Air we breathe is part of the atmosphere, the mixture of gases covering the globe. This gas mixture ensure life on earth and protects us from harmful rays of the sun.

The atmosphere consists of about 10 different gases, mostly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). That remaining 1% consists of argon, carbon dioxide, helium and neon. All are gas neutral, ie not react with other substante.Mai there are traces of sulfur dioxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide and ozone (O3) and harmful gases, smoke, salt, dust and volcanic ash.

Natural balance of atmospheric gases was maintained for millions of years, is now threatened by human activity. These dangers would be the greenhouse effect, global warming, air pollution, ozone depletion and acid rain.

Over the past 200 years global industrialization disordered gas ratio needed for atmospheric balance. Burning coal and natural gas led to the formation of large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases, especially after the end of last century appeared the car. Development of agriculture led to the accumulation of large amounts of methane and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

The greenhouse effect:

Existing gases in the atmosphere must retain the heat produced by sunlight reflected from Earth. Without it the Earth would be so cold oceans would freeze supporters and people, animals and plants would die.

But when the ratio increases because of pollution gases called greenhouse gases, it is retained too much heat and the whole earth becomes warmer. For this reason in our century the average temperature has risen half a degree.

Scientists believe that this temperature increase will continue, and after all the expectations until the middle of next century will reach 1.5 to 4.5 degrees C value

By some estimates, today over one billion people breathe air heavily polluted, especially carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide from industrial processes. For this reason, the number of the chest-lung disease, especially among children and the elderly, is increasing. Same frequency of skin cancer is increasing. The reason is damaged ozone layer, which retains no harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Holes in the ozone layer:

Stratospheric ozone layer protects us retaining the sun's ultraviolet rays. Because today has greatly increased the use of chlorinated hydrocarbons, fluorinated in aerosol bottles, refrigerators, detergents, polystyrene, these gases in the air came in larger quantities than could be borne by the atmosphere. As they rise, they break down, forming cloridioni, which attack and destroy the ozone layer.

The effect has been first reported it in 1985 by scientists working in Antarctica, when they observed the formation of a hole in the ozone layer. The researchers were concerned that the ozone layer could attenuate other parts of the globe, increasing the harmful radiation. Unfortunately in 1995 was observed as in the Arctic and N Europe were formed holes in the ozone layer.

Acid rain:

Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, both results of industrial pollution, atmospheric mix with water steam. Acid rain destroys plants and animals. Whole forests have disappeared due to acid rain. Worse is if the acid rain in lakes and rivers get it going away, killing the smallest organisms. After estimating scientists until 2001 will be only in the U.S. and 50 000 lakes dead biological time.

Disturbance of natural equilibrium of the atmosphere can only harm the Earth.
Because global warming will increase sea levels, the regions located below the water is swallowed. Water is expected to swallow cities London and New York. Pollution of water resources may entail the outbreak of epidemics, the occurrence of serious illness and death. Relations are modified and rainfall distribution: entire regions can be completely drained, leading to famine and loss of many lives.

In 1995 in the UK of children under 18 years, every seventh suffered from asthma. Inflammation of lung alveoli produce shortness of breath and choking sensations.

Is not yet proven that this condition could be caused by air pollution, but one thing is certain: pollution worsens symptoms. The main culprits are the fumes and gases formed under the effect of solar radiation of combustion products.

Syrups and inhalations relieve bouts curative, preventive medication is effective, but research continues in the direction to stop these diseases, which has taken alarming proportions.

Today attention is focused increasingly more on environmental issues, many governments are considering topics? Green?. Worldwide energy storage is an acute problem.

Worldwide campaigns are started trying to persuade governments to stop the destruction of tropical rain forests. Population contribute to these campaigns, in that it no longer buy products made from tropical wood, reducing demand for it somehow. There are countries that help restore balance, by planting young trees.

One thing is certain: today we can not breathe fresh air. Freonii from industrial processes were removed and replaced with other substances.

But the atmosphere is dangerous, because the entire environment is in danger of life. It takes a radical and rigorous control for the future to be safe atmosphere.