What aspect of air quality does the term "vitiation" refer to?

The term "vitiation" specifically refers to the degradation or impairment of air quality, particularly in terms of the depletion of essential components like oxygen. This concept is vital in understanding how the balance of gases in the atmosphere can be disrupted, affecting both human health and environmental integrity. When oxygen levels in the air are reduced, it can lead to various issues such as respiratory problems in humans and disruptions in ecological systems that depend on certain oxygen concentrations.

While pollution from industrial sources can contribute to the overall degradation of air quality, vitiation focuses more on the specific decline in oxygen levels rather than pollution in a broader sense. Similarly, variations in temperature and changes in humidity levels do not directly relate to the concept of vitiation; they pertain more to meteorological conditions rather than the specific chemical composition of the air. Understanding vitiation is crucial because it aids in assessing air quality and ensuring public health, especially in scenarios where air is being analyzed for safety and livability.