Pollution is a major problem that has and is causing devastating impacts to people and the environment. It comes in many different forms such as water, air, noise, and light, all of which affect our society in different ways. The focus of my essay is specifically about air pollution and the effect it has on our society, as well as ways of preventing it from hurting future generations. Air pollution is most commonly caused by the burning of fossil fuels, agricultural activities, and exhaust from factories and industries. Many governments have already implemented air quality standards to protect against health and welfare effects. Unfortunately, these standards aren’t enforced properly and air pollution is still a major problem in today’s society.
Air pollution dates back to the late 13th century when King Edward I of England banned the burning of sea-coal in London. (Nabhan) It wasn’t until 1948 when the U.S. had its first major air pollution disaster. According to the EPA, 7,000 citizens of Donora, PA experienced severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems after a thick blanket of smog encompassed the town. The United States Environmental Protection Agency was established under the Nixon administration whose mission is to protect human health and the environment. The Clean Air Act, enacted in 1970 and amended in 1990, regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. It “requires the EPA to establish national ambient air quality standards for certain common
It was not until eight years later when the Clean Air Act of 1963 was passed that the government could take an active role in fighting and regulating air pollution. This act was one of America’s first environmental laws, and it was extremely influential. By 1990, the act would be made up of seven different titles, with each title corresponding with a type of pollution or ways to combat the pollution. When the Clean Air Act was first passed by Congress, it only contained one of the seven titles. The one title it contained was very important as it highlighted a general plan for regulating air pollution, along with more research opportunities and provisions for federal and state funding. In 1967, the Air
From North to South, East to West, New York to Ohio, the issue of air pollution and climate change has been under discussion in the last sixty years and how it has changed the climate terrain in the United States. Air pollution can be dated to October 1948, the Donora Pa for that razed almost half of the town where 14000 residents were rendered homeless and started to experience severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems. During this time, breathing became a major issue and the death toll rose to over forty people and consequently, some of the disturbing pictures emerged from Donora engulfed in a thick blanket of gray smog with cooler air bellow and some sealing pollutant (Andersen et al 2011). The Donora was
Air pollution is characterized by the introduction or rise in air gases and particles beyond the standard levels of clean air (EPA, 2016a). Types of air pollutants vary depending on the source, such as industries, motor vehicles, combustion or natural sources; however, certain air pollutants have drawn more attention because of their widespread and health effects (EPA, 2016a). Examples of these pollutants are: ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matters (EPA, 2016a). A recent report from the World Health Organization states that 98% of the cities in low and middle income countries and 56% of cities in high income countries don’t meet the WHO’s air quality standards indicating high levels of pollution (WHO, 2016). In the US, national data on air quality shows improvement in the levels of air pollutants in the past 16 years (EPA, n.d.). Specifically, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, PM10 and PM2.5 dropped by 60%, 91%, 45%, 69%, 17%, 36% and 37% respectively, yet ozone and particulate matter remained among the highest pollutants (EPA, n.d.; American Lung Association, 2016). While a similar trend of improvement in air pollution can be seen across cities and counties in the US, it is well documented that some counties score substantially higher all year round on air pollution quality standards (EPA, n.d.).
Air pollution is a major cause of disease and death in large cities, which can be prevented. Despite improvements to enhance air quality through the years, the San Joaquin Valley does not meet the requirements of federal and state health ozone levels and particulate pollutants. Ozone is particularly a problem during the summer because high temperatures "cook" chemicals with sunlight to produce smog. Particles, meanwhile, represent a problem during the fall and winter season, when the increase in vehicle emissions and investing layers prevent the spread of these contaminants. Contaminant particles with a size of 10 microns or less (PM10) are a mixture of soot, chemicals, dust, salt, dirt, metals, smoke and toxins. PM10 are very small, about one-seventh the width of a human hair. Although they are micro size, they are dangerous as they can penetrate the body's natural defenses and concentrate on the depth of the lungs. Exposure to high concentrations of these particles can cause heart attacks, increase the risk of lung cancer, worsening conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and reduce the function of the lungs. PM10 also include the group of particles known as PM2.5 refined. The sources of air pollution and related poor health are in transportation, power generation, home, for example, and vary between cities and regions. Effective interventions can reduce air pollution related diseases and produce health benefits, example, sustainable transport, energy-efficient buildings
Air pollution is the largest killer in the developing world, taking the lives of over 7 million people annually. While air pollution does take place in America daily, we are not exposed to the high levels of PM 2.5, PM10, and other pollutants that developing countries are. It is very much real, and a global challenge that affects us, as a world as whole, causing global warming, and emission of greenhouse gases. In America we have air regulations in effect, along with other developed countries like Canada, and France, in an attempt to regulate the amount of air pollution released in the air. While we are not a perfect nation, or the most Earth friendly country, we, the population, do not consider the long term effects of air pollution. Many people living in developing countries are basically forced to live in these harsh conditions because of how poor they and their country are; the lack of enforcement on air regulations contributes strongly to the problem. This results in smog filled cities, poor living conditions, millions of premature deaths, and many affected by the heavy amount of air pollution that is shamelessly forced into the air.
Air pollution not only affects our health but also has huge impact on the well being of the planet
Growing up with busy parents lead me to look forward to car rides. I remember that I would rush to the car in pure excitement, so that I could view the beautiful skies dashing passed me as I talk to my parents. It did not matter where we would go as long as I got to be in the car with my family. Music peacefully played in the background as the sun set and my eyes would grow heavy, then I would soon be sound asleep. It was not until recently, when I visited New York City, that I fully awoke to the harsh reality of automobiles. My memory of the once magnificent skies in Oklahoma darkened by smog I witnessed in New York City and the music could no longer be heard over the loud noises of destruction.
Cars have been around for over 100 years and they have provided a fast way of transportation. However, many people do not realize the harmful emissions that cars exert and the detrimental effects that they pose on environments and ecosystems around the world. Hawaii is a small state and tourism is what drives our economy. Activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and shopping are some of the main attractions in Hawaii. As a result, tourism causes a lot of car use and that paired with the rapidly increasing population of Hawaii, air pollution will destroy the environment and organisms of Hawaii. It is important that the people of Hawaii focus on this issue as soon as possible in order to save the environment and tourism. I want to try to persuade and show the public about the benefits that an electric car can have and show the negative effects that petroleum and diesel fuel using cars can have on the environment by using posters and ads and also making a non-profit organization that uses volunteers to help spread the word about the negative effects of car emissions and the benefits of electric vehicles..
Air pollution is when harmful chemicals are put into the air. Most of the air pollution in the usa is caused by the burning of fossil fuels such as; coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline. Why do we continue to burn these knowing what it does to the environment? We continue to burn these harmful chemicals because they bring us electricity and they power our vehicles. To reduce air pollution we can do a few different kinds of things. We can conserve energy, meaning remember to turn off lights and other devices when not in use. Use energy efficient light bulbs and other appliances. Limit driving by carpooling, public transportation, biking, or walking, and Choose environmentally friendly cleaners only.
Every human on the earth breath the air around to live and survive. However, the quality of the air is an important thing to take care of. Because, there are pollutants that can be present in the air at high levels. When present, there are many effects that can occur. So, let’s look at my region, the pollutants present in the air and what these pollutants can do.
“To taste the morning air! The deliciously crisp and sweet air for which I long” (O'Sheridan, 2011). Have you tasted the salty air of the sea or the cold, crisp air of the Colorado Rockies? According to recent studies scientists have found that the human lung can “taste” bitter substances in the air. (Connor, 2010) So how about the layered bitter, astringent, smoky taste of Shanghai? In January of 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing reported that a toxic cloud the size of the Greenland covered parts of China causing the levels of a particulate air pollution that seeps into the lung, vein, and heart tissue, to surge above 850 micrograms per cubic meter. According to the UN, 20 micrograms per cubic meter is considered to be the highest safe level. (Meyer, 2017)
Environmental quality contributes significantly to the liveability of places due to the impact that air pollution, waste and Water quality which negatively impacts the livability of the environment and us humans. Environmental quality can change in many different ways such as the climate change.There are many different types of pollution that negatively affects the environment and our environment and the animals and humans inhabiting it. The environment is also affected by waste such as sewage, rubbish that could damage the environment and its animals, and in the process, it may generate methane gas.The rubbish and sewage cause extinction of marine species if flows in the water.
Historically (pre-1892), the agrarian landscape was conducive to clean air; a time void of pollutants; however, with the advent of the industrial revolution, air quality was forever changed. Interestingly, two of today’s leading contributors of emissions are the result of two significant man-made events dating back to 1892 and 1893, which first began polluting the air. First came the emergence of factories with their emission billowing smokestacks (Davis & Henderson, 2011), which was followed by the first gasoline-powered automobile housing an internal combustion engine in 1983 (The Library of Congress, 2017). Although there’s shared knowledge about the importance of air quality and the health implications associated with air pollution, factories are still releasing toxic fumes and automobiles are releasing exhaust (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2013). Subsequently, that which was the catalyst that carried society into the modern era remains a public health threat 125 years later.
Having over 121,000 kilometers of rail lines throughout China and 228,218 kilometers throughout the United States transcontinental travel throughout the countries has become immensely accessible. The use of such transports has subsequently resulted in an emittance of pollutants such as nitrous oxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide. The increase of the anthropocentric activity dictates the positive feed back loop of the total emissions of criteria pollutants.
Earth is the only place in the universe that can support human life. It is very important that we realize this fact and take very good care of it. Various human activities cause the destruction of earth. Human beings can live a few days without food and water however humans can last only a few seconds without oxygen. Various human activities lead to the aggravation of the quality of air. Gases produced by human activities mainly due to exploitation of resources and industrialization cause air pollution. Green house gases mainly chlorofluorocarbons; carbon