User:Harrahdaphne/sandbox

'''Air Pollution ''' • Is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological     materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere.

• The atmosphere is a complex dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet Earth. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems.

Polutants • A substance in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment is known as an air pollutant. Pollutants can be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. In addition, they may be natural or man-made.

Major primary pollutants produced by human activity include:

→ Sulphur oxides (SOx) - especially sulfur dioxide, a chemical compound with the formula SO2. SO2 is produced by volcanoes and in various industrial processes.

→ Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - especially nitrogen dioxide are emitted from high temperature combustion, and are also produced naturally during thunderstorms by electrical discharge.

→ Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - harmful to the ozone layer emitted from products currently banned from use. → Carbon dioxide (CO2) - a colourless, odorless, non-toxic greenhouse gas also associated with ocean acidification, emitted from sources such as combustion, cement production, and respiration.

Causes of Air Pollution

~ Combustion of fuel is one of the major causes of air pollution in urban areas. ~ Increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is one of the prime causes of air pollution. ~ The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a class of synthetic chemicals used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants, have caused hole in Earth's ozone layer. ~ Sulfur dioxide is one of the components of smog, which is related with contamination of the Earth's atmosphere. This synthetic chemical is the prime cause of acid rain. ~ Increased road and air traffic is another reason related to the high level of air pollution.

Effect of Air Pollution

~ Asthma is a chronic disease common among children and adults. The shortness of breath, a prime symptom of this disease, can be triggered by pollutants present in the air, such as smog. ~ Lung infectionscan occur when polluted air is inhaled. This can also lead to shortness of breath. ~ Air pollution may influence the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). ~ Air pollution can also lead to lung cancer.

~ Air pollution can result in blockage in the coronary artery or blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This condition is diagnosed as Coronary Artery Disease. ~ High level of pollution in the air can also lead to heart failure. Irregular or abnormal rhythms of heartbeat are often cited as health problems related to air pollution.

THINGS that we need to do to STOP Air Pollution

» Conserve energy - turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room. » Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. » Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities. » Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles. » Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable. » Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags. » When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.

» Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.

Passed By : • Harrah Daphne Dela Viña • Beatriz Tolentino • Jan Patrick Magpayo • Gene Ronan Dela Cruz

2nd Year- St. Peter of Verona

Resources:

↔ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution

↔ http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/causes-and-effects-of-air-pollution-4434.html

↔ http://www.epa.gov/air/peg/reduce.html