Air Pollution as an Environmental Hazard; A Case Study Karna Basti of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

Air pollution has now been one of the major problems faced by every country of the world. This is because increase in the production and use of fossil fuels in many ways e.g. industrial revolution, rapid increase in urban population results in the increase in urban transport which ultimately pollute the environment. Many cities around the world, particularly in developing countries, are experiencing rapid growth. Larger cities with highly concentrated industry, intensive transport networks and high population density are threats to urban environment. More people, more industry, and more motor vehicles cause ever-worsening air pollution which poses serious environmental threat in many cities. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies have long identified urban air pollution as a critical public health problem. The study focused on major pollutants from different sources and impact of pollutants on human health. The study provides links between air pollution and human health. Investigation finds out a complete scenario of air pollution of the study area i.e Karna Basti, Bahawalpur and the research also helpful for discussing about the importance of green spaces in maintain the urban sustainability and show how urban green spaces are helping in decreasing air pollutants level in the atmosphere. Increasing human activities in urban arena means higher demand for energy, goods and services in one side, and more emission and material wastes on the other.