U AP Urban Air Pollution in today context

Pollution in air

1. Dr. Alok sinha Professor Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad URBAN AIR POLLUTION

2. Air Pollutants Classification of Pollutants Natural Pollutants Particulate Matter Gaseous Pollutants Pollutants based upon origin Primary Pollutants (Those emitted directly into air) Secondary Pollutants (produced through reactions between primary pollutants and natural atmospheric compound) Sources of Pollution Stationary Sources – Point ( Large Stationary Sources) and Area (Small Stationary Sources) Mobile Sources – Line ( Mobile source with definite routes)and Area (Mobile sources with indefinite routes)

3. Formation of Photochemical Smog

4. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) The objectives of air quality standards are: To indicate the levels of air quality necessary with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health, vegetation and property ; To assist in establishing priorities for abatement and control of pollutant level; To provide uniform yardstick for assessing air quality at national level ; To indicate the need and extent of monitoring programme .

5. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

6. Air Quality Assessment The air quality of different cities/towns has been compared with the respective NAAQS. Categorized into four broad categories based on an Exceedence Factor (the ratio of annual mean concentration of a pollutant with that of a respective standard). The Exceedence Factor (EF) is calculated as follows: Observed annual mean concentration of criteria pollutant Exceedence Factor = ------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual standard for the respective pollutant The four air quality categories are: Critical pollution (C) : when EF is > 1.5; High pollution (H) : when the EF is between 1.0 - <1.5; Moderate pollution (M) : when the EF between 0.5 - <1.0; and Low pollution (L): when the EF is < 0.5.

7. AQI: Air Quality Index The proposed AQI will consider eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb ) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed. Based on the measured ambient concentrations, corresponding standards and likely health impact, a sub-index is calculated for each of these pollutants. The worst sub-index reflects overall AQI. Ranges from 0 (least concern) to >300 (greatest concern) How is it measured?

8. Air Quality Air Quality Index Protect Your Health Good 0-50 No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range. Moderate 51-100 Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101-150 Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Unhealthy 151-200 Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, everyone else, especially children should limit prolonged outdoor excertion . Very Unhealthy (Alert) 201-300 Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion. Hazardous 300+ Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion

9. Reasons for High Air Pollution in India   ( i ) Poor Quality of Fuel Fuel of poor quality such as coal, diesel, petrol, fuel oil is used in India. Although during the past few years, various measures have been taken to improve the quality of fuel such as reduction of sulphur in diesel, unleaded petrol etc.   (ii) Old Process Technology Old process technology is employed in many industries especially in small scale industries resulting in high emission of air pollutants   (iii) Wrong Siting of Industries Wrong siting of industries especially close to residential areas results in people getting affected due to air pollution.   (iv) No Pollution Preventive Step in Early Stage of Industrialization No pollution preventive steps were taken in early stage of industrialization which has resulted in high levels of air pollutants in many areas.  

10.   (v) Poor Vehicle Design Poor vehicle design especially 2-stroke two wheelers result in high emission of air pollutants. (vi) Uncontrolled Growth of Vehicle Population Uncontrolled growth of vehicle population in all major cities/towns has resulted in high levels of air pollution.   (vii) No Pollution Prevention and Control System in Small/ Medium Scale Industry No pollution prevention and control system in small/medium scale industry exists resulting in high levels of air pollution.   (viii) Poor Compliance of Standard in Small/Medium Scale Industries Poor compliance of standard in small/medium scale industries also result in high levels of air pollution.

11. Thermal Power Plants

12. Toxic Element Fireworks Usage Toxic Effect of Fallout Dust & Fumes Antimony sulfide glitter effects Toxic smoke, possible carcinogen Arsenic compounds Used as colorants Toxic ash can cause lung cancer, skin irritation Barium Nitrate glittering greens Poisonous. Fumes can irritate respiratory tract.  Nitric oxide fireworks byproduct Toxic by inhalation Perchlorate -  Ammonium & Potassium propellant / oxidizer Can contaminate ground & surface waters, can cause thyroid problems in humans & animals Sulfur Dioxide gaseous byproduct of sulfur combustion Acid rain from sulphuric acid affects water sources, vegetation & causes property damage Hazardous & toxic nature of ingredients used in firecrackers

13. Pollution caused by vehicles Vehicular pollution has grown at an alarming rate due to growing urbanization in india . The pollution from vehicles has begun to tell through symptoms like cough, headache, nausea, irritation of eyes, various bronchial and visibility problems . Emission of pollutants: Hydrocarbons Carbon monoxide Sulfur dioxide Nitrogen dioxide In major metropolitan cities are estimated to account for 70% of CO, 50% of HC, 30- 40% of NOX, 30% of SPM and 10% of SO 2 of the total pollution load of these cities, of which two-third is contributed by two-wheelers alone.

14. Stubble burning