Pollution is the introduction into the environment of substances that are harmful to living beings . Although some types of pollution have natural sources, most are due to human activity. For example : transportation, tobacco, garbage.
For this reason, the greatest presence of pollution is seen in cities, where different human activities cause agents (chemical, physical or biological) that negatively affect the air, soil and water .
In fact, the first records of pollution and its harmful consequences occurred in the city of London. In 1272, King Edward I was forced to ban the burning of coal because air pollution was negatively affecting the population .
The multiplication and growth of cities are a consequence of the Industrial Revolution, which is in turn the triggering factor of pollution as an environmental problem .
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Types of pollution
In cities, as well as in other environments, pollution can be:
- Atmospheric. The release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.
- Hydrological. The presence in water of organic or inorganic substances that make it dangerous for living beings, including humans.
- From the soil. Spill or infiltration of harmful substances into the ground, affecting plant growthas well as groundwater.
- For garbage. The accumulation of waste is a form of pollution. This includes electronic waste.
- Radioactive contamination. Although radiation is commonly used in medical procedures, it only becomes an environmental problem in the case of atomic bomb explosions or nuclear plant malfunctions.
- Acoustics. Noise affects not only humans but also animals .
- Visual pollution. Natural landscapes are being altered by human intervention.
- Light pollution. The abnormal presence of light at night is caused by humans and can cause problems for plants and animals. It also impedes observation of the sky.
- Thermal pollution . Temperaturechange affects plants and animals in all ecosystems .
- Electromagnetic pollution. Electrical equipment and telephone antennas cause electromagnetic radiation .
Examples of pollution in the city
- Public and private transportation. Cars, motorcycles, and buses are major sources of air pollution. They also contribute to noise pollution (engine and horn noise).
- Light. The light we use produces light pollution, but traditional light bulbs also produce heat , causing thermal pollution. That’s why, in many countries around the world, they’ve been replaced by energy-efficient light bulbs.
- Heating. Gas, wood, or coal heating produces air pollution by releasing carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other gases. In high concentrations, these gases are deadly, so it’s critical that all forms of combustion inside homes have adequate ventilation. Heating also produces thermal pollution.
- Detergents. The detergents we use to wash surfaces, clothes, dishes, and even the soaps and shampoos we use for personal hygiene pollute the water .
- Industries. Nowadays, industrial activities tend to move slightly away from cities, settling in places called industrial parks or industrial estates. However, factories still remain in cities, creating air, noise, and light pollution, and in some cases, if toxic substances are spilled, water and soil contamination .
- CFCs. Chlorofluorocarbons are substances that were once used in aerosols, refrigerators, insulation materials , and other products. This gas produces air pollution, even depleting the ozone layer. The damage that has already been done is so severe that aerosols no longer use them, which is why you may see the words “CFC-free” or “ozone-friendly” on their labels. However, products containing CFCs can still be found in cities.
- Tobacco. In many cities around the world, smoking is prohibited in public places. This is because tobacco smoke is toxic even for nonsmokers. Tobacco is a form of air pollution.
- Volatile compounds. These are both organic and chemical compounds found in various everyday products that volatilize into the atmosphere, causing pollution. They come from products such as paint, glue, printers, carpets, and even plastic products like shower curtains. These pollutants are five times more concentrated indoors than outdoors.
- Animal feces. Cities are home to a multitude of animals and insects . In addition to domestic animals , we also find rats, cockroaches, and mites. Feces left by our pets should be picked up to prevent contamination of public spaces. To prevent contamination from other animals, homes and buildings should be frequently disinfected.
- Garbage . Garbageaccumulation is a major cause of pollution, which is why landfills are located some distance from cities.
- Pipes. In many cities around the world, tap water is safe to drink. But even this water, when it passes through lead pipes, becomes contaminated with this material.
- Antennas. Antennas and mobile phone devices cause electromagnetic pollution.