Air
pollution is anything that contaminates our air
or affects its composition. Polluted air can contain dust
and chemicals, such as smoke from chimneys, carbon monoxide,
and nitrogen monoxide. When the air is not clean, the
entire environment is affected because both plants and
animals depend on air to breathe. Breathing unclean air
causes health problems, even in humans. Over long periods
of time, air pollution may damage the ozone layer and
affect global climate through the greenhouse effect.
It is important for us to realize that
pollution is not isolated. Toxins from the United States
can travel by air currents across the oceans and harm
our friends overseas, and we all share a common atmosphere.
It is not enough to prevent pollution at home; we must
prevent pollution globally.
What creates Air Pollution?
Air pollution can be created through
many ways. Combustion, the burning of fuel, and respiration,
a similar process in animals, produces carbon dioxide
and water when burned completely and cleanly. Too much
carbon dioxide may contribute to the "greenhouse
effect." Fuel is usually not burned cleanly or completely
because it may contain impurities.
Polluters such as vehicles, especially
in heavy city traffic, and factories, produce pollution
such as carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas,
nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrocarbons. The
result is smog and other atmospheric pollution. Sulfur
dioxide leads to acid rain, which can spread to the water
as well. How
does Air Pollution affect our health?
Air pollution can make eyes burn and cause headaches.
It can make it difficult to breathe and increases the
risk of lung cancer. Carbon monoxide is a toxin; it
is poisonous when inhaled. Chlorofluorocarbons deplete
the ozone layer, which absorbs UV radiation. This may
weaken immune systems and increase the chances of skin
cancer and eye diseases. |
