lung/bladder/gastrointestinal accumulates in tissues, exposure may aromatic hydrocarbons and 1,3-
cancer, liver damage, breathing affect kidneys and bones (Elinder& butidiene. There is a considerable
problems, asthma-like symptoms, and Jarup 1996, WHO 1992), it disrupts amount of soot and particles found in
lung function abnormalities, and calcium mechanism, causing (PIC) (Table 2). SO2domestic coal
repeated contact with skin may induce hypertension and heart diseases combustion causes wheezing, Domestic
skin inflammation (Toxipedia, as cited Cadmium oxide in fume affects the chorine, fluorine discharge also resulting
in European Commission, 2011). respiratory system (ATSDR 1999, in breathing difficulties and irritation to
Elinder & Jarup 1996, WHO 1992), in cell lining, Smoking cause 4 per cent of
Chlorobenzene causes acute and chronic addition it is a carcinogen causing lung global diseases in the year 2000 (Zhang
effects in mammals, effects CNS cancer (DHHS, 2005). Antimony is a and Smith, n.d. ). Among 4000
(central nervous system), liver and toxic compound causing dermatitis, chemicals produced from cigarette
thyroid. Increasing degree of affecting skin cells and respiratory tract smoke 69 of them cause cancer (Figure
chlorination such as tetrachlorobenzenes and affects the immune mechanism -1).

Figure 1 Air pollutants in cigarette smoke (Source: ‘Tricountycessation,’ n.d.)

Table 2 Air pollutants and Major sources

Pollutant Major indoor sources
Fine particles Fuel/tobacco combustion, cleaning, cooking
Carbon monoxide Fuel/tobacco combustion
 7

Pollutant Major indoor sources

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Fuel/tobacco combustion, cooking
Nitrogen oxides Fuel combustion
Sulphur oxides Coal combustion
Arsenic and fluorine Coal combustion
Volatile and semi-volatile organic
compounds Fuel/tobacco combustion, consumer products, furnishings, construction materials, cooking
Aldehydes Furnishing, construction materials, cooking
Pesticides Consumer products, dust from outside
Asbestos Remodelling/demolition of construction materials
Lead Remodelling/demolition of painted surfaces
Biological pollutants Moist areas, ventilation systems, furnishings
Radon Volcanic activity & Soil- under building construction
(Source: Zhang and Smith, n.d.)
In many developing and least developed used to burn at the exit. Thermo
nations still animal dung, crop residues, Electricity cable Acetophenone, oxidizers dose relatively the same as
wood, saw and charcoal are used for dimethylbenzyl flares.
stoves this resulted in PICs. alcohole
(Adopted from Zhang and Smith, n.d.) Air pollutants in biological and
Insecticide, rodenticide and pesticide hospital wastes.
cause troubles related to kidney, and Table 4 Sources of Volatile Organic In health care sector about 20% of the
skin it also affects the inner membranes Compounds (VOC) wastes generated may have infectious
and tissues of lungs. Fungicides are agents such as bacteria, virus or even
extremely toxic, indeed some Source VOC fungi and allergens. (Mohankumar &
compounds are cytotoxic as they effect Paint ethylene glycol, Kottaiveeran, 2011). Coughing,
mitochondrial and membrane texanols, pinene, sneezing, raising of dust, sprays
respiration. butoxyethoxyethanol produces aerosols and droplets which
Pyrethroids such as permethrin found in Paint C7- C12 alkanes are widely distributed in the air current,
insect killer (cockroach and bug spray) thinners diseases such as Anthrax, Chickenpox,
causes shortness of breath coughing, Paint methylene chloride measles, influenza, smallpox,
wheezing, runny or stuffy nose, chest stripers Tuberculosis and Cryptococcosis spread
pain, or breathing difficulties when Adhesives benzene, alkyl through air current, furthermore, fungi
inhaled, also causes rash, blisters or benzenes such as Stachybotrys chartarum (toxic
itching when contacted to skin. (Melissa Caulks ketones, esters, black mold) cause severe ill effects. Best
Kaplan, 2014) glycols way to prevent airborne infection is to
Air purifiers, photocopiers and laser Cleaners 2- butoxyethanol, prevent the release of infectious agents
printers generate Ozone, which causes limonene, 2-butanone from the sources such as patients and
breathing trouble due to reduction in the Frying food Poly Aromatic used medicinal products and
function of lungs; exacerbate asthma, Hydrocarbon (PAH), equipments. Wastes from health care
irritation to eyes and nose, speed up acroline and 1, 3- sector generally sent to incinerators
aging of lung tissue and decline of butadiene where it is completely burnt and
resistance to colds and other infections. destroyed, patients of airborn diseases
Smoke nicotine, aldehydes,
(Zhang and Smith, n.d.) HCl and HNO 3 are isolated such as TB patients. Some
PAH and benzene
are corrosive to body tissues are released drugs also may produce odour and
Dry cleaned trachloride
during the thermal decomposition of irritating sensation this can be avoided
clothing ethylene
polyvinyl chloride; HNO2 resulted from by keeping them air tight.
Deodorizers p-dichlorobenzene
the reaction of NO2 with water films.
Moulds sesquiterpenes
Radon-222 is found in earth(as a Air pollutants from Mobile sources
product of uranium decay in earth crust) (Transport)
during domestic digging and drilled well Showering hloroform Major sources of NOx is engine mainly
water may releases Radon, it react with Pesticides chloropyrifis, jet engines, one of the reason behind the
particles and induces ionization of atoms dichlorvos and banning of air crafts such as Concord
in living cells which leads to cell diazion was its high release of gaseous
damage and cancer. Fibers such as emissions. Killer smog of London in
Asbestos are banned in several countries (Adopted from Zhang and Smith, n.d.) 1952 cause death of 4000 similar smog
for its carcinogenic effect. Cellulose event of New York causes death of 200
fibers of saw dust also listed as human Mitigation methods mainly avoid the in 1953 primary cause behind is
carcinogen by International Agency for burning of compounds causing automobile discharge. (Martin, 2010)
Research on Cancer (IARC), also refer hazardous fumes such as PVC and
Table 3&4. plastics, banning asbestos, using face Pollutants of transport consists CO, HC,
masks during the painting and dealing oxides of Nitrogen, oxides of Sulphur,
Table 3 List of hazardous compounds with hazardous smokes, using Electric Volatile Organic Compounds, lead and
in household materials or LPG/ LNG stoves or using well particulate matter, secondary pollutants
Material Compounds designed chimney, avoid closer blowing such as Ozone is generated by reaction
Tiles of vinyl and phthalate during incomplete combustion( or where between Oxides of Nitrogen and VOC
coving eye protector), addition of lime to which is the main component of
improve the quality of coal, proper photochemical smog, secondary
Carpets styrene
handling of saw, fibers and particulate particulate matter also generated by the
dust materials, ensure adequate reaction of all of these compounds.
Linoleum C5-C11 aldyhydes
ventilation during cooking, avoid low Increased traffic in cities further
and acids
graded fuels such as cow dung which is increases the risk. In addition, non-
Particle board Aldehyde, ketone
high in sulphur, using air conditioners, exhaust particulate matter emissions
and formaldehyde
Ventilators and dust removers, flares are
 8

produced from components such as Incentives such as duty free or tax important, this is currently carried by
tires, clutch and break. (Michal et al., reduction for zero emission vehicles. preplanned forest fire disaster mitigation
2005) (Michal et al., 2005) programmes mainly during the events of
ENSO. In addition, burning of Savannah
Upgrading fuel quality such as Air pollution from Natural Sources. in countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia
reformulated gasoline (RFG) during the and Botswana forest fires are also the
combustion RFG releases benzene in the Sea spray source of CO2 (Ray, 2004).
concentration less than 1%, reduced Salt mixing with air from sea spray
levels of Volatile organic compounds, increases the concentration of particulate Sandstorms (sand paper) and Desert
NOx and toxic emissions. Whereas matter in the air; this contributes 80% of dust
benzene, 1,3 butadiene, aldehydes, and the particulate matter in coastal area. Turbulences of Sahara during extremes
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons According to the research data of of hot weather condition (as high as
found in vehicle emission are known for Partanen et al. (2014) sea aerosol about 50 oC & lack of rain fall), Dust
carcinogenicity. Upgrading the standard provided radiative effect was −0.2 W particles from Sahara blown across
of refineries to produce less Sulphur m−2 direct 0.03 W m−2 and indirect effect Africa and Europe. (‘EEA,’ n.d.)
contented fuels. −0.07 W m−2) this is interferes the global According to NASAs satellite image
Improving the qualities of engine, two- radiation pattern and subsequently the (June 25th 2014) plume of dust particles
stroke three wheeler and bike engines weather. (Partanen et al., 2014) from Africa moves towards America
produces double the amount of across Atlantic Ocean. According to
particulate matter than four-stroke this is Volcanic ash Miami researchers as cited in (Patric,
banned in certain countries such as India Pinatubo mount volcanic eruption of 2014) particle dust scatter and absorb
, China and Sri Lanka, as it is already Philipines in 1991 caused large mass of solar radiation over tropical Atlantic
banned in the western world, or 20- million ton sulfur dioxide cloud to which is resulted in cooler temperatures.
manufactures can be given by retrofit kit the stratosphere, altitude ranging up to It could effects Asthmatic patients or
to reduce the emission. Improve the 20 miles, other similar eruptions are causes respiratory problems.
performance, low fuel consumption and Tambora in 1815 and Krakatau in 1883.
low emission, thus further improves the (Kenneth et al., 1997) Smoke (Vog) also Manmade disasters and war
current direct injection and reflects the sunlight back and causes Vietnam War caused burning and
homogeneous charge compression temperature decline, reaction of destruction of forest trees. Destruction
ignition engines. Removing the toxic chemical resulted in CFC which led to of forest cover by US forces during the
emission and collected soot by the destruction of Ozone. Volcanic soot war alone was estimated as 4.9 million
combustion it required temperature as and acids such as Hydrogen sulfide, hectares and changed the weather
high as 500oC thus, adequate Sulphur dioxide, and Hydrogen chloride pattern. (Brian Hill, n.d.)
manipulations to be made in engine causes health issues such as damaging Gulf War oil spill explosions, during the
parameters to attain high temperatures, mucus membrane, respiratory system war oil spills in Kuwait were blown up,
this may be possible by reducing the and eye irritation. Carbon dust covered the fire last for up to seven months and
fuel additives such as cerium oxide and several miles and causes evacuation of caused severe environmental problems.
copper oxide. Servicing the filter is people. Particles such as Radon 222 Nuclear explosion of Hiroshima and
essential to avoid blockage by prolonged emitted from the gas releases harmful Nagasaki in Japan 1945 release huge
overloading, there are techniques to radiation which causes cell damage and amount of Carbon and particle matters
lower the nitrogen oxides such as eventually cancer. Rain fall with the in the atmosphere addition to radiation
selective catalytic reduction by adding volcanic emissions causes acid rain due pollution.
urea. to its acidic contents, in Costa Rica acid Bhopal disaster in India in 1984,
rain affects the animals and vegetation released more than 40 tons of methyl
Switch to lead free gasoline as lead as the downwind of Poàs volcano flows isocyanate gas leaked from pesticide
effects the circulatory, nervous, kidney over. (Peterson and Tilling, 2000), plant, which immediately killed 3,800
and reproductive systems also it causes Volcanic emissions also elevate the and thousands later, it also resulted
dyslexia and hyperactivity in children. level of greenhouse gases(CO2 and H2O) permanent and severe injuries to many
Since 2000 lead containing petrol is in the atmosphere accompanied with thousands of people in lived in the
completely banned all over the world, H2S, HCl, HF, H2, CO, volatile metal region.
reduction in olefins, benzene, Poly Chlorides, Chlorine monoxide. (Kenneth
cyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) et al., 1997) 1952 Londons killer fog (consist of
and Sulphur from patrol while reaching sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and soot)
higher ignition quality, Similarly, Forest fires killed about 4,000. Iraqi Sulphur plant
limiting PAH and Sulphur contents from Forest fires are more frequent in Al-Mishraq fire of 2003, burnt for about
Diesel. In US oxygenated fuels are used Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, a month and caused acid rain and
to control CO emission, increase in Canada and Southern United States respiratory problems. Explosion of
Octane level reduces the emissions and during the El Nino events. During 1997 chemical company (ICMESA) in Meda,
improves performance significantly. El-Nino event Indonesian forest fire Italy, 1976 caused dioxin release; many
(Ranjan et al., n.d.) emission of CO2 was 2 billion tons (one children were affected by skin diseases.
Government and public can find several third of annual anthropogenic CO2 (Adopted from ‘Disasterium’, 2013)
ways to mitigate the issue such as emission). (‘AAAS,’ 2002) In 2007
implementing emission test and forest fires in Southern California Ways to avoid Air pollution (Air
certification programmes, effective caused the release of 7.9 million metric quality management)
mechanisms for enforcement of vehicle tons of CO2 just in a period of one week, Air quality management refers to all
compliance via periodic renewal and it is also estimated that annual release of activities that are directed towards
registration. Alternative less emission CO2 by forest fire events alone is 290 creating and maintaining clean air, there
fuels such as LPG/LNG and biogas, million metric tons. (‘NSF,’ n.d.) This are three different ways to approach the
Quality control and training shows there is no doubt that though we issue 1.Strategic approach 2.Technical
programmes on upgrading engines and go for solutions to anthropogenic CO2 approach 3.Educational approach.
emission, providing better filters with emission such human induced changes Afforestation and reforestation,
advanced technology, providing repair are comparatively far smaller than implementing strict rules and regulations
cost waivers, switching to Hybrid, fully natural CO2 emission process. It is also against deforestation, avoid slash and
electric vehicles and fuel cell satisfies visible that finding solutions to the burn agriculture and land clearing,
the demand for zero emission vehicles. natural emissions is comparatively more implementing vehicle emission test and
 9

enforcement legislation, proper with problems of air pollution on a

assessment on maintaining ambient air Kyoto Protocol, 1997 regional basis. 34 governments and
quality standards in industries and stack This is an amendment to the U.N. members of European Union have
sampling, routine air quality checking, Framework convention on climate signed that time, in 2008 increased to 51
managing data and environmental change, parties are committed to bring parties. It set up an international frame
pollution control (EPC) licensing in down the emission of six greenhouse work bringing together research and
factories and industries, conducting gases (Carbon dioxide (CO2); Methane policy negotiation aiming prevent the
proper Environmental Impact (CH4); Nitrous oxide (N2O); spread of pollutants emission sources to
Assessment during the development Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); atmosphere, it is extended by 8
activities such as industrial zones use the Perfluorocarbons (PFCs); and Sulphur protocols that demonstrate specific
knowledge of air quality modeling and hexafluoride (SF6) (UFCCC, 2014) or measures to cut down the release of air
standard guidelines, implementing green reducing their production as the listed pollutants.
belt around air polluting industries and gases cause global warming, parties (Adopted from ‘IIP Digital’, 2012)
planting trees either side of the roads, agreed to fund research on climate
banning of hazardous and chemically change and promoting alternative energy Conclusion
active air pollutants, Implementing strict sources in both developed and Increasing population causes expansion
laws against solid waste burning in developing nations, it also includes of industries, increasing vehicular
public places, cleaner fuels, improving several international partnerships such traffic, increase in thermal power
engine technology, low emission fuel as Asia- Pacific partnership on clean generation, rapid urbanization,
and engine alternatives, improving development and Climate. exploitation of soil and mineral and
better gas and particle capture deforestation, all together elevate the
technology, increasing public awareness Effects of Industrial Accidents, 1992 level of particles and gaseous pollutants
and introducing safe methods that would Convention aim to prevent, and in the atmosphere, it causes life-
not result in harmful fumes, particle preparedness to industrial accidents and threatening health effects and raises the
fibers and gases. Regulatory control protecting human health and mortality, smaller the particle is more
including standard setting, granting legal environment, indeed parties are dangerous. Industries should maintain
authority to implement the control committed to prevent industrial the quality of dust collectors, particle
strategy with development of permitting accidents by preventing them to extent filters, electrostatic precipitators and
programmes, collecting required funds, possible by reducing there severity, scrubbers with frequent monitoring.
enforcement activities and issuing frequency, and providing mitigations for Benefits of zero emission transports,
National guidelines referring to WHO their effects. Parties assured the knowledge on effective utilization of
Guidelines(Table 5). international cooperation emergency renewable energy sources and modern
Table 5 Substances and WHO Guideline responses, research, developing and nano technology should be shared with
Substance WHO Guideline sharing the technology and information. poorer developing countries where the
(updated 2005) impact is more severe. It is clear that
PM2.5 10 µg/m3 annual U.N. Framework Convention on there is a need for Clean and cheap
mean Climate change, 1992. energy source, technologically advanced
25 µg/m3 24-hour Convention aimed to set an overall low emission and optimal performance
mean frame work for intergovernmental to engines, boilers, generators and heaters.
PM10 20 µg/m3 annual face the challenge of climate change. It Enforcement ambient urban air quality
mean is well recognized that the emissions of within the accepted limits should be
50 µg/m3 24-hour CO2 and other greenhouse gases is the employed with impact assessments
mean main factor affects the stability of using the technically feasible air quality
O3 100 µg/m3 8-hour climate system which is a globally modeling. As agreed in Geneva 1979, a
mean shared resource. 192 signatories agreed cooperative programme to prevent long
NO2 40 µg/m3 annual to collect and share data, draw national range trans-boundary air pollution and
mean policies and best practices, launch integrated research and knowledge
200 µg/m3 1-hour national strategies for addressing sharing is most essential practice to
mean emissions and cooperate in preparing for satisfy the common goal. Collaborative
SO2 20 µg/m3 24-hour adaptation to the effects of climate effort of environmentalist, biologist,
mean change. healthcare professionals, research
500 µg/m3 10- scientists, engineers, economist,
minute mean Montreal Protocol, 1987 sociologist, educationalists, media
(Adopted from ‘WHO,’ 2006) This is on substances that cause Ozone professionals and policy makers is
depletion in stratosphere essential to overcome the burden.
Protection from polluted air. (chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon
Wearing face masks, evacuation from tetrachloride and methyl chloroform)
areas of forest fires, volcanic activity and committed to gradually terminate
and anthropogenic pollution, improving the production and consumption of such
forecasting technology of disaster events compounds and accomplished by 2000, Acknowledgement
such as forest fires during El-Nino, for methyl chloroform 2004. 191 Author thank Mr. K. H. Muthukuda
Avoid burning wastes in populated areas countries agreed to cut the production of Arachchi Deputy Director,
or switch to sanitary landfills and safe such chemicals. And it was successfully Environmental Pollution Control
incineration and dust filtering brought down the level of such Division, Central Environmental
technology, using air conditioners, air chemicals to 83,000 metric tons at the Authority, Sri Lanka for providing
filters, wind curtains, improve end of 2005 which was 1.8 million supportive information via his
medications for asthma and other metric tons in 1987. presentations and Central Environmental
respiratory disorders, planting trees in Authority, Sri Lanka for providing
the surrounding environment. Geneva Convention on Long range adequate facilities for this study.
Transboundary Air Pollution, 1979
International Conventions on Air The Convention was the first
pollution international legal agreement dealing

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