(BLACK PR WIRE) -- For many years, air pollution has been considered a threat to the Earth’s ecosystems, as well as to human health. In fact, worldwide air pollution may be responsible for large numbers of deaths and cases of respiratory disease. Although major sources are often associated with air pollution, the greatest source of emissions comes from automobiles, according to www.wikipedia.org.

There are several main types and effects of pollution which are commonly discussed. These include smog, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and “holes” in the ozone layer. Each of these problems has implications for our health and well being, as well as for the environment as a whole.

When people think of pollution, they usually think of outdoor air pollution, which includes the release of particles into the air from burning fuel for energy. Burning fuels can come from automobiles, homes, and industries. Some authorities even believe that the burning of wood and charcoal in fireplaces and barbeques can release major quantities of soot into the air. Yet and still, there is the release of noxious gases, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and chemical vapors. These can take part in further chemical reactions once they are in the atmosphere, forming smog and acid rain.

Air pollution, however, can also exist inside our homes, offices and schools. Indoor air pollution sources include tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, and vapors from building materials, paints, furniture, etc.

We must be very cognizant of both outdoor and indoor air pollution. When it comes to our health, air pollution can affect us drastically, both in the short and long term. Short term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Long term effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. (www.lbl.gov)

According to www.wikipedia.org, efforts are already underway to find a solution to reduce air pollution. There are efforts to reduce pollution from mobile sources including primary regulation (many developing countries have permissive regulations), expanding regulation to new sources (such as cruise and transport ships, farm equipment, and small gas-powered equipment such as lawn trimmers, chainsaws, and snowmobiles), increased fuel efficiency (such as through the use of hybrid vehicles), conversion to cleaner fuels (such as bioethanol, biodiesel), or conversion to electric vehicles with renewable energy sources (batteries or clean fuel such as hydrogen being used for transport and storage).

In short, it’s up to all of us to reduce air pollution in order to ensure that a healthy environment will exist for everyone.