Harmful effects of burning fuels
Harmful effects of burning fuels
of atmospheric pollutants such as sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide,
and carbon monoxide. These gases readily
form smog that pollutes the air. Carbon
dioxide is the main greenhouse gas that
contributes to global warming. Another
environmental issue associated with the use
of oil is the impact of oil drilling. Most of
the oil wells lie under the ocean. Oil spill
accidents are a major threat to the marine
organisms and birds.
2. Carbon-containing fuels like wood and coal
release unburnt carbon particles which
form soot and are responsible for causing
respiratory diseases like asthma. During
incomplete combustion, the unburnt carbon
not only causes wastage of the fuel but also
pollutes the atmosphere by producing highly
poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide causes respiratory problems and
may even prove fatal.
3. The sulphur contained in coal forms sulphur
dioxide when it burns. Harmful nitrogen
oxides, heavy metals, and carbon dioxide are
also released into the air during coal burning.
The harmful oxides dissolve in rainwater to
form acids like nitric acid and sulphuric acid
which fall to the ground as acid rain. This is
harmful because it
• damages green leaves of plants and trees
• reaches the sources of surface water and
underground water and deteriorates the
quality of water
causes damage to monuments
4. The mining of coal results in the destruction
of wide areas of land. Mining this fossil fuel
is also difficult and may endanger the lives of
mine workers. Coal mining is considered one
of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
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