AIR POLLUTION
What Causes Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the release of detrimental pollutants into the air. It is typically caused by energy use and production since the burning of fossil fuels releases toxic chemicals and gases into the air. Unfortunately, air pollution not only causes climate change but is also intensified by it. Air pollution in the form of methane or carbon increases the earth’s temperature, while other types of pollution are worsened by increased heat. Additionally, the production of allergens (mold and pollen) increases as the climate rises.
Smog and Soot
Smog–often referred to as “ground-level ozone”–is a product of emissions from combusting fossil fuels reacting with sunlight. It can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs and typically worsens symptoms of those with asthma and allergies. Soot, on the other hand, is composed of microscopic particles of chemicals, smoke, allergens, or soil carried in the air. This pollutant is especially dangerous, as it is able to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream. Both are the most common types of air pollution and are sourced from anything that combusts fossil fuels.
Air Pollutants with Severe Risks
Though most are regulated by law, these hazardous pollutants either have major health risks or are deadly. Common ones like mercury, lead, benzene, and dioxins are often emitted during the combustion of gas or coal. Benzene can cause skin, eye, or lung irritation, along with blood disorders in the long term. Dioxins, typically found in food or air, can impact the liver as well as reproductive functions. Large amounts of lead can damage the brains and kidney’s of children, though even small amounts can damage a child’s ability to learn. Mercury typically affects the nervous system.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases lead to warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weathers, and increased transmission of infectious diseases. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide–from combusting fossil fuels–and methane, a product of oil and gas drilling. Another class of greenhouse gases, called hydrofluorocarbons, are far more powerful at trapping heat than both carbon dioxide and methane. In 2016, many countries came to the agreement to reduce the production and usage of these chemicals and find greener alternatives instead.
Reducing Air Pollution
Less gasoline being burnt results in reduced air pollution. Being mindful of transportation choices is another step to take to reduce the impacts of climate change; walking, biking, or public transportation are all better choices than driving. When choosing a car, choose those with better mileage or opt for an electrically powered vehicle. Choosing to get your electricity supplied by wind or solar is yet another way to reduce air pollution. Most importantly, support leaders that push for cleaner air and water.
Air pollution is the release of detrimental pollutants into the air. It is typically caused by energy use and production since the burning of fossil fuels releases toxic chemicals and gases into the air. Unfortunately, air pollution not only causes climate change but is also intensified by it. Air pollution in the form of methane or carbon increases the earth’s temperature, while other types of pollution are worsened by increased heat. Additionally, the production of allergens (mold and pollen) increases as the climate rises.
Smog and Soot
Smog–often referred to as “ground-level ozone”–is a product of emissions from combusting fossil fuels reacting with sunlight. It can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs and typically worsens symptoms of those with asthma and allergies. Soot, on the other hand, is composed of microscopic particles of chemicals, smoke, allergens, or soil carried in the air. This pollutant is especially dangerous, as it is able to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream. Both are the most common types of air pollution and are sourced from anything that combusts fossil fuels.
Air Pollutants with Severe Risks
Though most are regulated by law, these hazardous pollutants either have major health risks or are deadly. Common ones like mercury, lead, benzene, and dioxins are often emitted during the combustion of gas or coal. Benzene can cause skin, eye, or lung irritation, along with blood disorders in the long term. Dioxins, typically found in food or air, can impact the liver as well as reproductive functions. Large amounts of lead can damage the brains and kidney’s of children, though even small amounts can damage a child’s ability to learn. Mercury typically affects the nervous system.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases lead to warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weathers, and increased transmission of infectious diseases. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide–from combusting fossil fuels–and methane, a product of oil and gas drilling. Another class of greenhouse gases, called hydrofluorocarbons, are far more powerful at trapping heat than both carbon dioxide and methane. In 2016, many countries came to the agreement to reduce the production and usage of these chemicals and find greener alternatives instead.
Reducing Air Pollution
Less gasoline being burnt results in reduced air pollution. Being mindful of transportation choices is another step to take to reduce the impacts of climate change; walking, biking, or public transportation are all better choices than driving. When choosing a car, choose those with better mileage or opt for an electrically powered vehicle. Choosing to get your electricity supplied by wind or solar is yet another way to reduce air pollution. Most importantly, support leaders that push for cleaner air and water.
