Maharashtra Board Class 12 Environmental Education Chapter 2 Environmental Pollution PDF Download

Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is one of the major threats to mankind. Population explosion, uncontrolled industrialization, urbanization and exploitation of natural resources lead to environmental pollution. The serious ecological imbalance is due to environmental pollution. The three basic amenities for all living organisms i.e. water, land and air become polluted because of various anthropogenic activities.

Pollution can be defined as, "An undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air, water and soil that may harmfully affect life or create a potential health hazard for any living organism."

An agent which causes pollution is termed as pollutant. Pollutants can be defined as, "Any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration which may be or may tend to be injurious to the environment."

Do You Know?

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that 24% of global diseases and 23% of all deaths are caused by environmental exposures. Many of these can be prevented by better environmental management. Four diseases most influenced by poor environment are diarrhea, respiratory infections, unintentional injuries and malaria.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the entry of unwanted particulate matter, biomolecules or other harmful materials into the Earth's atmosphere. It causes diseases, death to humans and damage to other living organisms.

According to The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, "Air pollution is the presence of any solid, liquid, or gaseous substances in the atmosphere in such concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to human beings or other living creatures or plants or property or environment."

Air Pollutants

The major air pollutants are as follows:

1) Particulate matter - Soot, smoke, tar or dust and domestic wastes.

2) Toxic Gases - Carbon Monoxide (CO), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Oxides of Sulphur (SOx), Halogens (chlorine, bromine and iodine) and volatile organic compounds.

3) Metals - Lead, zinc, iron and chromium.

4) Industrial pollutants - Benzene, ether, acetic acid etc. and cyanide compounds.

5) Agricultural pollutants - Pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, Chemical fertilizers.

Teacher's Note

Air pollution is very bad for our health. In big cities like Delhi, the air is so polluted that people wear masks. We must use public transport to reduce air pollution.

Exam Trick

Remember: Pollutants = Bad things in air, water and soil. Just like dirty water is not good to drink, bad air is not good to breathe.

Points to Remember

Pollution means unwanted change in air, water and soil.
Pollutants are things that cause pollution.
Air pollution harms our lungs and health.
We must use clean fuel and public transport.
Trees help clean the air.

This is a preview of the first 3 pages. To get the complete book, click below.