Air Pollution Essay Example for Free

Air Pollution Essay Air pollution caused by vehicles has been identified as the largest contributor to air pollution in the world. Air pollution caused by vehicles is when the burning of fossil fuels to power our vehicles gives off CO2 emission. This pollution by vehicles also produces toxic substances such as sulfur dioxide and carbon which can be fatal to humans. Air pollution also comes from industry as this source of pollution spews particulate matter and chemicals into the atmosphere. The output from factories includes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and dioxide. Almost all of Earth’s atmosphere or ecosystem has been altered by the long-term effects of pollution by industries. Power plants are also another reason to blame for air pollution. They spread gases that thickens the atmosphere, causing the heat to be blocked from exiting to space. The gases are heavy, and comes down to the ground causing pollution One of the power plants that gives out the most pollution is the power plant that is fired by coal. Coal burning is a leading cause of smog, acid rain, and toxic air pollution. Not only that, it also causes the greenhouse effect and holes in the ozone layer. Health Effects Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short-term and long-term effects. Some individuals are much more sensitive to pollutants than are others. Young children and elderly people often suffer more from the effects of air pollution. Examples of short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Other symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and emphysema. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly. Air pollution also effects the human cardiovascular system as the inhalation of air pollutants eventually leads to their absorption into the bloodstream and transport to the heart. Some pollutants may also directly cause functional alterations that affect the rhythmicity and contractility of the heart. Causes of water pollution. Factories play a major role in pollution the water. Wastes from factories include toxins, such as lead, mercury and other contaminants. These chemicals are very harmful and can lead to serious health hazards. Fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural farms, homeowners lawns and roadsides are a threat to the natural water source. When the pollutants runoff into local streams or rivers or drained down into groundwater, they contaminate the water completely. Mining is also another reason for water pollution. Heavy metals and sulphur components which are buried in the earth are exposed during mining and during rainfall these toxic chemicals are exposed, which results in acid rain.