Air pollution is a fairly common ordeal in our daily lives. From the simplest circumstances to the most horrific, air pollution can absolutely mean chemical, biological and physical contamination. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Many pollutants accumulate rapidly indoors, resulting in higher levels than those normally found outdoors. Indoor air pollution can be caused by smoke, fireplaces, dust and mold. These pollutants can cause a variety of health problems and, at high levels, can even be fatal. Asbestos, lead and radon are particularly dangerous indoor pollutants that can actually cause brain damage, but also cancer. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.3 million people die every year due to indoor air pollution. In less developed countries, the burning of wood, coal, dung, crop residues and other fuels can have harmful effects on health. This is especially true if they are burned in an outdoor fire indoors. Indoor air pollution is the most serious air pollution problem in the world. There are two forms of polluting smog: industrial smog and photochemical smog. Industrial smog is a mixture of sulfur dioxide, sulfuric acid and other solid particles. This type of smog is still a problem in densely populated areas of China. Indoor air pollution is caused by many household cleaning items, mold, pesticides, inadequate ventilation for cooking and heating, radon, and tobacco smoke. Indoor pollution has negative effects on the quality of the air we breathe; it can cause respiratory problems and even cancer. Photochemical smog is the chemical reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere, leaving airborne particles and ground-level ozone. Photochemical smog causes problems in cities with heavy traffic. Industrial smog also occurs when large amounts of coal are burned in power plants and factories. Another dangerous consequence of the random effect of smog is the emission of nitrous oxide. A greenhouse gas called nitrous oxide is emitted from fertilizers and animal waste and is produced by the burning of fossil fuels. Nitrogen oxides can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. It can cause problems in humans suffering from asthma or bronchitis, can suppress plant growth and reduce visibility when converted to nitric acid and nitrate salts. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now .Download a custom essay The United States Congress passed the Clean Air Acts in 1970, 1977, and 1990. Essentially, they established air pollution regulations for major pollutants. It is one of the first and most influential modern environmental laws in the United States and one of the most comprehensive air quality laws in the world. Some ways to minimize indoor air pollution are to make sure indoor areas are properly ventilated, use natural cleaning products and pesticides, use a dehumidifier in your home, don't smoke indoors, and regularly open windows and doors. The World Health Organization argues that indoor air pollution can be drastically reduced by switching from solid fuels such as biomass or coal to cleaner, more efficient fuels, along with..
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