An environmental issue
Pollution
Title:
Pollution:
A Major Threat to Our Planet
Presented by -
Ashmit Kumar
Kunwar Ravish Chauhan
Santosh Prajapati
What is Pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful
substances or pollutants into the environment,
causing damage to air, water, land, and living
organisms. It can result from human activities like
industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, plastic
waste, and deforestation, leading to negative
effects on health and ecosystems.
Types of Pollution
Air Pollution
“Air Pollution is the release of pollutants such as gases,
particles, etc. into the air that is harmful to human health
and the environment.” It is the contamination of air by
harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants,
animals and humans drastically.
There are a certain percentage of gases present in the
atmosphere. An increase or decrease in the composition
of these gases is harmful to survival.
This imbalance in the gaseous composition has resulted
in an increase in earth‟s temperature, which is known as
global warming.
AQI is a numerical scale used to measure air pollution
levels and their impact on human health. It considers
pollutants such as NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃.
Precautionary Measures Based on AQI
AQI 0-100 (Good to Moderate): No restrictions; outdoor activities are
safe.
AQI 101-150 (Sensitive Groups Affected): People with respiratory issues
should reduce prolonged outdoor exposure.
AQI 151-200 (Unhealthy): Avoid outdoor exercise, wear masks, and use air
purifiers.
AQI 201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Stay indoors, limit outdoor travel, and use
N95 masks.
AQI 301-500 (Hazardous): Emergency situation; everyone should remain
indoors and follow government advisories.
Radioactive Pollution
Radioactive pollution occurs when harmful
radiation from nuclear materials enters the
environment. It is caused by nuclear power
plant accidents, improper disposal of nuclear
waste, nuclear weapon testing, and mining of
radioactive minerals.
Exposure to radiation can cause serious
health problems like cancer, genetic
mutations, and organ damage.
Thermal Pollution
Thermal pollution may be defined as the degradation of
water quality by any process that changes ambient water
temperature.
Thermal pollution is best known as sudden increases or
decreases in the temperature of water bodies like
oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, streams, etc. Usually, the
industries use water for cooling purposes for machinery
or other production processes.
Water Pollution
Water pollution happens when harmful
substances, like trash or chemicals, get into
rivers, lakes, or oceans.
It can make the water unsafe for animals and
plants, and sometimes even for people who
use the water.
Land Pollution
When the land is filled with garbage, it's called
land pollution. This can include things like
plastic, paper, or other waste that doesn't
break down easily.
Land pollution can harm animals and plants
living on or in the ground.
Types of Physical Pollution
Light Pollution Noise Pollution
Light pollution refers to the Noise pollution is defined as
excessive, misdirected, or environmental noise or an unwanted
intrusive use of artificial light sound that is annoying, distracting,
that disrupts natural darkness. or physically harmful. Harms include
It affects humans, wildlife, and hearing loss, stress, sleeplessness
ecosystems while also wasting etc. Noise pollution is also known as
energy. sound pollution
Causes of Pollution
Population Explosion
Over population is the biggest
cause for the increasing pollution all
over India.
One of the example is Delhi “the
capital state”,
the pollution as well as the AQI of
Delhi is increasing Day-by-Day
Nuclear Accidents
One major cause of radiation pollution is nuclear
accidents at power plants or facilities handling
radioactive materials.
Example:
Chernobyl Disaster (1986, Ukraine) – A reactor
explosion released massive radioactive
contamination into the air, soil, and water.
Fukushima Daiichi Disaster (2011, Japan) – A
tsunami damaged a nuclear plant, causing
radiation leaks.
Parali burning in Delhi and Haryana
Parali (stubble) burning in Delhi and Haryana is a major cause of air pollution,
especially in winter. Farmers burn leftover crop stalks to clear their fields
quickly, releasing thick smoke and harmful gases. This leads to dense smog,
reduces visibility, and causes health issues like breathing problems, cough, and
eye irritation. It worsens air quality in Delhi and nearby areas, affecting
millions of people.
Poor waste management
Poor waste management happens when garbage
is not collected, disposed of, or recycled properly.
It leads to pollution of land, water, and air,
creating an unhealthy environment. Dumping
waste in open areas causes bad smells, spreads
diseases, and harms animals. Plastic waste clogs
drains and pollutes rivers, while burning trash
releases toxic smoke. Proper waste disposal,
recycling, and waste reduction can help keep our
surroundings clean and safe.
Smoke from Vehicles
and Industries
Smoke from vehicles and industries is a
major source of air pollution. It contains
harmful gases and particulate matter that
affect human health and the environment.
In the current scenario about 18,00
vehicles are added to Delhi’s road each
day by which vehicles continues to remain
the largest source of pollution in Delhi.
Effects of Pollution
🔴 Air Pollution
Respiratory Issues – Asthma, bronchitis, lung
infections due to PM2.5, SO₂, NOx.
Cardiovascular Diseases – High blood pressure,
heart attacks from long-term exposure.
Cancer Risk – Carcinogenic pollutants (benzene,
VOCs, radioactive materials).
Neurological Disorders – Lead and mercury
poisoning affect brain function.
Water Pollution
Waterborne Diseases – Cholera, dysentery,
and typhoid from contaminated water.
Heavy Metal Poisoning – Mercury, arsenic, and
lead cause kidney damage and brain
disorders.
Harmful Algal Blooms – Toxins in water bodies
kill aquatic life and affect drinking water.
☢️ Radiation Pollution
Genetic Mutations – DNA damage
leads to birth defects and cancers.
Weakened Immunity – Long-term
radiation exposure lowers disease
resistance.
🔦 Light & Noise Pollution
Disrupts Wildlife – Artificial lights
confuse birds, insects, and sea turtles.
Affects Human Health – Noise pollution
causes stress, anxiety, and hearing loss.
How to Help!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Use Clean Energy Plant Trees
We can reduce pollution by Using clean energy sources, Trees help clean the air. By
using less plastic and like solar power and wind planting more trees, we can
throwing away less trash. power, can help reduce air make our environment healthier.
pollution.
Conclusion
Pollution poses severe threats to human
health, ecosystems, and economies. Strict
regulations, sustainable practices, and
awareness can help mitigate these impacts.
