Common Environmental Factors

Pollutant A pollutant is a waste material from human activities that can cause harm in an ecosystem. Environmental contaminants are pollutants that may harm humans or other living things when released into the environment.

In this slideshow... We will examine: Air pollutants Ultraviolet radiation

Indoor air quality video

Carbon Monoxide (CO) A clear, odourless, poisonous gas. Produced when carbon-based fuels are only partially burned. This includes gasoline, oil, coal, and even wood.

In homes, all of these are vented to the outside In homes, all of these are vented to the outside. Sometimes there is a problem with the ventilation and the CO is released inside. It’s possible that this could kill everyone in the house, so carbon monoxide detectors are installed. If you hear them go off, get out!

CO poisoning video

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Sulphur dioxide results from burning fuels that contain sulphur. Has an unpleasant egg smell Is a component of Acid Rain

Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) Nitrogen oxides are formed when oxygen reacts with nitrogen at high temperatures. Most of it comes from gas-powered engines. Cigarettes also contain it. A component of acid rain.

Cities have plenty of Nitrogen Oxides.

Particulate Matter (PM) Particulate matter refers to a variety of small particles that remain in the air after being released from factories, forest fires, and farm fertilizing.

Indoor air can also be polluted with PM by fibreglass from insulation, and concrete, plaster and wood dust during construction. PM can be irritating to the respiratory system.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) Ultraviolet Radiation is the form of energy from sunlight that helps form photochemical smog. It is also harmful to humans just on its own. UV rays have a short wave length and contain so much energy that they can cause molecules to break down.

Electromagnetic spectrum video

Long term exposure to UV rays greatly increase someone’s chance of getting skin cancer. Our planet naturally filters most of these harmful rays out with something called the ozone layer.

The ozone layer filters out harmful UV rays.

NASA ozone layer video

Noise Pollution Excessive sound can be harmful since sound exerts pressure on our ears. Noise pollution any sound that is unwanted and potentially harmful. Sound is measured in decibels (dBA). Sound can potentially be harmful when over 78 dBA, especially when sustained for hours.

Soil and water pollution and related contaminants

Contaminants To contaminate something is to make it impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture with something harmful. Three common contaminants in soil and water are heavy metals, workplace chemicals and pathogens.

Heavy Metals Heavy metals are metallic chemical elements that are toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. mercury (Hg) chromium (Cr) cadmium (Cd) lead (Pb) arsenic (As) zinc (Zn)

Don’t be too scared, though Don’t be too scared, though. In tiny amounts many of these heavy metals are actually healthy and necessary. These metals occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and meats. Waste from things like industrial smelting can release poisonous amounts into the environment.

It’s important to carefully monitor soil quality, since some vegetables absorb heavy metals. Intentionally planted vegetables like carrots can be used to clean up contaminated soil. Just don’t eat them afterwards! (These carrots are burned afterwards)

Workplace Chemicals Workplace chemicals can be liquids, solids or gases that are used in manufacturing, mining, construction, agricultural, and business applications.

This category includes a wide variety of human-made chemicals that when released leach into the soil and groundwater, or are released into the air and have negative effects on human health.

A common set of chemicals that can be found at the workplace or at home are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These dangerous chemicals evaporate quickly and can harm human lungs. They are found in: paints, glues, fabrics, new carpets, felt-tipped markers, deodorizers.

Pathogens Pathogens are contaminants that are alive, such as some bacteria, fungi, and single celled organisms. Human sewage contains many pathogens. Releasing it untreated onto crops could transfer the pathogens to the vegetables or grains. The flu is considered a pathogen.