An Air Pollution Article:What are the main causes of air pollution? Custom Search Air pollution is a problem we once thought was improving. Here are some basic facts about air pollution as it has been - and as it is now. This air pollution article looks at some of the main causes of air pollution and some ways of protecting ourselves - and lessening our contribution to the problem. The facts presented here give you a broad look at the issues. There are other environmental sites listed in the links page which will give you more detailed facts.
Air pollution article: First, a little history. Air pollution first arose as a major health hazard during the industrial revolution. The old problem of smog
Industrial towns in Britain used to be notorious for their bad air, caused by smoke from belching factory chimneys. On top of that, nearly everyone burned coal fires to warm their homes. In the 1950s the Clean Air Act in Britain helped end the winter "smogs" (smoky fogs) which had engulfed London and other cities for a century or more. The traditional "pea-souper", which had been responsible for so much misery and ill-health, was no more. People could no longer burn coal in towns; they had to use "smokeless" fuels such as anthracite. The levels of bronchitis fell dramatically. Today, many people in the developing world still suffer similar problems to those experienced by 19th century Europeans. Coal-fired elctricity plants spew out toxic waste gases and burgeoning traffic adds exhaust fumes to the brew. Photochemical smog is less visible than the old kind of smog. But it is just as deadly. Air pollution article: Photo-chemical smog - the new killerPhoto-chemical smog is at its worst on days of bright sunlight because the sunlight reacts with exhaust fumes from cars to produce a lot of ozone. Ozone can irritate the lungs and is particularly bad for people with asthma. Tiny particles (called "particulates") are produced by traffic fumes and other pollutants which get deep into the lungs, causing health problems. Air pollution article: The main causes of air pollutionAir pollution comes from lots of different sources. The main ones are industry and traffic. Air pollution is partly caused by particulates in the air. Particulates (or particulate matter) are simply small particles of a variety of substances such as soot. Some particulates are formed from dust and pollen and other organic stuff. Other particulates come from chemical sources such as the combustion of fuels (industrial processes and traffic). Further types of particulates are created by chemical reactions when sunlight acts upon the chemical brew of industrial pollution, dust particles, pollen, sea spray or other water vapour, and any number of other elements. This process creates "photochemical smog", a nasty, persistent blanket of damaging gases and particulates which can linger for days over densely populated towns and cities. Particulates are important because they cause health problems, especially problems with respiration.
Which gases cause air pollutionNitrogen oxides are a very reactive group of gases which are released into the atmosphere whenever fuels are burnt. This means that every time you fire up the central heating, or take the car down to the shops, you are contributing to the problem. These gases react with the particulates and other chemicals. Nitrogen oxides also cause that reddish haze that you can often see hanging in the air near the horizon on warm days.Nitrous oxides (one type of nitrogen oxide) are responsible for many health problems. Nitrogen dioxide is one kind of nitrogen oxide which is particularly harmful as it reacts with sunlight to create ozone. Ozone is a useful chemical when it is in the upper atmosphere, where it helps to protect the earth (and us) from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. But at ground level, it has a bad effect upon respiration. Not enough studies have been done to be certain of its effects upon human health. It is believed to worsen the effects of pollens - and other allergens - upon peoples' respiratory systems. Ozone concentrations tend to be worse in the afternoon and in rural and suburban areas. The chemical reactions that cause ozone creation occur in built-up areas but the effects are actually worse further afield.
What can you do to help prevent air pollution? Air pollution article: The advice for helping cure the problem is pretty similar to that for climate change:
Some helpful readingHow to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office My House Is Killing Me!: The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma Environmental Science Activities Kit: Ready-to-Use Lessons, Labs, and Worksheets for Grades 7-12 (J-B Ed: Activities)
Some suggestions for reducing pollution in your daily lifeAir pollution article: Here are a few possibilities to consider. Obviously we all make our own lifestyle choices to suit our individual circumstances and our purse. These suggestions generally do not cost anything and some even save you money!
Many people seem to be willing to travel amazing distances to work and spend huge amounts of time travelling each day. In England it has become almost fashionable to live in France and commute to London! And there are lots of people who think nothing of getting in a car and driving 50 miles (each way) to work each day. I have even heard of people living in Spain and commuting weekly to Britain. (It would be great if governments could subsidise people to live close to their work!) But in the meantime, there are some things we can do. How can you protect yourself from the effects of air pollution?
Air pollution article: Protect yourself!
This air pollution article has taken a very wide view of some of the issues involved in air pollution. For more information, please look at transport links in Green Links
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Full details of how these plants work to help purify your indoor air plus cultivation and propagation tips.
A detailed exploration of all the common allergens, including modern chemical ones, and how to avoid them and remove them from your home environment.
A great resource book for teaching environmental science, biology and even the sociological aspects of the environment. There are plenty of easy to use activities and discussion topics with notes.
