Vehicular Pollution problems in India
There are three broad sources of air pollution from human activities: stationary or point, mobile, and indoor. In developing countries especially in the rural area, indoor air pollution from using open fires for cooking and heating may be a serious problem. Industries, power plants etc. are the cause of stationary air pollution. But in urban areas – both developing and developed countries, it is predominately mobile or vehicular pollution that contributes to air quality problem. The worst thing about vehicular pollution is that it cannot be avoided as the vehicular emissions are emitted at the near-ground level where we breathe. Pollution from vehicles gets revealed through symptoms like cough, headache, nausea, irritation of eyes, various bronchial problems and visibility and are due to discharges like CO, unburned HC, Pb compounds, NOx, soot and aldehydes, among others, from the tail pipes of vehicles.
VEHICULAR POLLUTION
1.High vehicle density in Indian urban centers.
2.Older vehicles predominant in vehicle vintage.
3.Inadequate inspection and maintenance facilities.
4.Predominance of two stroke two wheelers.
5.Adulteration of fuel and fuel products.
6.Improper traffic management system and road conditions.
7.High levels of pollution at traffic intersections.
8.Absence of effective mass rapid transport system & intra-city railway networks.
9.High population exodus to the urban centers.
VEHICULAR POLLUTION CONTROL
1.Augmentation of public transport system
2.Mass Rapid Transport System may be considered for the fast expanding and major urban areas in the country.
3.Incentives and regulations affecting vehicles with a view to reducing the rate of growth in ownership of personal vehicles.
4.Reduce congestion through traffic planning and management.
5.Also, construction of express highways linking major urban areas should be undertaken.
6.Greater promotion and use of alternative fuels such as CNG/LPG/Propane/ battery operated vehicles. Expansion of CNG dispensing facilities and increased fiscal incentives for CNG kits.
7.Curbing fuel adulteration—state-of-the-art testing facilities and deterrent legal action.
8.Scrap page of old and polluting vehicles on road.
Need for an integrated approach with appropriate regulations and pricing mechanisms.
Further tightening of emission norms and fuel quality specifications.
Inspection and Certification System.
AIR POLLUTANTS AND RELATED ILLNESS
A compelling reason for controlling air pollutants such as suspended particulate matter (SPM) or respirable particulate matters (RPM) or sulphur dioxide (SO2) is their damaging effect on human health. Of all air pollution constituents, the WHO has identified SPM as the most sinister in terms of its effect on health.
Sulphur Dioxide (Sox):
Colourless Gas (Diesel-driven vehicles).
Bronchitis, frequent colds, emphysema, lung cancer.
Nitrogen Oxide (Nox):
Yellowish gas (Diesel-driven).
Bronchitis, low lung function in children, high incidence of asthma. Combines with oxygen to form ozone, which causes progressive lung damage.
Carbon Monoxide (CO):
Invisible gas (Petrol-driven vehicles)
Impairs oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Affects central nervous system, high blood pressure, heart disease. More than 3% concentration by volume in respirated air can lead to sudden death.
Lead (Pb):
Metallic, chemical element
Extremely toxic, affects central nervous system. Leads to loss of weight, abdominal pain, brain damage and low IQ in children.
Hydrocarbons (HC):
Sweet smelling, colourless or whitish gas (Emitted by 2- and 3-wheelers).
Bronchitis, eye irritation, cataracts, cancer of skin & liver.
Suspended particulate matter (SPM).
Bits of carbon, ash and oil emitted specially from diesel-driven vehicles.20% vehicles are diesel powered.
This affects us the worst, as range in size from 15 to 2.5 micrograms per cubic metre and are fine enough to be deeply respirable.
Benzene:
Inherent in all fuels - petrol and diesel.
Hemorrhage of lungs. Highly carcinogenic and not regularly monitored by the Authorities.
Toxic Air Pollutants
Toxic air pollutants are those pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive effects or birth defects. Air toxics may also cause adverse environmental and ecological effects. Examples of toxic air pollutants include benzene, found in gasoline; perchloroethylene, emitted from some dry cleaning facilities; and methylene chloride, used as a solvent by a number of industries. Most air toxics originate from man-made sources including cars, trucks, construction equipment factories, refineries, power plants, cleaning solvents etc. Some air toxics are also released from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a worldwide problem that takes a heavy toll on the state of our environment, health and quality of life. Sources of air pollution, India's most severe environmental problem, come in several forms, including vehicular emissions and untreated industrial smoke. Apart from rapid industrialization, urbanization has resulted in the emergence of industrial centers without a corresponding growth in civic amenities and pollution control mechanisms. Air pollution can makes us sick and contributes to chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Some air pollutants return to earth as acid rain and snow that can damage ecosystems such as lakes and forests, making them unlivable habitats for many plant and animal species. Acid rain can also have direct economic effects by damaging crops and corroding buildings and historic monuments. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) are another form of air pollution that can erode the Earth's protective ozone layer, which shields us from the Sun's more damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Some Facts about Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change :
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that human activity is interfering with the planet's climate system, causing the Earth to become warmer. The increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere are the leading cause of global warming which is enhancing the planet's natural 'greenhouse effect'. These increased levels of GHG are a result of intense industrial activity. India's energy-related carbon emissions have grown nine-fold over the past four decades. The planet has been getting warmer over the past 100 years. In fact, the 1980's and 1990's were the warmest decades on record, and the 20th century was the warmest in the past 1000 years. All estimates indicate that the warming will continue. According to the IPCC, average global temperatures are expected to rise by 1.4° to 5.8° Celsius over the next century. To put that into perspective, today's average temperatures are only about 5° warmer than they were during the last Ice Age. However, this small change in average temperature was enough to melt the vast ice sheets that once covered much of North America.
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming:
For hundreds of years the Earth's atmosphere has changed very little. It has kept the right temperature for plants and animals, including humans, to survive quite comfortably. Our modern lifestyle and the growth in global population are causing a huge increase in the world's use of energy. Much of the energy we use to power our vehicles, produce electricity and manufacture products comes from fossil fuels. Much of the energy we use to power our vehicles, produce electricity and manufacture products comes from fossil fuels. When burned, these fossil fuels add large amounts of greenhouse gases especially carbon dioxide.If we keep going the way we are today, humans will be responsible for doubling the amount of carbon dioxide in the air before the year 2050.The addition of greenhouse gases from human or manmade sources is throwing our atmosphere and the natural greenhouse effect out of balance. It would appear that the atmosphere is trapping too much heat and causing the Earth to heat up. This is known as GLOBAL WARMING.
Fact : By the year 2050, if we keep increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the world could be 3 degrees Celsius warmer than it is today.
Did You Know? Some of our energy sources, known as fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas have been trapped beneath the ground for millions of years. They release large quantities of greenhouse gases.
Did You Know? Plants and trees are natural regulators of the atmosphere. They help keep things in balance. Destroying our forests, or deforestation, upsets this balance and actually results in increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Fact: Saving energy helps to slow global warming. Saving energy also helps solve other environmental problems like acid rain and smog .
VEHICULAR POLLUTION
1.High vehicle density in Indian urban centers.
2.Older vehicles predominant in vehicle vintage.
3.Inadequate inspection and maintenance facilities.
4.Predominance of two stroke two wheelers.
5.Adulteration of fuel and fuel products.
6.Improper traffic management system and road conditions.
7.High levels of pollution at traffic intersections.
8.Absence of effective mass rapid transport system & intra-city railway networks.
9.High population exodus to the urban centers.
VEHICULAR POLLUTION CONTROL
1.Augmentation of public transport system
2.Mass Rapid Transport System may be considered for the fast expanding and major urban areas in the country.
3.Incentives and regulations affecting vehicles with a view to reducing the rate of growth in ownership of personal vehicles.
4.Reduce congestion through traffic planning and management.
5.Also, construction of express highways linking major urban areas should be undertaken.
6.Greater promotion and use of alternative fuels such as CNG/LPG/Propane/ battery operated vehicles. Expansion of CNG dispensing facilities and increased fiscal incentives for CNG kits.
7.Curbing fuel adulteration—state-of-the-art testing facilities and deterrent legal action.
8.Scrap page of old and polluting vehicles on road.
Need for an integrated approach with appropriate regulations and pricing mechanisms.
Further tightening of emission norms and fuel quality specifications.
Inspection and Certification System.
AIR POLLUTANTS AND RELATED ILLNESS
A compelling reason for controlling air pollutants such as suspended particulate matter (SPM) or respirable particulate matters (RPM) or sulphur dioxide (SO2) is their damaging effect on human health. Of all air pollution constituents, the WHO has identified SPM as the most sinister in terms of its effect on health.
Sulphur Dioxide (Sox):
Colourless Gas (Diesel-driven vehicles).
Bronchitis, frequent colds, emphysema, lung cancer.
Nitrogen Oxide (Nox):
Yellowish gas (Diesel-driven).
Bronchitis, low lung function in children, high incidence of asthma. Combines with oxygen to form ozone, which causes progressive lung damage.
Carbon Monoxide (CO):
Invisible gas (Petrol-driven vehicles)
Impairs oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Affects central nervous system, high blood pressure, heart disease. More than 3% concentration by volume in respirated air can lead to sudden death.
Lead (Pb):
Metallic, chemical element
Extremely toxic, affects central nervous system. Leads to loss of weight, abdominal pain, brain damage and low IQ in children.
Hydrocarbons (HC):
Sweet smelling, colourless or whitish gas (Emitted by 2- and 3-wheelers).
Bronchitis, eye irritation, cataracts, cancer of skin & liver.
Suspended particulate matter (SPM).
Bits of carbon, ash and oil emitted specially from diesel-driven vehicles.20% vehicles are diesel powered.
This affects us the worst, as range in size from 15 to 2.5 micrograms per cubic metre and are fine enough to be deeply respirable.
Benzene:
Inherent in all fuels - petrol and diesel.
Hemorrhage of lungs. Highly carcinogenic and not regularly monitored by the Authorities.
Toxic Air Pollutants
Toxic air pollutants are those pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive effects or birth defects. Air toxics may also cause adverse environmental and ecological effects. Examples of toxic air pollutants include benzene, found in gasoline; perchloroethylene, emitted from some dry cleaning facilities; and methylene chloride, used as a solvent by a number of industries. Most air toxics originate from man-made sources including cars, trucks, construction equipment factories, refineries, power plants, cleaning solvents etc. Some air toxics are also released from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a worldwide problem that takes a heavy toll on the state of our environment, health and quality of life. Sources of air pollution, India's most severe environmental problem, come in several forms, including vehicular emissions and untreated industrial smoke. Apart from rapid industrialization, urbanization has resulted in the emergence of industrial centers without a corresponding growth in civic amenities and pollution control mechanisms. Air pollution can makes us sick and contributes to chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Some air pollutants return to earth as acid rain and snow that can damage ecosystems such as lakes and forests, making them unlivable habitats for many plant and animal species. Acid rain can also have direct economic effects by damaging crops and corroding buildings and historic monuments. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) are another form of air pollution that can erode the Earth's protective ozone layer, which shields us from the Sun's more damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Some Facts about Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change :
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that human activity is interfering with the planet's climate system, causing the Earth to become warmer. The increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere are the leading cause of global warming which is enhancing the planet's natural 'greenhouse effect'. These increased levels of GHG are a result of intense industrial activity. India's energy-related carbon emissions have grown nine-fold over the past four decades. The planet has been getting warmer over the past 100 years. In fact, the 1980's and 1990's were the warmest decades on record, and the 20th century was the warmest in the past 1000 years. All estimates indicate that the warming will continue. According to the IPCC, average global temperatures are expected to rise by 1.4° to 5.8° Celsius over the next century. To put that into perspective, today's average temperatures are only about 5° warmer than they were during the last Ice Age. However, this small change in average temperature was enough to melt the vast ice sheets that once covered much of North America.
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming:
For hundreds of years the Earth's atmosphere has changed very little. It has kept the right temperature for plants and animals, including humans, to survive quite comfortably. Our modern lifestyle and the growth in global population are causing a huge increase in the world's use of energy. Much of the energy we use to power our vehicles, produce electricity and manufacture products comes from fossil fuels. Much of the energy we use to power our vehicles, produce electricity and manufacture products comes from fossil fuels. When burned, these fossil fuels add large amounts of greenhouse gases especially carbon dioxide.If we keep going the way we are today, humans will be responsible for doubling the amount of carbon dioxide in the air before the year 2050.The addition of greenhouse gases from human or manmade sources is throwing our atmosphere and the natural greenhouse effect out of balance. It would appear that the atmosphere is trapping too much heat and causing the Earth to heat up. This is known as GLOBAL WARMING.
Fact : By the year 2050, if we keep increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the world could be 3 degrees Celsius warmer than it is today.
Did You Know? Some of our energy sources, known as fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas have been trapped beneath the ground for millions of years. They release large quantities of greenhouse gases.
Did You Know? Plants and trees are natural regulators of the atmosphere. They help keep things in balance. Destroying our forests, or deforestation, upsets this balance and actually results in increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Fact: Saving energy helps to slow global warming. Saving energy also helps solve other environmental problems like acid rain and smog .
posted by Likhitha @ 1:58 PM,
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