Air, Noise, and Light Pollution Chapter 12-2 Air, Noise, and Light Pollution

WARM-UP

Air Pollution Air pollution can cause serious health problems very young, very old, or who have heart or lung problems. Air pollution adds to the effects of existing diseases such as Emphysema Heart disease Lung cancer Americans pay tens of billions of dollars a year in health costs to treat respiratory diseases caused by air pollution.

Short-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health Many of the effects of air pollution on people’s health are short-term and reversible if their exposure to air pollution decreases. The short-term effects of air pollution on people’s health include: Headache Nausea Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat Coughing/tightness in the chest; Upper respiratory infections

Long-Term Health Effects of Air Pollution Long-term effects on health that have been linked to air pollution include: Emphysema Lung cancer Heart disease.

Indoor Air Pollution is a serious problem Developing countries Indoor burning  fuel wood, charcoal, manure Poor suffer the greatest risk Developed countries Indoor air pollution is greater than outdoor air pollution

Indoor Air Pollution is a serious problem

These compounds can be found in: Indoor Air Pollution Plastics and other industrial chemicals are major sources of pollution. These compounds can be found in: Carpets Building materials Paints Furniture

Indoor Air Pollution

Chloroform Para-dichlorobenzene Tetrachloroethylene Source: Chlorine-treated water in hot showers Possible threat: Cancer Source: Air fresheners, mothball crystals Threat: Cancer Source: Dry-cleaning fluid fumes on clothes Threat: Nerve disorders, damage to liver and kidneys, possible cancer Formaldehyde Source: Furniture stuffing, paneling, particleboard, foam insulation Threat: Irritation of eyes, throat, skin, and lungs; nausea; dizziness 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Source: Aerosol sprays Threat: Dizziness, irregular breathing Styrene Nitrogen oxides Source: Carpets, plastic products Threat: Kidney and liver damage Source: Unvented gas stoves and kerosene heaters, woodstoves Threat: Irritated lungs, children's colds, headaches Benzo- α -pyrene Source: Tobacco smoke, woodstoves Threat: Lung cancer Particulates Source: Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, cooking smoke particles Threat: Irritated lungs, asthma attacks, itchy eyes, runny nose, lung disease Radon-222 Source: Radioactive soil and rock surrounding foundation, water supply Threat: Lung cancer Figure 18.16 Some important indoor air pollutants (Concept 18-4). Question: Which of these pollutants are you exposed to? (Data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Tobacco smoke Source: Cigarettes Threat: Lung cancer, respiratory ailments, heart disease Asbestos Carbon monoxide Methylene chloride Source: Pipe insulation, vinyl ceiling and floor tiles Threat: Lung disease, lung cancer Source: Faulty furnaces, unvented gas stoves and kerosene heaters, woodstoves Threat: Headaches, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, death Source: Paint strippers and thinners Threat: Nerve disorders, diabetes Fig. 18-16, p. 484

Indoor Air Pollution Sick-building syndrome: a set of symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, eye irritation, and dizziness, that may affect workers in modern, airtight office buildings. Believed to be caused by indoor air pollutants. Most common in buildings that are tightly insulated

Indoor Air Pollution Ventilation, or mixing outdoor air with indoor air, is also necessary for good air quality.

Asbestos

Asbestos Asbestos: any of six silicate minerals that form bundles of minute fibers that are heat resistant, flexible, and durable. Asbestos is primarily uses as an insulator and a fire retardant Extensively in building materials. Banned in early 1970s

Asbestos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuHL7hiFTnc

Radon gas is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and radioactive. Radon gas (Radon 222) Radon gas is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and radioactive. Radon is one of the elements produced by the decay of uranium 228 (a radioactive element) Occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust. Radon can seep through cracks and holes in building foundations

Radon gas Sources Human health risks Testing for radon Correcting a radon problem

Outlet vents for furnaces and dryers Open window Cracks in wall Openings around pipes Slab joints Wood stove Cracks in floor Sump pump Clothes dryer Furnace Slab Radon-222 gas Figure 18.18 Science: sources and paths of entry for indoor radon-222 gas. Question: Have you tested the indoor air where you live for radon-222? (Data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Uranium-238 Soil Fig. 18-18, p. 485

Some noises are unnecessary and can cause noise pollution. Health problems include: Loss of hearing High blood pressure Stress  Can weaken immune system Loss of sleep decreased productivity

Decibel: is the most common unit used to measure loudness (dB) Noise Pollution Decibel: is the most common unit used to measure loudness (dB) The quietest sound that a human ear can hear is represented by 0 dB. For each increase in decibel intensity, the decibel level is 10 x higher than the previous level. A sound of 120 dB is at the threshold of pain Permanent deafness may come as a result of continuous exposure to sounds over 120 dB.

Noise Pollution

Light Pollution Light pollution does not present a direct hazard to human health, but it does negatively affect our environment. Diminishes view of the night sky  especially in urban areas

Light Pollution Energy waste: Shield light so it is directed downward Use time controls so that light is used only when needed

Light Pollution

Light Pollution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nlFcEj41Xk

Review Questions Page 343 #20-26 Complete in your notes or on a separate sheet of paper (to be checked by me at the beginning o f next class)