AIR POLLUTANTS Meaning and
Definition
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Air pollutants refer to various substances present in the atmosphere that can have harmful effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment as a whole. These pollutants may be introduced into the air through natural processes or as a result of human activities.
Natural sources of air pollutants include volcanic eruptions, dust storms, wildfires, and biological decay. However, most air pollutants are a result of human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, power generation, and burning of fossil fuels. These activities release a range of pollutants into the air, contaminating the atmosphere and leading to numerous health and environmental problems.
Examples of commonly encountered air pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can contribute to various adverse effects like respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, irritation of eyes and throat, damage to crops, acid rain, smog formation, and climate change.
Efforts to control air pollutants have been made through various means such as implementing emission controls, using cleaner fuels, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing air quality standards and regulations. Monitoring and reducing exposure to air pollutants is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment and safeguarding public health.
Common Misspellings for AIR POLLUTANTS
- zir pollutants
- sir pollutants
- wir pollutants
- qir pollutants
- aur pollutants
- ajr pollutants
- akr pollutants
- aor pollutants
- a9r pollutants
- a8r pollutants
- aie pollutants
- aid pollutants
- aif pollutants
- ait pollutants
- ai5 pollutants
- ai4 pollutants
- air oollutants
- air lollutants
- air -ollutants
- air 0ollutants
Etymology of AIR POLLUTANTS
The word "pollutant" originates from the Latin word "polluere", which means "to soil or defile". It was initially used in English around the mid-19th century to describe substances that contaminate or degrade the environment.
The word "air" comes from the Old English word "ær", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ahaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "h₂éh₁os", meaning "breathe". It has been used to refer to the mixture of gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere since the late Middle English period.
When combined, the term "air pollutant" refers to substances that are released into the air and can negatively impact its quality and harm living organisms.
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