An Exploration of How to Prevent the Effects and Causes of Air Pollution :: essays research papers fc

An Exploration of How to Prevent the Effects and Causes of Air Pollution Air pollution has not always been an area of individual problem but has always been a big major of global problem. In fact, air pollution is not a new issue to us. When I was in high school, I was already interested in doing research about air pollution. I began my search of my issue with the following questions in mind. What causes pollution? What are its effects? What can we do to prevent it, and get rid of it? Can we stop this nightmare altogether? Is it fair to our children of the future to have to suffer the consequences that pollution causes? Why are we not taking care of the problem now? Must factory and business owners have the ability to prevent air pollution? Dr. Laurent Hodges explains some of these issues in her book Environmental Pollution Second Edition. The following summary is from Dr Hodges’ research on the causes of air pollutions. Air pollutions are caused by a number of different types of pollutants. The first type, particulate matter, consists of solid and liquid aerosols suspended in the atmosphere. These arise from the burning of coal and from industrial processes. Atmospheric particles can scatter and absorb sunlight which reduces visibility. The second type is sulfur oxides which come from the burning of coal and industrial processes. Damage to materials, to vegetation, and to the human respiratory system is caused by the acid nature of oxides. Small quantities of sulfur oxides can increase illness and mortality. The third type of pollutant is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas against which humans have no protection. Carbon monoxide comes from the exhaust of gasoline-powered veh icles and secondarily from industrial processes. Hemoglobin, which is in the blood, combines with carbon monoxide and carries less oxygen to body tissues causing health and heart effects. Some health problems come from the exhaust fumes leaking into the interior of the automobile. The fourth type is hydrocarbons which are chemical compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen. Hydrocarbons also arise from gasoline-powered vehicles and from industrial processes. Hydrocarbons are an important part of the production of photochemical smog. The last type is nitrogen oxides that come from high-temperature combustion, such as that occurring in motor vehicle engines, electric power plants and other fuel usage. Nitrogen oxide contributes to acidity in precipitation and production of photochemical smog.