The causes of pollution can be broadly categorized into natural and human- related sources:
- Natural Causes:
- Volcanic eruptions release large quantities of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen halides, and fine toxic particles that pollute the air.
- Wildfires, often caused naturally by lightning, release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulates into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.
- Human Causes:
- Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) in factories, power plants, and vehicles is the main source of air pollution, releasing harmful gases and solid particles like ash and soot, and contributing to smog, acid rain, and global warming.
- Industrial activities such as chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, refineries, and manufacturing release pollutants into air, water, and soil.
- Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds.
- Agricultural activities using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides cause soil and water pollution.
- Improper waste disposal and littering lead to land pollution and contamination of soil and water sources.
- Deforestation reduces nature’s ability to absorb pollutants, increasing pollution levels.
- Indoor pollution caused by use of toxic products, inadequate ventilation, and household combustion devices affects air quality inside homes and buildings.
Overall, pollution arises from a combination of natural events and widespread human activities that introduce harmful chemicals and wastes into the environment.
