Katie Lyons Sociology 7th Hour

What Is Pollution? Pollution is the introduction of a contaminant into the environment. It is created mostly by human actions, but can also be a result of natural disasters. Pollution can cause health problems and environmental problems. Some health problems are: cancer, lung disease, asthma attacks, headaches and dizziness, reduced lung functioning, premature death, irritation to the eyes, nose, mouth and throat, etc. Global warming is also a cause of pollution.

Types of Pollution There are many types of pollution, such as: Air Pollution Water Pollution Noise Pollution Land Pollution Thermal Pollution Radioactive Pollution Light Pollution, and many more.

Air Pollution Air pollution occurs when the air contains gases, dust, fumes or odor in harmful amounts. air pollution is one of the main causes of premature death. Air pollution, or smog, can be visible or non-visible. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth. The presence of lead in our Nations air has decreased by 96 percent from the mid-1970s levels If the ozone gets holes, we get skin cancer. Not good.

Water Pollution 97% of the earth’s water is occupied by the salt water, 2% is trapped under glaciers and 1% is drinking water. Without a fresh supply of water, the human race would eventually die. Water pollution affects drinking water, rivers, lakes and oceans all over the world Every year, 14 billions pounds of sewage, sludge, and garbage are dumped into the world's oceans. 19 trillion gallons of waste also enter the water annually.

Noise Pollution The generation of unwelcome and displeasing sound in the environment. The hazardous effects of noise depend on its intensity (loudness in decibels), duration, and frequency (high or low). Loud, abrupt sounds can harm the eardrum, while sustained sounds at lower volume can damage the middle ear; both types of sounds can cause psychological damage

Land Pollution Land pollution is caused due to build up of upper layer of soil from toxic chemicals and compounds, radioactive materials, salts, waste, etc. They all have an adverse effect on the growth of plants and animals and also on human beings. Cause problems in the respiratory system Cause problems on the skin Lead to birth defects Cause various kinds of cancers

Light Pollution is misdirected or misused light... light pollution is defined as the unwanted change of natural light levels in the environment due to effects of man-made light sources This problem stems from poorly designed light fixtures, which brighten all areas, instead of focusing on the desired ground area. it is found that deciduous plants that have been exposed to inappropriate outdoor lights fail to shed their foliage as they used to. In animals, obvious effects are observed in the behavior of nocturnal animals. Needless to mention, bright light at night makes it difficult for these animals to hunt, roam and perform their regular activities.

Thermal Pollution Thermal pollution can occur when water is used as a coolant near a power or industrial plant and then is returned to the aquatic environment at a higher temperature than it was originally. Thermal pollution can lead to a decrease in the dissolved oxygen level in the water while also increasing the biological demand of aquatic organisms for oxygen.

Radioactive Pollution physical pollution of air, water and the other radioactive materials. people who work in power plants have more chances of the exposure to harmful radiations. the release of radioactive substances or high-energy particles into the air, water, or earth as a result of human activity, either by accident or by design. 1) nuclear weapon testing or detonation; 2) the nuclear fuel cycle, including the mining, separation, and production of nuclear materials for use in nuclear power plants or nuclear bombs; 3) accidental release of radioactive material from nuclear power plants

How To Help! Use Environmentally Safe Products Recycle Your Used Motor Oil and Filters Compost Yard Trimmings Report Illegal Dumping Dispose of Trash Properly Use Water Based Paints. Recycle Everything You Can! Don't Litter! Wash Your Car On the Lawn

Facts: Americans use approximately 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides every year. Research shows that target pests will eventually develop resistance to these pesticides anyway. Seventy-three different kinds of pesticides have been found in groundwater, which is potential drinking water. More than 100 active pesticide ingredients are suspected of causing cancer, birth defects, and gene mutation. The cost of one nuclear weapons test alone could finance the installation of eighty thousand hand pumps, giving third world villages access to clean water.