Impact of Rapid Population Growth on the Environment

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According to Musaila K, (2007), air pollution is the introduction into the air of any substance different from any of its natural constituents. This leads to the contamination of the atmosphere by gaseous, liquid, or solid wastes or by-products that can endanger human health, welfare of plants and animals, or can attack materials, reduce visibility, or produce undesirable odours. This essay will discuss the problems of air pollution in Zambia in relation to its status, impact on health and the environment. The paper will also look at the potential sources of air pollution in Zambia and their impacts at local and regional levels. This is important because it marks a critical point if any measures for mitigations and remedial are to be taken. Most air pollution comes from human activities such as burning fossil fuels to power industrial processes and motor vehicles. Among the harmful chemical compounds this burning puts in the atmosphere are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide and tiny solid particles. The increasing impact of air pollution in Zambia especially on the copperbelt has of late become an issue of concern to most people. The release of the harmful gases into the atmosphere cause serious problems of air pollution. These can take part in further chemical reactions once they are in the atmosphere, forming smog and acid rain. Apart from the issue of harmful gases being released into the atmosphere, dust from activities such as quarrying, road repair and rehabilitation in various parts of the country is another form of air pollution in Zambia. Dust is also released from open pit mining activities such as Nchanga open pit mine in Chingola and Lumwana open pit mining activities Solwezi. Open air burning though illegal is practiced every year in various locations in Zambia. These contribute to the poor quality of air by the

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