Living in South Korea, I sometimes experience days where I look out the window and fail to see past a few blocks due to the pollutants in the air. Ever since I was born, air pollution has been an existing problem in the area I live in, and oftentimes was not able to go outside or was advised to wear a mask as a result. What is air pollution and what causes it? What are the effects of it and how can we prevent or minimize it?

Air pollution is the term referring to the harmful gases that are in the air (1). Although it can be naturally caused by pollen and volcanoes, it is mostly caused by human activities and inventions (2). Gasoline-driven cars and trucks we see on the road contribute to it when the vehicle releases carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases into the air (1). Factories that exist to produce goods we use every day contribute to it as well, as it burns fossil fuels and also releases greenhouse gases as a result (1). 

There are many devastating consequences of air pollution. Global warming is a major one (2). When greenhouse gases are released from factories or vehicles, it traps heat inside the atmosphere which can be deadly if there are excess amounts of it (2). Global temperatures have been rising and will continue to rise if we do not reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we produce (2). Not only does air pollution harm the environment, but it also harms the health of us humans. Air pollutants are carcinogens, which are substances that can cause cancer (1). Not only will it harm our lungs when breathed in, but it will also irritate our eyes and skin which may lead to blood disorders (1).

There are a few ways we can minimize air pollution. One way we can help is by trying to transport less with vehicles that are known to cause air pollution (1). We can also buy an electric car instead, as they are friendlier to the environment (1). Another way we can help is by supporting leaders that promise to reduce air pollution (1). Although this may not sound like much, if many people consistently follow these methods, I believe that together, we can truly make a change. 

1: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know

2: https://sciencing.com/effects-car-pollutants-environment-23581.html