How does air pollution alter the composition of air?

Air pollution alters the composition of air by increasing the concentration of harmful substances like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter.

Air pollution is primarily caused by the release of pollutants into the atmosphere, which significantly alters the natural composition of air. The primary constituents of clean, unpolluted air are nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%), and traces of other gases like carbon dioxide and neon. However, when pollutants are introduced, these proportions change, leading to an increase in harmful substances.

One of the most common pollutants is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. High levels of CO2 in the atmosphere contribute to global warming and climate change. Another harmful pollutant is sulphur dioxide (SO2), which is produced from burning fossil fuels, especially coal. SO2 can react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulphuric acid and other harmful compounds, leading to acid rain.

Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get suspended in the air. These particles can be made up of a variety of components including acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. When inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO), are also significant air pollutants. They are released from high-temperature combustion, and can be seen as the brown haze dome above or plume downwind of cities. Nitrogen oxides are a major contributor to ozone accumulation at ground level, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues.

In conclusion, air pollution significantly alters the composition of air by increasing the concentration of harmful substances. This not only poses a threat to human health but also contributes to global environmental issues like climate change and acid rain.