31-01-2009, 12:25 AM
Before knowing about the control technologies used to control air pollutants. We should have a general idea of the various sources of air pollution. A source of air pollution is any activity that causes pollutants to be emitted into the air. There have always been natural sources of air pollution, also known as biogenic sources. For example, volcanoes have spewed particulate matter and gases into our atmosphere for millions of years. Lightening strikes have caused forest fires, with their resulting contribution of gases and particles, for as long as storms and forests have existed. Organic matter in swamps decay and wind storms whip up dust. Trees and other vegetation contribute large amounts of pollen and spores to our atmosphere. These natural pollutants can be problematic at times, but generally are not as much of a problem as are human-generated pollutants or anthropogenic sources. The important fact we have to remember is that ?there will always be pollution?. Since it is the sum total of those effects we have on our environment that have an adverse effect, and so, as with all environmental problems, the task is to learn more and to work to diminish the effects. Air pollution is a result of our kicking up the lithosphere too fast and furiously for the ecosphere to handle it. When this happens in nature, pollution becomes the environment, and we have to live in our own waste. Air pollution is largely a phenomenon related to the combustion of fossil fuels. The statement by some that we may have to choose between energy and the environment simply is not true. What we have to choose between is the waste and socially costly uses of energy and the environment. As more of us recognize this simple fact, significant things should begin to happen more quickly.
