Page 81 - Viva ICSE Science 4 : E-book

pesticides, and burning of garbage in open areas are some of the human activities that
cause air pollution. Sources of pollutants like bacteria and virus in the air are spitting,
coughing, sneezing, improper garbage disposal, stagnant water and unhygienic living

conditions.

Eff ects of air pollution

Air pollution has a direct impact on the quality of air and human health. It causes many
health problems such as fl u, tuberculosis, asthma, chest pain, headache, irritation of

eyes, sneezing and coughing. It also causes imbalance in nature like changes in climatic
conditions.

TIME TO REVISE

Write (T) for true and (F) for false statements.

1. Bursting crackers is natural activity which causes air pollution.
2. Any substance that pollutes the air is called pollutant.
3. Air pollution causes health problems.

Preventive measures to keep air clean

• Do not waste electricity at home. Switch off the lights and fans when not in use.

• Plant more trees to keep air clean and fresh.

• Use wind energy, solar energy and other renewable sources of energy to reduce
burning of fuels.

• Use public transport or walk to go to smaller distances.

• Use CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefi ed Petroleum Gas) as fuel for

vehicles to reduce release of harmful gases.

• Factories and industries should be set up away from residential areas.
• Chimneys in factories should be fi tted with fi lters to remove harmful pollutants

before they are released into the air.

• Recycle and reuse things such as paper, plastic bags and bottles to reduce pollution.
• Garbage should not be burnt, instead, it should be disposed in landfi lls.

• Good personal and housekeeping practices like proper disposal of wastes, keeping

home and surroundings clean, maintaining personal cleanliness, covering mouth
and nose while sneezing or coughing, reduces the chances of bad air quality.

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