Environmental Pollution

“We spray our elms, and the following spring, the trees are
silent of robin song, not because we sprayed the robins
directly but because the poison travelled step by step
through the now familiar elm-earthworm-robin cycle.”

- Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson

 What is Environmental Pollution?
● Pollution refers to the effects of undesirable changes in our
surroundings that have harmful effects on plants and
animals and human beings.

● This occurs when development furthers only short-term

economic gains at the cost of long term ecological
benefits for humanity.
Pollutants (substances or forms of energy that, when
introduced into the environment, cause harm or
discomfort to living organisms, disrupt natural processes,
or degrade the quality of the environment) can be of the
following substances when they are found in excess.
● Solid
● Liquid
● Gaseous
Solid
Particulate Matter which are tiny particles suspended in the air, such as
dust, soot, and ash.
Lead released from industrial processes, old paints, and batteries etc.
Asbestos (naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that are used to
strengthen and fireproof materials) known for causing respiratory issues
when inhaled.
Plastic debris (small plastic particles or larger debris found in soil and
water bodies) etc.
Liquid
Industrial wastewater such as contaminated water discharged from
factories containing chemicals, oils, and heavy metals.
Sewage wastewater from households and industries that contains
organic matter, bacteria, and nutrients.
Oil Spills resulting from crude oil or refined petroleum products released
into water bodies, causing severe environmental damage.
Agricultural runoff water that carries pesticides, fertilizers, and animal
waste from farms into rivers and lakes.
Gas
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Emitted from vehicles and industrial processes,
it is a colorless, odorless gas that is harmful when inhaled.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Released from burning fossil fuels, especially coal,
it contributes to acid rain.
Nitrogen Oxides (NO): Emitted from vehicles and industrial facilities,
these gases contribute to smog (smoke + fog) and acid rain.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from paints, solvents,
and fuels, these gases contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone
and smog.
Pollutants can be classified as follows:
Degradable or non-persistent pollutants: These can be rapidly broken down
by natural processes; for example, domestic sewage and discarded vegetables.
Slowly degradable or persistent pollutants: These are pollutants that remain in
the environment for many years in an unchanged condition and take decades or
longer to degrade; for example, DDT (and other pesticides) and most plastics.
Non-degradable pollutants: These cannot be degraded by natural processes.
Once they are released into the environment, they are difficult to eradicate and
continue to accumulate; for example, toxic elements such as lead or mercury and
nuclear waste.
Causes of Pollution
Pollutants enter our air, water and soil from different sources.
Natural sources: Air is polluted by strong winds which create large amounts
of particulate matter. Water is polluted by natural processes in certain
situations where eutrophication (natural aging process of the aquatic system,
extensive increase in nitrogen and phosphorus) occurs due to excess of
vegetation.
Anthropogenic sources: Our environment is significantly polluted due to
human activities. Household wastes as well as industrial wastes comprise a
major portion of the pollutants in the air, water and soil. The biggest
ecological changes are those created by human activities.
Effects of Pollution
Short Term: Respiratory issues caused by high levels of air pollution. For example, during
a smog episode, people may experience immediate symptoms such as coughing, shortness
of breath, throat irritation, and exacerbation of asthma. These symptoms typically subside
once air quality improves.

After Diwali, Delhi experiences severe smog due to widespread firecracker use. This leads to
a sharp rise in respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and asthma exacerbations.
Hospitals see an increase in patients, and warnings are issued for vulnerable populations to
stay indoors.

During winter, Delhi's air quality worsens due to temperature inversion and crop burning
in nearby states. This leads to acute respiratory problems, eye irritation, and increased
hospital admissions. Public health advisories often recommend limiting outdoor activities
and using air purifiers.
 Effects of Pollution
Medium Term: Degradation of soil fertility due to the accumulation of pollutants like
heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste is a medium term effect of pollution. Over
time, these contaminants can alter the chemical composition of the soil, reducing its ability
to support healthy plant growth. This leads to lower agricultural yields, affecting food
security and the livelihoods of farmers. In regions heavily dependent on agriculture, such as
parts of India, this degradation can contribute to economic instability and increased
poverty.

Another example would be increased incidence of chronic respiratory diseases such as

asthma and bronchitis. Prolonged exposure to polluted air, especially in urban areas with
high levels of particulate matter, can lead to the gradual development of these conditions.
Over time, this results in a higher burden on healthcare systems and reduced quality of life
for affected individuals, particularly in densely populated cities like Delhi or Mumbai.
 Effects of Pollution
Long Term: A long term effect of pollution is climate change due to
the sustained release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and
methane. Over decades, these emissions contribute to global warming,
leading to rising temperatures, melting glaciers, more frequent and
severe weather events such as droughts, hurricanes and floods.
The long term effects include rising sea levels that threaten the coastal
communities, disruptions to agriculture, loss of biodiversity and
significant challenges to human health, economic stability and global
ecosystems.
Effects of Pollution
Health Impacts: Pollution is the leading environmental cause of disease
and premature death, responsible for over 9 million premature deaths
annually, primarily due to air pollution. It causes respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and other debilitating
conditions.
Economic Burden: Pollution imposes a significant economic cost globally,
with air pollution alone costing an estimated $8.1 trillion in 2019,
equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP. These costs arise from healthcare
expenses, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life.
 Effects of Pollution
Environmental Degradation: Pollution leads to the destruction of
ecosystems, contaminating air, water, and soil. It disrupts biodiversity,
harms wildlife, and contributes to climate change through the release of
greenhouse gases like black carbon and methane.
Impact on Poverty and Inequality: Pollution disproportionately affects
low- and middle-income countries, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
Poor populations, who lack the resources to protect themselves, suffer the
most from the health and economic impacts of pollution.
 Effects of Pollution
Cognitive and Developmental Damage: Exposure to pollutants such as lead
has severe effects on cognitive development, particularly in children. In 2019,
lead exposure resulted in the loss of 765 million IQ points globally among
children under five, significantly impacting their future potential and
economic productivity.
Control of Pollution
Regulation and Legislation: Enforcing environmental laws and standards to
limit emissions from industries, vehicles, and other sources. Examples include
setting air and water quality standards and implementing regulations on waste
management and chemical use.
Technology and Innovation: Adopting cleaner technologies and practices,
such as renewable energy sources (solar, wind), energy-efficient appliances, and
advanced pollution control equipment (scrubbers, filters) to reduce emissions
and waste.
 Control of Pollution
Public Transportation and Urban Planning: Promoting the use of public
transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce vehicular emissions. Designing
cities to minimize traffic congestion and incorporating green spaces can also
help reduce pollution levels.
Waste Management and Recycling: Improving waste management
practices, including recycling and composting, to reduce landfill waste and
prevent pollution from waste disposal sites. Proper treatment and disposal of
hazardous materials are also crucial.
 Control of Pollution
Awareness and Education: Raising public awareness about the sources
and effects of pollution and encouraging individuals and businesses to
adopt eco-friendly practices. Educational programs and campaigns can help
people understand the importance of reducing their environmental
footprint.