🌍 Understanding Secondary Pollutants: A Hidden Threat to Our Air Quality

Did you know that not all pollutants are emitted directly into the air? Many harmful substances we breathe are actually secondary pollutants — formed when primary pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) or nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with other gases and sunlight in the atmosphere.

For example:

✅ Ozone at ground level is a major secondary pollutant formed from reactions between primary pollutants and sunlight.

✅ Acid rain results when SO₂ reacts with water vapor to create sulfuric acid, harming ecosystems and infrastructure.

✅ Ammonium sulfate, a lesser-known but significant secondary pollutant, forms when SO₂ emissions from thermal power plants combine with ammonia in the atmosphere, contributing to particulate pollution.

Understanding these processes is critical for crafting effective air pollution control strategies and public health policies. By addressing both primary emissions and their secondary byproducts, we can build a cleaner, healthier future.

Let’s invest in research, innovation, and awareness to tackle air pollution comprehensively. 🌱

#AirPollution #EnvironmentalAwareness #ClimateChange #Sustainability #CleanAir #PublicHealth #ESG #GreenIndia #PollutionControl #EnvironmentalScience