What’s air Pollution? This is the act of contaminating the air with toxic substances

Ways in which the air is polluted

• Smoking cigarettes-Carbon dioxide, tar and nicotine cause respiratory diseases.
• Gases from vehicle-Such gases contain harmful chemicals such as sulphur and lead.
• Burning tyres and plastic materials-When they burn, they produce toxic gases
• Spraying farm chemicals-Some particles which are harmful to living things remain suspended in the air
• Aerosol sprays – they interfere with the ozone
• Industrial waste gases e.g. sulphur dioxide

What are Effects of air pollution on plants?

• Dust particles, soot and smoke block stomata.
• It affects photosynthesis
• It interferes with transpiration and gases exchange.
• Acid rain damages the leaves and roots of the plants.
• Acid rain interferes with living organisms in the soil.
• Decomposition of animals and plant materials is affected.

What are Effects of air pollution on animals?

• It affects the respiratory system resulting in sneezing, coughing and bronchitis.
• Acid rain may kill aquatic animals
• Polluted air may lead to lung cancer

What are Effects of air pollution on non-living things?

• Acid rains eat away (corrode) some metals e.g. iron sheets and limestone (marble)
• Smoke and smog cause poor visibility, increasing accidents on the roads.
• Dust contaminates our environment

Ways of controlling air pollution

1. Not burning tyres and plastic materials that emit toxic
2. Vehicles should have well-maintained
3. Reducing the use of farm chemicals e.g. pesticides and use biological and mechanical methods of control.
4. Avoid the use of harmful aerosol sprays which deplete the ozone layer. Use ozone -riendly chemicals.
5. On-site treatment g. industrial gases
6. Ban cigarette smoking in public