Sources of Air Pollution

• Sources of Air Pollution§

Sources of Air Pollution(An overview)
There are many natural sources of air pollution such as eruption of volcanoes, biological
decay and lightning-caused forest fire. Naturally, the Earth already has its own air
pollution loading. However, industrialization or just everyday routines has become added
burden to the existing air pollution loading. Sources of air pollution are as explained
below :-
Industrial and development activities
Malaysia’s economic growth is mainly based on its manufacturing (especially
electronics), chemical and rubber industries. But higher production rates also lead to
higher emissions of organic and inorganic gases, chemicals and dust.
Different industries emit different pollutants. For example, the chemical industry releases
emissions that contain many nitrogen and sulphur compounds while refineries discharge
sulphur dioxide and hydrocarbons. The metal working industry is partially responsible for
the emissions of sulphur dioxide and large amounts of toxic dust. Human activities have
resulted in harmful substances and polluting emissions being released into the air. They
endanger our health and our natural ecosystem, and lead to an additional greenhouse
effect. (Text : 'Clean Air For Our Cities, 2006, by DOE Malaysia & German Technical
Co-operation)

Besides emissions of toxic dust, unplanned and uncontrolled development of industrial

premises or zones leads to noise pollution and vibration disturbance. The use of
conventional piling methods and the sound of exhaust fans in factories are some of the
common activities that generate high sound level.
Motor vehicles
Modern society is highly dependent on motorized transportation such as cars, trucks, and
railways. Movement of people and goods requires energy which relies mostly on the
burning of fossil fuels, thus causing emissions and noise with adverse local effects.
The air quality of the different transport modes depends on the kind of energy, engine
technology and the amount of energy consumed. Within the transport sector motorized
road traffic is the main emission source while public transport is environmentally
friendlier than passenger cars.
In 2004, nearly 14 million vehicles were registered in Malaysia, almost double the
number from a decade ago.The number will increase in the next few years, with higher
disposable incomes, rural-urban migration and the lack of efficient public transport
systems. (Text : 'Clean Air For Our Cities, 2006, by DOE Malaysia & German Technical
Co-operation)
Power Generation
Most of the energy is produced in conventional power plants burning fossil fuels like
natural gas, oil or coal. The effectiveness of these power plants is about 35 to 40 per cent
with the remaining chemical energy converted into heat.
At the moment, Malaysia produces 86% of its electricity in conventional power plants
and 14% in hydroelectric power plants.(Text : 'Clean Air For Our Cities, 2006, by DOE
Malaysia & German Technical Co-operation)
Everyday Routine
Household contribute to air pollution mainly through the use of energy that is required to
run machines and electrical appliances such as refrigerators. Refrigerators and air
conditioners not only consume energy but they pollute the environment when their
coolant fluids release Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) into the atmosphere. Chemicals used in
houses and gardens are also sources of pollution as well as toxic waste. (Text : 'Clean Air
For Our Cities, 2006, by DOE Malaysia & German Technical Co-operation)
Open Burning
Burning of older existing plantations for re-planting creates large amounts of soot
particles. These soot particles can be blown over long distances and are mainly
responsible for the haze that often covers the sky above Malaysia. These fires not only
pollute the air but also destroy the rich habitat of the flora and fauna. (Text : 'Clean Air
For Our Cities, 2006, by DOE Malaysia & German Technical Co-operation)
(Graphs and figures of Air Pollution Sources in Malaysia)§