Write a short note on the following:

(a) Radiation

(b) Oil spill

(c) Air pollution

(d) Noise pollution

(a) Radiation — Radiation pollution is the emission of highly charged particles and electromagnetic rays entering the earth's atmosphere. Sources of radiation may be natural or man-made. Natural sources consist of cosmic rays that pollute the life supporting systems like air, water and soil. Man-made sources consist of waste water from nuclear power stations, mining of uranium ore, waste from hospitals where isotopes are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes etc.

(b) Oil spill — The leakage or spill of oil in the sea cause a layer of oil spreading on the water. This is known as oil spill. The oil spread on the sea water acts as an insulating layer between air and water. Due to this, the oxygen of the atmosphere cannot mix with water. It leads to death of aquatic animals due to deficiency of dissolved oxygen. The birds cannot fly as their feathers are oil-soaked.

(c) Air pollution — The contamination of air with harmful gases and particles is called air pollution. Natural sources of air pollution consist of volcanic eruption, dust storms and forest fires. Man-made sources consist of burning of fossil fuels, use of CFCs, industrial and construction wastes etc. Air pollution leads to poor air quality which further result in breathing problems, lung diseases, smog, damage to buildings and also disrupts ecological balance.

(d) Noise pollution — Any sound that causes annoyance is regarded as noise and is considered as a source of pollution. Sound level of about 80 decibels causes noise pollution. The sources of noise pollution are aeroplanes,trains, loud-speakers, fire crackers and industries etc. Noise pollution cause discomfort, deafness, high blood pressure, palpitation, headache etc.