Understanding Pollution
Air pollution comes
from many different sources such as
factories, power plants, dry cleaners,
cars, buses, trucks and even windblown
dust and wildfires. Air pollution
can threaten the health of human beings,
trees, lakes, crops, and animals,
as well as damage the ozone layer
and buildings. Air pollution also
can cause haze, reducing visibility
in national parks and wilderness areas.
In the United States, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) protects human
health and the environment through
the regulatory process and voluntary
programs such as Energy Star and Commuter
Choice. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA
sets limits on how much of a pollutant
is allowed in the air anywhere in
the United States. Although national
air quality has improved over the
last 20 years, many challenges remain
in protecting public health and the
environment. EPA's goal is to have
clean air to breathe for this generation
and those to follow.
Air Content & Your Health
Air
pollution affects everyone. Every
day, the average adult breathes over
3,000 gallons of air. Children breathe
even more air per pound of body weight
and are thus more susceptible to air
pollution.
Millions of people
live in areas where urban smog, very
small particles, and toxic pollutants
pose serious health concerns. These
health concerns can stem from either
short-term or long-term exposure to
air pollution. When people have a
short-term exposure to air pollutants
above certain levels, they may experience
temporary health concerns, such as
eye irritation and burning, throat
irritation, and difficulty breathing.
Long-term exposure to air pollution
can cause chronic health concerns,
such as cancer and damage to the body's
immune, neurological, reproductive,
and respiratory systems.
The problem of air
pollution is also found outside of
major urban centers. Air pollution
can be wide-ranging as well as persistent.
Many air pollutants, such as those
that form urban smog and toxic compounds,
remain in the environment for long
periods of time. These air pollutants
can also be carried hundreds of miles
by winds and can thus affect areas
far-removed from the source of the
pollution.
Pollutants of Concern
Medical and environmental experts agree that the issues relating to sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and mercury are not only dangerous but also deadly.
Sulfur oxide forms sulfuric acid, which is a major constituent of acid rain. It also causes breathing difficulties and severe airway obstructions. As well causes burning of the nose and throat and can lead to death in high enough concentrations.
Nitrogen oxides forms nitric acid, which is a major constituent of acid rain. It also forms ozone and smog in the air we breathe. Exposure can cause eyes, nose, throat and lung irritation; shortness of breath, tiredness, and nausea; rapid burning, spasms, and swelling in throat and lungs; reduced oxygenation of body tissues, build-up of fluid in your lungs and death.
Mercury bioaccumulates in nature and causes mutations and deformities in animal. Contact with mercury can damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus; cause lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, eye irritation and death.
|
