🌫️ Why Is Air Pollution Getting Worse?
Take a moment and think about the last time you stepped outside and actually felt fresh air. Hard to remember, right? For many of us, grey skies, coughing, and mask-wearing have become part of daily life—and air pollution is the silent reason behind it.
So, what’s really causing this dirty air we’re breathing?
🚗 1. Too Many Vehicles
Our roads are packed. Cars, buses, bikes, rickshaws—all burning petrol or diesel—release harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, plus tiny particles that go straight into our lungs.
📌 Transport contributes up to 30% of urban air pollution.
WHO, 2021
🏭 2. Industrial Smoke
Factories and brick kilns release thick clouds of smoke. Many don’t use filters or follow clean practices, especially in developing countries. This adds sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and heavy metals into the air—day after day.
🔥 3. Burning Trash and Crops
In many areas, garbage is openly burned. Farmers also burn leftover crops to clear fields. It may be fast and cheap, but the smoke it releases is choking entire cities.
🏠 4. Smoke from Inside Homes
In rural areas, people still burn wood or cow dung for cooking and heating. Without proper ventilation, that smoke builds up indoors, making the air even more toxic.
📌 3.2 million people die every year from household air pollution.
WHO
🏗️ 5. Dust from Construction
Cities are growing fast. Every time a road is dug or a building goes up, fine dust particles (PM10) are released. These hang in the air for days and cause breathing problems.
🌲 6. Fewer Trees
We cut trees to make room for buildings and farms. But trees are natural air cleaners. Without them, pollution stays in the air longer and worsens the impact on our health.
💭 What Can We Do?
We may not fix it all today, but small steps matter:
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Use public transport or walk more
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Support clean energy
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Don’t burn trash
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Plant trees—even just one
Air pollution is everyone’s problem. But change starts when we care enough to act.
Let’s work toward a future where fresh air isn’t a luxury—it’s a right.
📚 Sources:
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World Health Organization. Ambient Air Pollution
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Centre for Science and Environment. CSE India
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