Port-Pirie Environmental Effects

Pollution continues to pose an enormous threat to residents of urban cities worldwide. In the August 2008 Monthly Update, it is stated that approximately 800,000 deaths each year can be attributed to outdoor air pollution, making pollution the single most harmful environmental hazard to human health in urban areas (Kallman). The fact that pollution kills hundreds of thousands of people each year alone portrays just how dangerous living in these conditions can be. Kallman writes about a study which proves an increase in upper respiratory diseases, cardiovascular mortality, respiratory mortality, and low birth weights when exposed to air pollutants (August 2008: Monthly Update). These can be very serious diseases and complications which, when contracted, can lead to death or very serious illnesses. There

In Shreveport, LA, many residents suffer from respiratory issues that they believe are caused by the local refinery, Calumet (Moskowitz). Residents have suffered for generations losing family members to cancer that they believe is brought on by pollution that the refinery emits. Some residents suffer lesser but chronic health issues ranging from minor respiratory issues like asthma to blood clots in their lungs. “Calumet denies that its refinery is the cause of any of these health issues” (Moskowitz). Many chemicals that are released by refineries can cause respiratory problems, cancer, nerve damage, and in some cases even death. There is no absolute way to be sure that all health problems happening near Calumet are caused by the pollution that it emits, but it could be a contributing factor in worsening symptoms. A resident of Marrero, LA, a town south of Norco refining, stated that they could not leave their house due to excess levels of pollution triggering asthma attacks (Ludwig). Sulfur dioxide is a known chemical that can trigger asthma attacks, it is also one of the many harmful chemicals that can be released by refineries (Sturgis). Refineries will measure levels of emissions when there is a chemical spill, so they know almost exactly how much pollution they have emitted. Minor incidents are not always reported or are under reported, but they can have the same damaging effects on the environment and the overall health of the community (Sturgis). “LABB’s reports confirms what workers and residents have known for years-petrochemical companies to often skirt the laws for reporting serious incidents”

The city of Pekin has a history of very dangerous and unhealthy levels of air pollution caused by power plants and ethanol manufactures. “The Pekin area has the highest level of sulfur dioxide air pollution in the state, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), a level that now exceeds tightened federal standards” (Pekin has worst sulfur dioxide air pollution in state, 2011). This environmental issue has had great health effects on the Pekin community because of the mass quantity of sulfur dioxide pollutants in the air. “Exposure to sulfur dioxide, which is released when fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned, causes respiratory problems for children, the elderly and those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, according to the IEPA. It narrows airways, leading to difficulty breathing” (Pekin has worst sulfur dioxide air pollution in state, 2011). The health problems that sulfur dioxide cause is detrimental to the health of the citizens in the city of

A copious amount of health problems can occur directly and indirectly due to pollution that could chronically impact a person, further

In this Preliminary Public Health Assessment (Pre-PHA), we evaluated exposure of the Milneburge neighborhood community to contaminants in response to their public health complaint with the City of New Orleans. . The homeowners in the neighborhood started to complain of nausea, headache, and dyspnea when they work in their back yards and reported water runoff and soil erosion from the waste management site. So, they were really concerned about their children health because they used to play in the area. As a result of that, we evaluated some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemical compounds found in nature or released from burning of coal, oil, tobacco, and wood. Some of these compounds are toxic to lung, liver, and skin. By such Pre-PHA, We can know if the site is extremely contaminated or not and we can assure residents and give them answers about their concerns.

In today’s operational and global economy, energy is considered one the most sought out and fundamental commodities. While an individual’s environmental role plays a vital role in their overall health; there are more specific geographic areas having instrumental actions that take part in shaping an individuals’ health. Where and who the supplies come from as well as the amount of production often determine how much influence they have over growing nations as well as having an impact on the global economy. Unfortunately, people who live near toxic wastes or byproducts of industrialized energy often have a body that is in constant

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, lead poisoning was found to be prevalent in the slums of the inner cities. These areas were referred to as the "lead belt" because these run down houses were havens for lead exposure. The flaking paint on walls, the chipping plaster ceilings, and the old furniture exposed these children to a real hazard. Pica was an important contributing factor and children, ages 1 to 3 were at the greatest risk. Siblings in these situations were often affected and recurrence was common because the lead paint was not removed. The prognosis for these children became worse with each recurrence (Chisholm, 1982).

The health hazards for humans who come in contact with contaminants from exposure to polluted water can have long term effects on the body causing possible organ failure and death. Contaminants and chemicals such lead and mercury can bring about many minor illnesses ranging from nausea, lung irritation, skin rash, vomiting, and dizziness, to the major diseases that include cancer, liver and kidney damage, disorders of the nervous system, damage to the immune system, birth defects and even death.

In the united states, Lead poisoning seems to be one of the most common and preventable environmental problem in children. When compared to the US borne children, Prevelance of this poisoing is 1.6%high in refugee kids.(2)

The discoveries as made by the IRATE (Illawarra Residents Against Toxic Emissions) have significantly impacted on the residents of the Port Kembla area. Since 1907, upon the opening of the Copper Smelter in the Port Kembla industrial area, residents have experienced periods of remaining silent in regards to their health/wellbeing, as well as periods of protest (Mitchell 2015). Two local residents whose experiences and discoveries became crucial to residential impact are Helen Hamilton and Olive Rodwell. The health and wellbeing of the Port Kembla Residents and their families’ served as a main focus for both the IRATE group and Helen and Olive, whose findings/discoveries on the implications that the copper smelter was posing on residential health spurred community change.

Starting in the year 2004, the air pollution has reached an alarming level in the city o Toronto. Dr Barbara Yaffe, the acting medical officer of health of Toronto Public health, has released a report in July 2004 saying that the “air pollution [in the city] has contributed to over 1700 premature deaths and 6000 hospitalization admission in Toronto each year” (Yaffe, 2004, p.i). According to this report, pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide have increased within the air of the city; these pollutants are tiny particles that are 2.5 micron in diameter or less and can affect people’s respiratory system and cause cardiovascular and respiratory problems such as “asthma, bronchitis in children, adult chronic bronchitis, and heart problem” (TPH, 2007, figure 1). Although it

The polymet mine will affect the lives of today's youth. The people left to deal with any problems should know what they are getting into before a decision is made. Although the Polymet Mining Company says they will be providing about 360 direct jobs, much of the operation will be run by computers. There are many risks to the environment. A small leak to of the chemicals used could contaminate million of gallons of water in nearby lakes and wetlands affecting both people and wildlife habitats. Pollution from their trucks and cooling system will pollute the air in the entire region. Although Polymet says there is very little chance of the water traveling up towards the boundary waters, Paul Danicic, the executive director for Friends of the

of air and water and it has left some residence with hearing problems and respiratory

Pollutants do not have a big influence on the increase of death cases of people over 65. With growing old the impact of pollutants increases [18]. The conncetion between pollutants and death of children younger than 5 is not statisctically important. Investigations show that pollutants do have an impact on the health of people of all age, not only on elderly people [19].

The mining industry has seen an explosive growth from the past few decades. It has played an important role in economic growth, infrastructure development and a raise in the living standard of the whole world. According to the Australian National Accounting System, the mining sector has made contributions of 9.8% GDP growth to the Australian economy between 2008 to 2009 (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2012). However, the mining industry has caused many environmental issues such as adverse effect to air, land and water quality and continues to affect global environment as a whole. According to the World Health Organization, it evaluated that 25% of worldwide death are directly associated with environmental pollution (Blacksmith Institute, n.d). This essay will outline the environmental issue raised by the mining industry with pinpoint focus on the effects to air, water and land. It will also provide strategies for mining companies to improve the environmental conditions.