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The Role of Particulate Matter in Air Pollution

 

Particulate matter causes the frequent painting of houses, cleaning of clothes and washing of cars. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide are all contributing factors to decreased visibility. 

This however, presents a hazard to operators of aircraft, automobiles and boats. A study revealed that levels of harmful microscopic particulate matter known as PM 2.5 and the pollutant which is smaller than PM 2.5 micrometers in diameter is considered particularly dangerous as it can lodge deep into the lungs and pass onto other organs and the blood stream, causing serious health risks. 

The effects of air pollution on weathers and climate aren’t far fetched. Scientists have definitely established a relationship between air pollution and weather. Each can affect the other in numerous ways. Wind and temperatures for instance affect the quantities and extent of pollutants in the air. Strong winds are air currents which may scatter pollutants in both vertical and horizontal directions. The two pollutants, however, that have major effects on climate are Carbon(IV)Oxide And particulate matter. Carbon IV Oxide tends trap heat in the lower atmosphere. Particulate matter however has the opposite effect in that it tends to reflect solar heat back into space. A marked increase in one of the following could cause a global warming as is the current global climate crisis, or a cooling trend. 

So, in other words, an increased level of particulate matter causes a deflection of heat back into space and this causes a cooling trend. Therefore, areas or regions on the earth’s surface not experiencing enough heat or radiant energy could be plagued with particulate matter in the atmosphere. 

Furthermore, another perfect example of the local effects on weather is the increase in precipitation. Like the amount of rainfall  experienced in cities and regions where large paper mills are adjacent to them. Particles from these mills act as nuclei around in which rain drops form. 

Climate change in the Niger Delta areas and regions of Nigeria where gas flaring as a result of oil drilling activities have taken its toll, the weather pattern changes have all been to glaring and are evidently displayed all year round. In the past few years, from 2015 till date, the region has experienced heavy rainfall beginning sometimes as early as January, instead of the usual time in April, and during the The dry season which is the African summer, there’s been an acute rise in temperatures making atmospheric conditions unbearably hot. 


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