What does black carbon do to the human body?

What does black carbon do to the human body?

Inhalation of black carbon is associated with health problems including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even birth defects. And because of its ability to absorb light as heat, it also contributes to climate change.

Who is black carbon?

The WHO estimates that air pollution causes nearly two million premature deaths per year. By reducing black carbon, a primary component of fine particulate matter, the health risks from air pollution will decline.

Which country is the largest emitter of black carbon?

Black carbon, that often causes glaciers to recede, is emitted in the atmosphere due to incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in motor vehicles and aircraft exhausts, bio-fuel and biomass. Both, India and China are the largest emitters of black carbon in the world, with emissions of up to 25-35 per cent.

What is the source of black carbon?

BC particles strongly absorb sunlight and give soot its black color. BC is produced both naturally and by human activities as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. Primary sources include emissions from diesel engines, cook stoves, wood burning and forest fires.

What parts of the world are most affected by black carbon emissions?

Developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America emit more than 75 percent of global black carbon emissions, mainly from cookstoves and the burning of solid fuels like coal and wood for heating, which especially affects the health of women and girls.

How is black carbon created?

Black carbon, or soot, is part of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and contributes to climate change. Black carbon is formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood and other fuels.

What are sources of black carbon?

Is carbon black a carcinogen?

Carcinogenicity: Carbon black is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2B substance (possibly carcinogenic to humans).

Is black carbon PM2 5?

Formed by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass, black carbon, has a diameter of less than 2½ microns (PM2. 5). A major constituent of soot, black carbon is the most solar energy-absorbing component of particulate matter and can absorb one million times more energy than CO2.

What industry is the biggest polluter in the world?

1. Fuel industry. One reason the fuel industry is causing so much harm is because we rely on energy and fuel for everyday tasks – from small things like charging our phones to big things like long-haul flights. We also need coal and oil to make products such as medicines and plastics.