Pollution And The Environment Environment-all of the living and nonliving things around you. Local environment People you see School Neighborhood Plants Animals Air water

Pollution And The Environment Global environment Forests Mountains Rivers World’s populations Pollution-dirty or harmful substances in the environment. Can pose a threat to your health.

Air Pollution Air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels. Oil, coal, and natural gas used to provide energy. Provides heat and electricity in homes. Powers factories and motor vehicles. Automobile emissions-gases that cars release into the air. Cars are one of the most widespread sources of air pollution.

Air Pollution Acid rain-rain that is more acidic than normal because of the gasses in the atmosphere. Contaminates fresh water supplies. Harms forests by changing the chemistry of the soil. Ozone-special form of oxygen. Not good at ground level but helpful in the atmosphere. (shields earth from suns rays). Smog-yellow-brown haze that forms when sunlight reacts with air pollution. Causes many kinds of respiratory problems. See figure 15.1 on page 431.

Water Pollution 40% of the nations rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are too severely polluted to swim or fish in. Drinking water comes from two sources. Surface water-lakes or rivers. Groundwater-water that collects under the earth’s surface.

Water Pollution Pollution can make water undrinkable. Lead contaminated water can damage the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. Sewage-garbage, detergents and other household wastes washed down drains is another source of pollution. Oil spills and chemical waste from factories can pollute water. Runoff-rainwater or snowmelt picks up pesticides or fertilizers and wastes.

Solid Waste The average American produces about 4.4 pounds of garbage per day. Biodegradable-easily broken down in the environment. Paper food Non-biodegradable-doesn’t disintegrate. plastics

Solid Waste Landfills-huge, specially designed pits where waste materials are dumped and buried. Must be sealed so toxic chemicals do not leak. Biodegradable materials do not break down inside landfills. Compost pile-a place where biodegradable waste can break down naturally. Leaves Grass Shredded newspaper food

Hazardous Wastes Hazardous wastes-human-made liquid, solid, or sludge wastes that may endanger human health or the environment. Detergents, paint, batteries, plastics, fabrics, pesticides and insulation. Exposure to hazardous wastes may cause damage to the brain, liver, and kidneys. May also lead to cancer.

Hazardous Wastes Safe disposal of hazardous wastes requires special handling. Must be stored in facilities where they will not be released into the environment. Materials in homes that may require special handling include. Batteries, bleach, drain cleaner, motor oil, antifreeze, nail polish remover and oven cleaner. Call the local health department or environmental agency to find out how to get these materials safely into waste storage.