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Effects Of Air Pollution Essay

Decent Essays

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

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