AIR POLLUTION CAUSE
November 26th 2007 · Read More · Comments Off
The atmosphere of the world is changing constantly. The ozone layer is being depleted at a massive rate and the polar ice caps are starting to melt, adding an estimated 20ft. increase to waterways over the next 15 years. What factors determine these atmospheric changes? Is the air quality to blame for this? The answer is yes. Air pollution is an underlying cause for many of those atmospheric changes that we are experiencing today. Air pollution is detrimental to the health of not only living creatures all over the planet but also the planet itself. Caused by the burning of what we call fossil fuels, air pollution often releases tiny “particulates” into the air that we, in turn, breathe in. These “particulates” can be either liquid or solid. Air pollution is also caused by such poisons as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides which are usually released in the form of a gas into the air. These harmful pollutants can also be released into the air through natural occurrences as well, such as volcanoes, dust storms, and fires in forests.
These gases and tiny particles are then breathed in by members of the Earth’s population and, under certain circumstances, can cause individuals to gradually become afflicted with serious medical issues that can be linked directly to this pollution. Such afflictions can be asthma, emphysema, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and several more serious illnesses. These pollutants can be controlled somewhat but the population should realize that this danger is a serious one. Even the compost heap in an individual’s back yard can release deadly emissions such as methane gas. However, the most common form of air pollution today remains the automobile. This form of transportation releases an estimated 76% of our air pollution today. Many countries have put restrictions upon the allowed release of gases from automobiles. The United States has implemented “vehicle emissions testing” which is now mandatory for all vehicles within that country. This testing of the vehicle determines the amount of harmful fuels that the vehicle releases into the air. If the standard is not met, the vehicle must be brought up to U.S. standards before the vehicle can be legally operated. This is just one form of control that is being implemented to cut down on the causesof air pollution.
Related Links:
Air Pollution Solution
Pollution Effects
