Category: Pollution

Introduction

Air pollution has adverse consequences for both environmental protection and human health, making it a major international public health crisis. Health promotion techniques should be a primary point of inquiry into air pollution prevention and control measures. This paper analyzes current health promotion strategies in Somerset and the United Kingdom (U.K.), obstacles to preventative health strategies, health screening programs, the impact of psycho-social, economic, and behavioral factors, epidemiology and genomics, vaccination and immunization initiatives, and the part played by nursing associates in the control of air pollution. The negative health impacts of air pollution may be prevented and mitigated using effective health promotion techniques that take a multidisciplinary approach.

Health Promotion Strategies Based on Three Ps

A foundation for better health outcomes may be found in health care’s three Ps: prevention, protection, and promotion. Prevention encompasses addressing the risk factors of diseases through measures such as health screening, vaccination and lifestyle changes (McKew, 2018). Protection describes reducing people’s vulnerability to hazards like pollution and infectious agents. Promotion refers to encouraging people at all levels of society to adopt healthy practices by providing them with information, encouragement, and the means to do so. These three Ps provide a comprehensive strategy for illness prevention and health promotion.

Strategies for improving public health in Somerset and the rest of the U.K. focus on mitigating the negative consequences of air pollution. The aims are to prevent and protect people from diseases and promote healthy living. Somerset’s air quality action plan includes many strategies for reducing pollutants from vehicles, factories, and homes (Somerset West and Taunton Council, 2022, p.3). It helps to prevent and protect people from diseases associated with air pollution. Being healthy is to valuing one’s own psychological and emotional strengths and physical abilities (Huber et al., 2011, p.4163). The National Health Service (NHS) provided recommendations in 2019 to eliminate assistance in health promotion (The Health Foundation, 2019).. World Health Organization’s definition of health fails to consider the increasing number of older adults and the prevalence of chronic diseases (Godlee, 2011, p.4817). These practices thus ensure that the environmental air pollution in the area is minimized.

Campaigns have been initiated in the U.K. to help protect the environment, thus preventing diseases. The current health promotion campaign in the U.K. is the Action for Clean Air (Global Action Plan, n.d.). It attempts to educate people about the risks associated with air pollution and inspire them to take measures to lessen the problem. The campaign employs many methods, including information dissemination, advocacy, and local outreach. Although the campaign has successfully generated discussion and sparked action on air pollution, its ultimate effect on decreasing emission levels and enhancing air quality requires further study. However progress has been made, air pollution is still a significant threat to human health.

Implementation of the Health Promotion Campaign

The Action for Clean Air campaign aims to increase public understanding of the risks of breathing polluted air and mobilize people and communities to take meaningful steps to avoid those risks. These action plans include air pollution awareness campaigns, policy reform campaigning, community events and seminars, and other forms of public participation (Global Action Plan, n.d.). The campaign’s goal is to encourage people to take charge of their health and well-being by encouraging them to become involved in promoting clean air in their areas. The campaign has impacted the community as it has helped more people become aware of the risks associated with air pollution, and some have even taken steps to reduce emissions. The long-term effects of the program on people and communities need further research. Social media, public events, and collaboration with Somerset-based non-profits and community groups are essential to avoid air pollution (Ren, Yu and Cao, 2022, p.300). Air pollution poses severe threats to human health, and social media may be used to increase public understanding of this issue and encourage positive behavioral changes.

The public, political, and professional domains are the key drivers of public health in the U.K. It is crucial to use reliable assessment strategies when gauging the success of the health promotion effort. Marmot (2013) addresses health inequities from socioeconomic factors and provides policy solutions to address these issues and boost health for everyone. Air pollution has detrimental impacts on the respiratory health of individuals (Manisalidis et al., 2020, p.2). Tracking changes in air quality indicators like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter concentrations may be instructive further to evaluate the campaign’s effect on environmental outcomes (Tong and Ebi, 2019,p.10). This process will effectively help in controlling air pollution with its associated impacts.

Challenges to Preventative Health Strategies

Preventative health measures are beneficial, but they face some challenges. Reasons for this include low public knowledge and education levels, conflicting priorities, and socioeconomic issues (Naidoo and Wills, 2016). It is possible, for instance, that people do not realize that breathing polluted air might harm their health or that they lack the information that it is dangerous. Campaigns, for instance, can be resisted by politicians, making it hard to adopt legislation reforms that might decrease air pollution (Zeng et al., 2019, p.330). People and communities are encouraged to take responsibility for their health by promoting healthy habits and lifestyles (Denny and Earle, 2016). Legislators, community leaders, and people must fund and dedicate consistently to health promotion efforts to be effectively implemented (Chang, Zeng and Wang, 2022, p.1386). Efforts to improve public health via campaigns depend on government support to be successful (Fuller et al., 2022). In ensuring that preventive health measures effectively promote health and avoid sickness, it is essential to evaluate and address the many obstacles to their execution.

Health Screening Programs

Programs for identifying and treating health issues at their earliest stages are essential to disease prevention methods. By focusing on the general population or high-risk subsets of people, the medical or preventive approach seeks to lower the rate of early deaths (Stellefson et al., 2020). Several public health screening initiatives, including those for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infectious illnesses, are offered in the U.K. Lung function tests are often used to identify respiratory disorders due to their ability to determine how well the lungs are functioning efficiently (Mohan and Damjanov, 2019). Damage to the cardiovascular system may be caused by exposure to air pollution. Thus, it is essential to undergo regular cardiovascular screening tests to gauge the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke (Hadley, Vedanthan and Fuster, 2018, p.195). Cancer screening tests help doctors detect the disease in its earliest, most curable stages (Muir, Mackie and Raffle, 2019). Many forms of cancer, including lung and bladder cancer, have been related to prolonged exposure to polluted air (Mohan and Damjanov, 2019). These screening tests are, therefore, essential in the early detection of diseases linked to air pollution.

The NHS’s long-term goal emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment of disease in addition to encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. In the past, there was consensus regarding the value of health promotion, but a lack of funding and competition from other service areas often hindered efforts (Rivett, 2019). By identifying those at increased risk for a health issue, screening allows for early treatment or knowledge to aid in making proper choices. However, it is becoming more concerning that air pollution may affect the findings of health screenings.

Psycho-Social Economic and Behavioural Factors

Socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics may moderate an individual’s reaction to air pollution. Understanding the role of stress, feelings, and beliefs in health and disease and how to effectively treat these aspects in nursing practice is a crucial study area for health psychologists (Barley, 2016). Psychological stress may worsen adverse health consequences from exposure to air pollution. An individual’s susceptibility to the harmful effects of air pollution may be increased by socioeconomic variables such as lack of access to healthcare and poverty. Differences in funding allocations significantly contribute to health disparities worldwide (Artiga, Orgera and Pham, 2020). Health promotion programs must aim at reducing the economic inequality that communities face by advocating health equality.

Epidemiology and Genomics of Air Pollution

Epidemiology and genomics are critical for determining how pollutants influence health outcomes. Genomics studies how genes might impact an individual’s sensitivity to the contaminants in the atmosphere, while epidemiology studies how pollution affects community health (Carneiro, 2017). The NHS ensures its goals are actualized and can fulfill its mandate to enhance population health via genetic technology and research. Health promotion initiatives may be more effective for particular communities and people by gaining insight into the epidemiology and genomics of air pollution. Understanding the genetics and epidemiology of air pollution helps guide efforts to decrease pollution, decreasing people’s exposure to dangerous compounds and improving public health. It is crucial to design efficient health promotion efforts and legislation that may lessen the impact of air pollution on human health.

Immunization, Vaccination Programmes and Infection Control

Since air pollution is a concern, infection control becomes even more crucial for preventing respiratory illnesses. Due to the increased risk of respiratory infections and the exacerbation of preexisting respiratory disorders that air pollution poses, it is essential to avoid the transmission of illness. Proper hand sanitation, wearing a mask in polluted regions, and early medical care for respiratory symptoms may help reduce the spread of air pollution-related conditions (Levinson, 2020). Individuals may help stop the spread of respiratory diseases and safeguard their health by taking these steps.

Vaccination and immunization regimens have a crucial role in reducing pollution-related health problems. Immunization is an essential public health prevention strategy that helps prevent some diseases (Coico, 2020). Air pollution has lowered immune function and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses (Glencross et al., 2020). The adverse effects of air pollution on human health may be mitigated with vaccinations against respiratory conditions such as the flu and pneumococcal disease. Spreading correct information about vaccinations and their advantages via public education and awareness initiatives may reduce people’s reluctance to be vaccinated (Protheroe, Estacio and Saidy-Khan, 2015, p.192). Vaccines may be challenging to obtain, especially in underprivileged areas where medical care is poor. Medical professionals and public health officials may take action by expanding the availability of vaccinations and directing immunization programs toward at-risk populations.

Role of the Nursing Associate

The nursing associate in the fight against air pollution makes a significant contribution. In healthcare practice, nurses are critical in mitigating health problems associated with air pollution (Leffers and Butterfield, 2018, p.210). Nurse associates may assist registered nurses in patient care and health education initiatives (Rowe et al., 2022). As part of health promotion programs, nursing associates and other medical professionals may work together to find effective ways to reduce the adverse health effects of air pollution (Bastable, 2023). Helping patients understand the need for respiratory protection and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices are ways nurse associates may help prevent infections caused by air pollution. Nursing associates and nursing students may be enabled to gather and analyze information on the effects of air pollution on health (Evans, Coutsaftiki and Fathers, 2017). Nurses have a role in educating patients to avoid chronic diseases such as lung cancer resulting from inhalation of toxic pollutants in the air (Nicol and Hollowood, 2019). Together with administering respiratory drugs and treatments, they may work with other healthcare professionals to create efficient infection control measures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air pollution is a significant public health concern since it has been linked to various serious health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, and early mortality. The detrimental effects of air pollution on people’s health may be mitigated by health promotion efforts to prevent and control air pollution. Programs promoting awareness, the provision of assistance and encouragement for the adoption of healthier options, and the promotion of sound policies are crucial. The nursing associate has a significant role in executing these initiatives, such as informing patients about the dangers of air pollution and promoting safety precautions. Research into the epidemiology and genetics of air pollution is essential, as is the development of evidence-based treatments that target the causative factors of air pollution.

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Automobile invention has continued to have profound effects in the world due to the fact that they have been owned by a large number of people, particularly in the U.S. This overreliance in automobile has generated environmental and health concerns, which trigger a number of global debates. Automobiles have a great environmental and lifestyle impact, an aspect that is attributed to the fossil fuel combustion (Wallace 138).

The extent of automobiles pollutants differs and includes toxic exhaust emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, VOCs as well as particulate matters. Besides, the evaporative emissions emanate from fuel vapors that are emitted to the atmosphere, having not been fully combusted. The vapor could be managed by properly capping the fuel tanks, avoidance of having the petrol overfilled or addressing any leakages.

Automobiles also release smoke, which contains incompletely combusted byproducts that are toxic to the eyes and the respiratory system, thus detrimental to human health. This is however, dependent on the periods of exposure, age, the health status of an individual and the concentration of these fumes that one is exposed to. This paper shall address specific automobile pollutants in relation to causes and public health, to draft possible recommendations to the obstacles, in order to manage the problem.

Causes of automobile Pollution

Air pollution has long been associated with motor vehicles as they are operated, fueled, manufactured and even when they are disposed. Moreover, pollution occurs at the time of distributing and refining of the fuels. With urbanization, many people have owned vehicles that have continued to cause heavy traffics leading to increased pollution.

The automobiles are related to primary as well as secondary pollution. Primary pollution occurs when there are direct emissions into the atmosphere while secondary pollution is incurred when there are chemical reactions for the emitted pollutants with the atmosphere itself.

Specific Pollutants and Health Effects

Particulate Matter

The main motor vehicle pollutants include, particulate matter, which are particles containing metal and soot and make smog to become murky. The particles are so fine and pose as a great danger to human health, as they are inhaled to damage the respiratory system. Nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides as well as hydrocarbons are emitted together with the particles and therefore, are enhanced as secondary pollutants.

Particulate matter contains particles close to a diameter of ten micrometers in the atmosphere. Larger particles contain smoke as well as soot that have been incompletely combusted especially from diesel. PM has been pointed out as the most hazardous constituent of automobile exhaust (CTA 9).

They infiltrate the respiratory system building up to become irritants and leads to nasal congestion, sinusitis and asthma. Exposure to PM is directly linked with asthma and subsequent hospitalizations. According to International Centre for Technology Assessment (CTA), “ for every 10 micrograms/meter³ increase in PM exposure, hospital admissions rose by 7% for patients with respiratory disease, 3.5% for patients with acute respiratory illnesses, and 3% for patients with cardiovascular disease” (9).

On the same note, California EPA maintains that for each “10 micrograms/meter³ increase in PM exposure level to 2.5% cause increase in emergency room visits and 1% increase in mortality for people with pneumonia” (CTA 9). Besides, many Americans end up having premature deaths due to PM exposure. Exposure to PM for instance may lead to irritations in the respiratory system, which leads to cognitive complications as well as depression.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

VOCs are as well referred to as aromatic hydrocarbons and are emitted when burning or on vaporizing fossil fuels. They include benzene, toluene, and formaldehydes among others (Krzyżanowski et al. 55).

They are detrimental environmentally and adversely affect human health, having been identified as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). For instance, 1, 3-butadiene and benzene have been identified as being carcinogenic and are attributed to cause breast cancer. These carcinogens affect an individual with increased exposure while inhaled benzene has been linked with leukemia (CTA 13).

It may also cause mutations and changes in bone marrow and blood cells. A separate study reflects that ethyl benzene has been attributed to tumor growth while exposure to benzene by females leads to menstrual abnormalities as well as atrophied ovaries and infertilities (CTA 13). Exposure to 1, 3-butadine affects the respiratory system and skeletal deformities while inhaled toluene causes lung irritations, CNS disorders and spontaneous abortions.

Carbon Monoxide

CO is released as gaseous byproduct when gasoline and diesel burns incompletely. According to CTA, “ a newer model, properly maintained car, emits about 420 pounds of CO each year, while a newer model, properly maintained SUV, emits 547 pounds over the same period” (23).

As a result, poorly maintained old automobiles, which have faulty emission control systems, lead to more emissions of carbon monoxide. Besides, a cold Engine releases more carbon monoxide as compared to a warmer one. Hence, the emission of this gas in cities is notably more during winter as compared to summer. In general 60 percent of carbon monoxide emission is from automobiles, but in cities it is emitted by up to 95 percent due to traffic jams (CTA 23).

The chemical substance released is the carbon monoxide, which is highly toxic and is emitted during the burning of gasoline. After it is inhaled, it interferes with oxygen circulation in the body’s vital organs such as the brain and heart through combining with hemoglobin. This may not only accelerate the already present illnesses within the body, but also could lead to death.

When oxygen brain supply diminishes, this may affect cognitive function of a person. CO toxicity is fatal and is attributed to over ten thousand hospitalizations annually in the U.S. It is also attributed to suicidal deaths where individuals intoxicate themselves from the exhaust content.

Accidental fatalities in the U.S since 1977 to 1988 were over one thousand one hundred individuals, who died while riding in these automobiles (CTA 23). Acute intoxication with carbon monoxide causes inadequate oxygen supply in vital organs, which adversely affect vulnerable groups such as the elderly and individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

The California Air Resource Board (CARB) conducted tests during onrush and off- rush hours and noted that “average in-car CO levels ranged from 3.5 ppm in the freeway carpool lanes to 5.1 ppm in regular freeway lanes during rush hour.

The average peak CO concentrations in the lead test car during the freeway rush hour runs were 34.0 ppm. Compared to 26.5 ppm for freeway non rush hour runs, and 9.0 ppm for freeway carpool lane runs” (CTA 27). This was attributed to traffics jam where large trucks emit more CO and intoxicate the rest vehicles.

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen Oxides not only causes ground-level ozone but is also is attributed to the formation of acid rain. As a result, respiratory irritation occurs that could deteriorate related illnesses such as asthma. It results to a reduced lung capacity and therefore, one becomes prone to infections resulting to asthma influenza and also pneumonia. If exposure does not exceed 30 ppb, hypersensitivity of airways occurs while 15 ppb results to irritations.

Over 80 ppb leads to respiratory diseases (CTA 32). Nitrogen oxides that are emitted by automobiles irritate the lungs weakening the immunity against respiratory infections like influenza and pneumonia. Nitrogen oxides also are attributed to the formation of particulate matter as well as ozone near the ground (Sevigny 1).

Ozone

Ozone at ground level is detrimental to human health resulting from smog, which is usually great in summer. Ozone is not only caustic but is attributed to lung damage and respiratory illnesses such as asthma. It also causes irritation on reduced exposure but more exposure is linked to hospitalizations as reflected from a met analysis study, which indicate that “asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increase by 6% for every 50 ppb increase in peak ozone exposure” (CTA 33).

This affects especially children and old people, exacerbates asthma and results to fatalities for persons over the age of sixty five. However, ozone is formed as a result of a chemical reaction from automobile pollutants and sunlight (Frumkin 202).

Hydrocarbons, Sulfur dioxide and Lead

Yet another component of automobile pollutants is the hydrocarbons. They undergo a reaction with nitrogen oxides under solar energy to comprise the ozone which is usually at a ground level to result to smog. Ozone is very essential when it in the upper atmosphere but when it’s near the ground, it is attributed to respiratory system irritation leading to coughs, chocks, as well as a declined lung capacity.

Sulfur dioxide on the other hand is released by motor vehicle after combustion of fuels comprising sulfur such as diesels (Krzyżanowski et al. 37). It is known to react with the atmosphere to result to substances that are dangerous to the newborns and the people who have asthma. Other toxic chemical substances emitted by automobiles have been associated with defective births, cancer as well as other diseases.

They especially have been directly linked with the rise in global fatalities, and such emissions include lead. Leaded gasoline has long been causing lead pollution until it was banned in the U.S but it is still in use in other parts of the world. Lead for instance, is known as a cumulative toxin, which defects the brain development especially in small children and most importantly, has been linked with hypertension and related fatalities.

Lead exposure is mostly achieved from leaded gasoline. It impairs the central nervous system thus deteriorates the mental function, resulting to memory and learning impairment. Lead causes neurological dysfunction and results to psychological anguish that may deteriorate the mental state of a person. Lead exposure results to neurotoxicity, which impairs cognitive functions

Efforts to Curb Automobile Pollution

Automobile pollution not only causes health concerns such as lung cancers, but also has secondary effects when emitted to the atmosphere.

This has raised the concern of the government and various environmental agencies in the U.S. Since 1970s, air quality has been pursued by the United States government through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Sevigny 1). The passage of Motor Vehicle Air pollution Control Act of 1965 by the federal government had to review level of automobile emission to set the appropriate standards (Jacobson 211).

The Nixon Administration tried to manage pollution from automobile as one of its many objectives when it passed the Clean Air Act in 1965 (Bates & Kennedy 5). It defined the extent to which pollutants should not exceed by involving particular airborne hazards. Even with the passage of such laws, automobiles have continued to pollute the quality of air inhaled in the U.S and other parts of the globe.

Many resident live in regions already declared as risky since they fail to meet the standards of the federal air quality, posing a public health risk that need to be addressed seriously. Automobiles air pollution has hazardous effect on both the motorist and non-motorists. Related legislations have not been fruitful and the quality of air has remained a global concern for decades. This calls for a multidisciplinary perspective to deal with the problem, which should be involved at a personal, governmental and community level.

Government Policy

To implement this, the government could advocate for voluntary abstention, enhancing public transit through other means as trains, have a different roads for commercial and private automobiles so as to have a reduction in the traffic and for efficiency.

Besides, the government could include parks along the roads for bicycling and walking, to ensure there are walk paths and infrastructure for electric vehicles. It is within its reach to ensure reduced commuting through restructuring the urban setups, offering reward schemes, penalty schemes and implementing laws on fossil fuel usage. It could raise the concern of automobile pollutants by holding campaign rallies for alternatives energy such as natural gas, biofuels and use of electric cars (zell et al. 26).

Moreover, automobile manufacturers should also ensure that they make cars, which are energy efficient, to curb the vice. Highway construction should be regulated and the government should find other means of achieving mass transportation. This is because traffic jams expose people to the risks and at the long run, limit efficiency. Smaller car also consumes less gasoline and moves faster while in the traffic.

Americans drives to their destinations covering more miles and limit by traffic, which increases the time taken to cover a small distance. People are more concerned about reaching to their destinations within the shortest time possible and less on the effects of their action to the public health. In-car pollution is often higher and therefore risky to human health since it has more carbon monoxide, toluene, benzene, nitrogen oxides and other particulates, which comes from the gasoline and diesel combustion.

Benzene is a carcinogenic, carbon monoxide affects efficiency in blood oxygen circulation, while particulate matter is liked with many fatalities. This calls for public health officials to create awareness since this is hazardous to the susceptible persons such as the old, children and individuals with asthma. In addition, driving less is recommendable at a personal level and only using the vehicle if there is a great need to.

Obstacles and Recommendations

Failure of policymakers; they have neglected ideas, which could prove effective in managing pollution from automobiles such as advocating for driving less, proper maintenance of vehicles and taking public transport, which are some of the ways to reduce automobile pollution. It is therefore, the role of policymakers to address the issue at a personal level. The EPA should address the use of alternative transit means (Agarwal 23).

Failure to fund crucial projects; the federal, state as well as the local governments should fund the public means of transport initiatives for areas that have elevated traffic jams level. In Los Angeles for instance, the traffic congestion has to be eliminated to reduce pollution while advocating for public transit. In such a place, funding public transit projects would come in handy to ease traffic congestion.

Failure to implement the laws; tax incentives and breaks should be enforced to promote and discourage public transport respectively (zell et al. 20). The automobiles have to have a reduction in nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The diesel fuels should have reduced level of sulfur by issuance of a timely toxic rule to phase out dangerous chemical emission such as benzene, xylenes, VOCs, toluene among others.

Technology failure; Vehicle technology should do more to reduce exhaust pollutants such as EPA Tier 2 rules that ensure seventy five percent cleaner automobiles as compared to current ones. This means less sulfur gasoline but it should also advocate for zero emission automobiles e.g. electric vehicles (Zell et al. 6). Diesel vehicles should be phased out since they emit large amounts of pollutants e.g. PM, as EPA is geared to reduce PM emission by ninety percent (CTA 38).

All the same, the agency has continued to face great opposition in its efforts to reduce automobile pollution. The fuel companies and engine manufacturers for instance have greatly opposed the passage of these recommendations such as that of reducing sulfur in diesel (Zell et al. 6). The motor trade associations such as Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, within the U.S maintain that it is not within their reach two regulate automobile emissions (Krier & Ursin 90).

Conclusion

From various studies, it is clear that health implications from automobile pollution range from respiratory irritation to neurological effects and cancer. This is due to particulate matters, CO, VOCs and nitrogen oxides, which not only affects the driver but also the pedestrians as well. Efforts have to be invested to safeguard the public health.

To safeguard human health, it is recommendable to follow simple rules such as ensuring proper air flow in and out of the car. Traffic congestion and nearness to high polluting automobiles result to more health implications. Making, driving, and fueling automobiles has posed various risks and therefore, raises a public health concern since it leads to a reduced health span.

Automobile emissions have also been linked with the environmental concern of global warming due to the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. It is the role of each and every person to manage pollution from automobiles, by driving less and taking public transit means. This not only improves the humanity’s overall wellbeing by maintaining a good health, but most importantly, safeguards the environment to make it a better place for mankind and other organisms.

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Water pollution is a problem that has affected the world for a long time. It essentially entails contamination of the water bodies such as lakes, oceans, rivers and ground water just to mention but a few.

Although some people may fail to understand the long-term effects of pollution, its short-term effects are easy to discern (Newton, 2008, p.102). Such effects include diseases or death of both human beings and animals. Despite this fact, human beings still pollute the water bodies, oblivious of the dangers that they are exposing themselves and animals to.

One of the main reasons for this is the fact that some of the effects of pollution may take very long before they exhibit themselves. Aquatic life has been adversely affected by water pollution to the extent of extinction of some species. Chemical pollution of water is one of the leading causes of death of aquatic life. It normally makes water acidic, and also makes it toxic. The animals that do not die are left living in very harsh conditions (Hogan, 2010, p.1).

Animals that consume these toxins may, in turn, be harvested for human consumption leading to diseases in human beings. Additionally, if water is polluted with chemicals, the amount of water available for human consumption reduces, and thus humans experience difficulties accessing safe drinking water.

The water will also evaporate and make humans and animals inhale the chemical substances dissolved in it. This evaporation will also result in acidic rain which has the same effects as water pollution. It is thus evident that chemical pollution of water not only has negative effects on health, but it also substantially reduces the amount of water available for consumption by animals and human beings.

There are a number of ways through which an individual could pollute water bodies. Some of these include; factory wastes, blood from slaughter houses, farm water with pesticides or herbicides, and all types of wastes disposed of to the water bodies. The aforementioned ways of polluting the water, makes it unable to sustain aquatic life as well as unfit for human consumption. It is therefore advisable that human beings avoid any actions or processes that could pollute water in order to live in a clean and safe environment.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is a form of renewable energy just like solar energy. The production of energy by the use of wind power is accomplished by the use of wind turbines. The blades of the turbines are meant to rotate by the wind thus causing electrical energy which serves as a power source (Richardson, 2006, p.2). It has been used as an alternative source of energy to substitute other energy sources such as fossils.

Advantages

There are numerous advantages of using wind energy, which include;

• It has negligible environmental effects. When compared to other sources of energy such as fossils which when burnt to generate electricity pollute the environment wind energy has no emissions hence safe to the environment (Perez, 2010, p.1).
• It is readily available as wind keeps blowing and is free thus making it cheap.
• The turbines occupy less space making it cheap since the size of land required is less compared to that required for hydropower.
• It is an easy way of generating electricity as no advanced technologies are required.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of wind energy is that the amount of energy it generates is limited compared to other energy sources. The turbines must be located in strategic places in order for them to generate significant amounts of energy. Last but not least, Wind energy is more appropriate in areas with a lot of wind, for instance in the rural areas.

Reference List

Hogan, M. (2010). Water Pollution. Web.

Newton, D. (2008). Chemistry of the Environment. Checkmark Books. pp. 102.

Perez, D. (2010). Sources of Energy. Web.

Richardson, N. (2006). Energy Sources. Web.

Atmospheric pollution is the existence of dangerous gases, solids or liquids in the atmosphere (Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). Atmospheric pollution occurs as a result of various types of noxious wastes.

Particulate matter, the first type, comprises of liquid and solid aerosols suspended in air. This occurs as a result of hazardous industrial processes and burning coal. It speeds up the erosion of construction materials and the decomposition of metals which destructs the human respiratory system by introducing poisonous materials into the system.

The minute particles cause ailments such as: lung cancer, bronchial asthma and emphysema among others.
Sulphur oxides, the second type, mainly come from burning coal and manufacturing industries. The nature of acidity of the sulphur oxides causes harm to human beings, plant life and other materials on the earth’s surface.

Carbon monoxide, the third type of pollutant, is a colourless gas which people have no guard against. Haemoglobin, present in blood, mixes with carbon monoxide and transports less oxygen to the body tissues posing a risk of health and heart effects. A number of health issues originate from the exhaust fumes seeping out from automobiles. Hundreds of Americans lose their lives as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

Hydrocarbons, the fourth type, are chemical complexes made up of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons come up from vehicles powered with gasoline and industrial procedures. Hydrocarbons are emitted when power in the engine burns up incompletely. Whenever hydrocarbons get in touch with sunlight, they create ground level ozone, a chief ingredient in the creation of smog. Ground level ozone damages lungs, causes eye irritation as well as general respiratory problems.

The final type is nitrogen oxides which originate from high-temperature ignition, for instance in electric power plants, motor car engines and general use of fuel. Nitrogen oxide adds to acidity during the production and precipitation of chemical fog. Nitrogen oxide is however hazardous as it springs severe illness and demise even in cases of short periods of exposure.

Description of the Problem

Atmospheric pollution is an environmental problem that has to do with contaminants in the air. Atmospheric pollution leads to several health and environmental problems. The world is getting hotter, making people to suffer. Each day, a common person inhales almost twenty thousand litres of air. Each time we inhale we risk drawing in hazardous chemicals that have made their way into the atmosphere. Atmospheric pollution includes all pollutants found in the air. These hazardous substances can exist in the type of gases or particles.

Atmospheric pollution can occur both in and out-of-doors. It poses health risks like emphysema, cancer and asthma. It also leads to the exhaustion of the ozone layer which causes the melting of ice caps as well as global warming. Up to the industrial age, the air was rather clean. Afterwards, the use of vents and the burning of coal added many pollutants in the air. The amplified use of fossil fuels nowadays also contributes to this.

If pollution goes on as badly as it is currently, the O-Zone layer will be run down adequately to allow ultra violet waves into the earth leading to skin cancer and other issues associated with the ultra violet rays.

Since ozone layer protects the earth from dangerous ultraviolet radiation, ozone exhaustion is believed to cause high number of skin cancer cases in nations like Australia and Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the Montreal Protocol which constrained the emission of artificial pollutants like the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) would direct ozone layer’s recuperation by 2050 (Sunyer, 2001).

Smog is a blend of many contaminants, primarily particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Ozone is produced from nitrogen oxides and volatile organic composites. During summers, most people get exposed to ground-level ozone absorptions that are greater than the present national ambient quality of air objective of eighty two parts per billion in one hour (Goss et al., 2004). In the United States, the key sources of nitrogen oxides are industries, transport sector, and use of fossil fuels as a source of energy.

Non-artificial sources of nitrogen oxides are usually insignificant. The chief sources of artificial volatile organic composites are petroleum and solvents. While non-artificial sources of volatile organic composites (chiefly from plants) are 5.5 times artificial sources, it is significant to note that locally, in crowded smog-affected areas, volatile organic composite emissions tend to rule during ozone events.

Though ozone changes only a small number of regions, many big cities experience heights of particulate matter which are said to have major effects on human wellbeing. Particulates and ground-level ozone are related to a variety of bad health impacts, among them being respiratory problems, augmented emergency cases of illness and early death.

Nonliving and Living Factors that Contribute to or Are Affected by the Problem

Human beings are the major living factor that causes atmospheric pollution. This is so because human beings cut trees for use in industries and use fossil fuels as sources of energy. The rising earth population is also significantly associated to this matter. A large population causes pollution in that as the number of people increase, the demand for timber as a construction material increase, thus increasing deforestation.

Numerous forms of transport are available globally. So long as these forms of transport rely on fuel to run, they will forever emit pollutants. Exhausts from vehicles, aircrafts, and ships have become the main pollutants of the globe. If bikes and other non-fuelled modes of transports can be employed, the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could be reduced. Exhausts from cars weaken the o-zone layer. By not smouldering plastics or using fossil products, we can aid in preventing atmospheric pollution.

The altitude of oceans is normally elevated by global warming that occurs as a result of atmospheric pollution. The heightened levels of water ingest low land areas and islets which cause problems to humans, plants and other creatures that inhabit that area. Water coats plants inhibiting their growth. As a result, aquatic animals lack food and in severe cases, they die. Loss of plants and animals depress the whole ecosystem and particularly, the lives of human beings.

Furthermore, global warming augments the ocean temperatures, thus endangering the lives of ocean animals (Tuner, 1994). The most affected by this process is the algae. Algae manufacture food for the sea habitants by photosynthesis. It also acts as a meal to a many creatures like crabs, small fish and whales.

The loss of algae leads to malnourishment of other animals and consecutively the sea kingdom begins to die out. The emission of greenhouse gases raises temperatures which results to the drying of trees leaves. As a result, the forest burns since dry leaves easily catch fire. Green house gases also cause acid rain which is corrosive. It affects both plants and animals lives.

Positive or Negative Human Impacts

Human forces on forests like forestation can be helpful. However, deforestation can greatly impact the ecosystem as it raises the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Evaluation of Current Sustainability Strategies and Solution

At present, there are many luminous sustainability strategies and solutions that have been started by several organizations, governments, firms and civic groups.

An example is the emphasis on use of solar energy as opposed to use of coal. Clean Air Acts was also established to safeguard the atmosphere against pollutants (Goss, 2004).

By making electric vehicles, pollution that occurs from gasoline powered vehicles can be reduced. Scientists and car makers have joined hands so as to establish how they can make cars that are powered by batteries or that use air to run (Turner, 1994). So far, these cars have not yet been released into the market as they are still being worked on. If these cars are released, then they will play a great role in prevention of atmospheric pollution.

Several attempts at reducing atmospheric pollution have been made. The Clean Air Acts was effectual for a short while. The Act illegalized the use of a number of polluting matters. However, this did not work since people did not adhere to it. Use of solar energy is another solution that has been tried.

This type of power is excellent because it is a substitute energy source to petroleum and other fossil fuels that contaminate the atmosphere. The only limitation to use of solar energy is that it is very expensive. However, it is broadly used universally.
Another effectual way of reducing air pollution would be the making of electric vehicles. The employment of these electric vehicles would entirely lessen the amount of pollution in the atmosphere caused by gasoline motorized vehicles.

These vehicles can be run on batteries as a replacement for gasoline and other fuels. Although solar cars appear to be very pragmatic, they would be very costly to build up. The major variation amid solar and electrical power is that solar vehicles would be more costly to construct. The potential of creating a cost efficient electric vehicle is to a large extent more sensible than creating a cost efficient solar vehicle.

By creating ecologically secure and reasonably priced electric vehicles, the extent of pollution due to gasoline powered cars would lessen. Devoid of making these adjustments, the world will go on to heat up at a yearly rate of more than two degrees, which will lead to the melting of ice caps (Holland & Reid, 1965). In case this takes place, the water will mount up to 200 feet, down pouring a large portion of the earth.

The world’s ecosystem can be compared to a web. It is extremely delicate and relies on all of its strings to uphold stableness. If the atmosphere is polluted it interrupts the web by making a discrepancy.

Sustainability Plan

My plan for reducing atmospheric pollution in my community is to build up an education plan on atmospheric pollution reduction activities and their importance, schedule a presentation day and time, invite community participants, and research on the effects of air pollution.

First, I will research on the roots, effects and potential ways of reducing air pollution. The research will incorporate the short term and long term impacts of the types of energy that are frequently used by the society members, explore the various alternative sources of energy, and note human actions that can lessen atmospheric pollution.

Next I will schedule a day when I can present a brief report on the findings of the research to the community. I will also educate the community members on possible ways of reducing air pollution with an aim of ensuring that each member in the society is conversant with the role that he or she can play in reducing atmospheric pollution. Some of these roles could include: recycling materials, reducing the use of non-reusable paper products, utilizing firewood efficiently, and using forest products economically. I will also work together with media owners to ensure that they publicize my reports on causes, effects and way of reducing air pollution.

Since most members in my community work during the day, I will schedule most activities to take place in the evenings. The mitigation process will be ongoing.

Required Government, Societal, and Global Support

Owners of factories and businesses can play a great role in reducing atmospheric pollution, since most air pollutants results from manufacturing industries.

The government must also initiate policies aimed at regulating the amounts of hydrocarbons emitted in the atmosphere, especially by industries. The industries can regulate the amounts of hydrocarbons released in the atmosphere by purchasing relevant equipment.

The government should pass a regulation on use of such equipment within businesses and factories. Such equipment should satisfy all these four conditions: have an ionizing radiation, have a flame burner and have an acceptor that contacts the waste gases in crosscurrents. Like other laws, if a single condition is absent then the business or factory should be heavily fined. In such a case, the government can order the business or factory to satisfy the lacking condition in a fortnight, failure to which will lead to closure.

It is important that our governments take action right away. By doing so, the owners of factories and businesses will come to terms with the impacts of atmospheric pollution that they cause. All this will be aimed at preventing or reducing chances of causing harm to others by way of atmospheric pollution. This will consequently benefit a country in that billions of money used on health problems posed by atmospheric pollution will be saved.

Benefits and Challenges for My plan

If the community supports my plan, there will be reduced levels of atmospheric pollution. However, since the practicability of my plan relies on the will of the people, if the people do not see sense in it then it will definitely not be effective.

Another challenge is that most members in my community belong to the working class. Thus, the only time that I can reach them is during evenings, when they could be tired as well.

References

Environmental Protection Agency (2011). Air pollution: basic Information. Web.

Goss, C.H., Newsom, S., Jonathan S. & Kaufman, J. (2004). Effect of ambient air pollution on pulmonary exacerbations and lung function in cystic fibrosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 169 (7), 816–821.

Holland, W. & Reid, D. (1965).The urban factor in chronic bronchitis. New York: Oxford University Press

Sunyer, J. (2001). Urban air pollution and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review. European Respiratory Journal, 17, 1024–1033

Turner, D.B. (1994). Workbook of atmospheric dispersion estimates: an introduction to dispersion modelling. 2nd ed. London: Sage

Proposal

Air pollution is a major health issue, which can be highly detrimental to the overall well-being of a community, city, state, nation, and world. The current discussions on climate change are tightly connected to the topic of the selected problem, where human activity has a direct impact on the general pollution of the atmosphere. Although air pollution is caused by a wide range of factors, fossil fuels play a central role in increasing the concentration of harmful substances in the air. One should be aware that air pollution does not merely contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, which could be facilitating disastrous ramifications for society’s future because the severe damage is already being done. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fact that lower air quality is linked with a higher mortality rate (Pansini and Fornacca 1). In addition, various emissions strongly contribute to preterm birth, which is also a healthcare burden (Konkel 74003). Nitrogen dioxide is a byproduct of fossil fuel usage, which substantially increases the all-cause mortality risks (Stieb et al. 2). In other words, the research on the subject is detailed, where air pollution is at its peak, and it has detrimental effects on a population’s health.

It is important to note that the problem is well-known among the population. Many people are aware of the fact that they are contributing to air pollution, but the mere knowledge does not discourage such actions (Chaney et al. 8). Thus, the necessary changes need to take place at the infrastructural and policy-based level, where measures are not reliant on people’s effort, but rather systematic changes, such as the zero-emission goal of California (Aines and Peridas 80). Therefore, the thesis is that air pollution causes major health issues, such as preterm birth, all-cause mortality, and increases vulnerability to COVID-19, and the public is unable to act independently, which is why legislative and infrastructural shifts are mandatory.

Annotated Bibliography

Aines, Roger D., and George Peridas. “Getting to ZERO–and Beyond: California’s aspiration to become the first carbon-negative state appears to be achievable and affordable.” Issues in Science and Technology, vol. 36, no. 3, 2020, p. 80+. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints.

The given source primarily focuses on the state of California’s efforts to achieve zero carbon footprint by integrating systematic changes through statewide infrastructural and legislative changes by implementing multifaceted measures, such as direct carbon capture, waste biomass fuel utilization, and other natural solutions. The research is highly relevant to the topic of air pollution since the information includes carbon capture methodologies as well as the reduction or elimination of major air pollutants. The article will be mainly used as a solution for the outlined problems, where the state of California’s plan of zero carbon footprint will be used as a framework for demonstrating the necessary policy-level changes alongside the requirements for infrastructural modifications.

Chaney, Robbie A., et al. “A Comparison of Perceived and Measured Commuter Air Pollution Exposures.” Journal of Environmental Health, vol. 82, no. 4, 2019, p. 8+. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints.

The given source is mainly focused on analyzing people’s understanding of the subject of air pollution and their willingness to act on reducing their carbon footprint. The research primarily focuses on one’s choice for commuting, where transportation is a major emitter of various air pollutants, which are detrimental to one’s health, such as nitrogen dioxide. The findings suggest that many individuals are well-aware of their impact on air pollution of their commuting patterns, but they are still unwilling to change their commuting preferences. These results are relevant since they shed light on the effective approaches, which are required to reduce air pollution. The information will be used as a point of decision-making, where only policy and infrastructural changes will be plausible to reduce air pollution. Thus, awareness campaigns and alternative commuting alterations might not provide the necessary change in commuting behavior, which is a major contributing element of the problem.

Konkel, Lindsey. “Move Over, Traffic: Aircraft Emissions and Preterm Birth.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 128, no. 7, 2020, p. 74003. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints.

The research primarily addresses the problem of preterm birth due to exposure to ultrafine particles, which are one of the harmful air pollutants. The information is highly relevant because the results show the healthcare ramifications on future generations as well as current concerns, where mothers with high levels of ultrafine particle exposure are 14% more likely to experience preterm births. In other words, the findings will be used as one of the key arguments for showing that air pollution is detrimental to both individual and societal health. Ultrafine particles are mainly a byproduct of aircraft and traffic-related emissions, which is why it is important to introduce changes by shifting towards other fuel alternatives.

Pansini, Riccardo, and Davide Fornacca. “COVID-19 Higher Mortality in Chinese Regions With Chronic Exposure to Lower Air Quality.” Frontiers in Public Health, 2021, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints.

The source mainly focuses on the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19, where the mortality rate for the infected individuals is significantly higher in regions with greater air pollution levels. The findings are highly relevant within the context of the selected topic as well as the current situation of the pandemic. The information will be used to illustrate the newly emerging ramifications of such pollution as well as to pinpoint the overall urgency of making the necessary changes. The fact that COVID-19 patients are more vulnerable to complications and death in regions with high levels of air pollution reveals that the subject makes populations at risk for both current and future pandemics. In other words, air pollution has severe economic, social, and healthcare impacts through coronavirus mortality rate increase.

Stieb, David M., et al. “Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of long term outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure and mortality.” PLoS ONE, vol. 16, no. 2, 2021, p. e0246451. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints.

The article primarily addresses one of the major air pollutants – nitrogen dioxide, which is a byproduct of fossil fuel usage. The research is relevant since one of the key air pollutants’ effects on health and well-being is put at the center of the analysis. The information will be used to illuminate that air pollution does not cause specific health issues but rather increase the all-cause mortality rate, which means that its effects are systemic, where all major health systems are weakened by air pollution. In other words, all-cause mortality is caused by a single air pollutant, which means that air pollution, in general, can be even more detrimental to a population’s health.

Works Cited

Aines, Roger D., and George Peridas. “Getting to ZERO–and Beyond: California’s aspiration to become the first carbon-negative state appears to be achievable and affordable.” Issues in Science and Technology, vol. 36, no. 3, 2020, p. 80+. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Web.

Chaney, Robbie A., et al. “A Comparison of Perceived and Measured Commuter Air Pollution Exposures.” Journal of Environmental Health, vol. 82, no. 4, 2019, p. 8+. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Web.

Konkel, Lindsey. “Move Over, Traffic: Aircraft Emissions and Preterm Birth.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 128, no. 7, 2020, p. 74003. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints.

Pansini, Riccardo, and Davide Fornacca. “COVID-19 Higher Mortality in Chinese Regions With Chronic Exposure to Lower Air Quality.” Frontiers in Public Health, 2021, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Web.

Stieb, David M., et al. “Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of long term outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure and mortality.” PLoS ONE, vol. 16, no. 2, 2021, p. e0246451. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Web.

Air pollution refers to the infusion of chemicals, particles and biological matter that are hazardous and are the cause of discomfort to humanity and other living organisms into the atmosphere. Noise is also one of the factors that contribute to air pollution.

The main pollutants are gases, solid matter and liquid droplets. These can either be primary or secondary. Primary pollutants are those that are emitted directly into the atmosphere while secondary pollutants are those that form in the air when different primary pollutants react or interact.

“Examples of primary pollutants include volcanic ash that is spewed into the atmosphere as a result of a volcanic eruption, Carbon Monoxide emitted by automobiles and Sulphur dioxide from factories. An example of a secondary pollutant is the ground level ozone” (Mukhopadhyay 2008)

There are many gaseous pollutants and the common ones are carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Duflo & Hanna (2008) notes’ “carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and poisonous. When there is incomplete combustion of any kind of fuel, the resultant product is carbon monoxide which can lead to death when one is exposed to it for a long period of time. Carbon dioxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas, is not toxic and it is the product of complete combustion, cement production and respiration (Duflo & Hanna 2008).

Solid pollutants are either natural or manmade. Those that occur naturally include pollen that comes from plants, dust from dust storms from volcanic ash which is emitted by volcanoes. Manmade solid pollutants come about as a result of human activities such as burning of fossil fuel in cars and various industrial processes. Aerosols, a mixture of gas and solid particles, are also products of human activity (Mukhopadhyay, 2008)

There is another category of pollutants known as radioactive. These occur either naturally or may be brought about by human activities. An example of a naturally occurring radioactive pollutant is the radioactive decay of radon. The ones that are as a result of human activity are nuclear war explosives and the generation of nuclear energy. Radioactive pollutants are believed to have the most devastating and lasting effects on the environment and its inhabitants.

Radioactive pollution mutates the genes of any living organisms causing their offspring to have abnormal features. The effect of radioactive pollution are heavily documented in history and of particular interest is the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan by the United States of America, the effects are still being felt up-to-date. Recently in the wake of the earthquake that rocked Japan, a nuclear power plant was hit and radioactive gases leaked into the atmosphere.

Air pollution can take place both outdoors and indoors. While indoors, air can be polluted by lead paint degenerating into dust which ends up being inhaled, burning of incense, air fresheners, perfumes, tobacco smoking, pesticides, mold on walls and pets which produce dander hence contributing towards pollution of the environment (Tesar, et al 2007)

The effects of air pollution are far reaching and according to World Health Organization statistics, about 2.4 million people loose the lives annually as a result of air pollution. There are numerous health conditions that can be attributed to air pollution. Conditions such as cancer, lung and heart diseases, asthma, severe respiratory symptoms and allergies, bronchitis, emphysema and dyspnea are some of the conditions that are caused by air pollution.

This in turn leads to increased medicinal use and a lot of resources are spent in an attempt to treat or manage some of these conditions. Large water bodies are adversely affected by air pollution due to Carbon dioxide being emitted in the atmosphere thus causing water bodies to be acidic beyond the optimal point that is ideal for marine flora and fauna. The net result is the extinction of some species of marine plants and animals (Christopher et al 2004).

The present generation owes it to the future generations to conserve the environment so that they inherit one that is habitable. To achieve this air pollution has to be as minimal as possible and habits such as smoking should be discarded. Practices of using other forms of energy that are environment friendly will go a long way towards reducing the level of environmental pollution.

Resources that are being used to treat illnesses caused by air pollution will be channeled elsewhere. Governments should implement policies that ban the use of toxic chemicals and activities that pollute the air. Such posterity measures will go a long way in preserving the environment and enjoying life.

References

Christopher, H. et al (2004). Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Pulmonary Exacerbations and Lung Function in Cystic Fibrosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 169 (7): 816–821.

Duflo, E., & Hanna, R. (2008) Indoor air pollution, health and economic well-being. New York, NY: John Willey.

Mukhopadhyay, K. (2008). Air Pollution in India and Its Impact on the Health of Different Income Groups. New York, NY: Nova Science Publisher

Tesar, J. et al (2007). Air Pollution and Its Effects Our Fragile Planet. London: Infobase Publishing.

The advancement in technology has contributed widely to the pollution of the environment. Various automobiles which came up as a result of technological advancement emit gases which lead to serious environmental pollution. On the other hand, the methods adopted by farmers today have come up as a result of the development of technology. The farmers use chemical pesticides and fertilizers to boost the farm yield, but in turn, often pollute the underground water that is later consumed by plants and animals. Health practitioners have always been at the forefront to criticize such farm produce for being unhealthy for human consumption.

The use of bio gas is viewed as a good way of disposing of the waste has also raised environmental concerns with a number of organizations claiming that although using it helps reduce the level of pollution, few individuals will be willing to live near an industry which manufactures bio gas due to the gases emitted from these industries. The emitted gases have also had adverse effects on the health of individuals. The consequences of environmental pollution have not only led to various illnesses but also led to food shortages across the globe. Food shortage caused by the infertility of the soil as a result of environmental pollution may soon lead to deteriorating standards of living hence affecting the economy of a given country.

Although various scholars are of the view that green technology reduces the level of pollution, adequate research on the use of this form of technology needs to be conducted so as to fully contain environmental pollution. Recycling of products such as plastics has also had its downward side. When the plastics are recycled, they are always mixed with other different plastics giving a low quality end product. The creativity of recycling products brought about by the new technology has left people worried about the transfer of waste materials from one form to another. Clothes made of fiber which comes from recycled plastics contain toxins which are harmful when they come in to contact with the human skin. The whole recycling process has, therefore proven to be an issue of concern in regard to the environment.

Problems brought about by the pollution of the environment can, therefore, be quite a hard task to fully contain. This is because the various steps aimed at reducing the level of pollution end up causing more harm, for example, the use of bio gas has led to Global warming hence causing serious problems to both plants and animals. Different measures are advocated by sociologist so as to contain the level of global warming. Protecting the environment can be achieved if the entire world agrees to follow the laid down policies of international law in regard to the protection of the environment. Powerful countries such as China and the USA should lead by example for the other countries to imitate them in regulating the level of environmental pollution.

In conclusion, Pollution of the environment has not only affected the residents of one country, but also the world at large it, therefore, requires attention from all the members of the society. Protecting the environment has so far proven to be a global issue which needs to be addressed by all countries. Researchers have recommended that different countries should cooperate so as to try and contain the problem of environmental pollution.

The ecological problems have had a short but notorious history in China, and a particular aspect of environmental issues, the air pollution, has been a part of a broader global discussion about ecology. The background of pollution issues in China dates back to 1970s when China began its industrial growth. In the late 1990s, numerous transfers of industries, including the technology and whole factories have largely contributed to the ecological problems, although Chinese economy has benefited from these transfers.

For example, the ThyssenKrupp steel factory, including the large steel mill, has been “dismantled and shipped piece by piece from Germany’s old industrial heartland to Hebei Province, China’s new Ruhr Valley” (Kahn & Landler, 2007, par. 1-5). The air pollution, the number of hard particles and the emissions of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide began to grow rapidly until it began reaching its peaks in the late 2010s.

While the current situation with polluted air and emissions in industrial parts of China can be considered critical, some attempts are already made for normalization, and these steps are becoming a topic for discussion in the public sector and the government, as well. In the year 2004 the most polluted air was in the cities of Northern China provinces, known for their coal industry, which were Linfen, Yangquan, and Datong, while the others were Shizuishan Sanmenxia, Jinchang, Shijiazhuang, Xianyang, Zhuzhou, and Luoyang; Beijing score no.28 in the list of 113 most polluted cities of China (Jize, 2004, par. 1-5).

The citizens in China have long since took notice of the smog in the cities, similar to that of XIX century London when the visibility becomes very low, and the breathing is difficult without a mask. The authorities say that this the catastrophic state of environment results from tripling the number of vehicles in the country in the period between 2005 and 2011. Another reason for pollution peak is the fact that in China, almost two-thirds of electricity is supplied by coal-fired power plants, whose upkeep leaves much to be desired (Pouget, 2015, par. 2-8).

The Chinese officials, however, were reluctant to changes in legislation, claiming that although today China pollutes more than the United States, they should not be forced to take actions on cutting down carbon emissions because of its developing industry and economy. China has also demanded the world’s largest polluter in history, the United States, go first in taking such action (Davenport, 2014, par. 5).

The consequences of air pollution in China are already becoming evident, and not only they are the reason for environmental problems, but also they have a significant influence on the health of Chinese people living in polluted areas. Numerous researches have stated that air pollution had a direct relation to the mortality rate as well as various negative effects on human health. For example, a study conducted by Chen et al. shows that ambient air pollution had an acute effect on daily stroke mortality rates in 8 Chinese cities (Chen et al., 2013).

Another research, involving 17 Chinese cities, also claims that even short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can result in a major increase in daily mortality rate (Chen et al., 2012). Definitely, the health and lives of people living in such cities are being threatened. The most recent article by Rohde and Muller also shows that a map of polluted areas was made available by Chinese scientists:

The greatest pollution occurs in the east, but significant levels are widespread across northern and central China and are not limited to major cities or geologic basins … The observed air pollution is calculated to contribute to 1.6 million deaths/year in China … roughly 17% of all deaths in China. (2015).

The color codes of hazard and the air quality index have been developed to alert people about potentially hazardous emissions and days when these emissions can be most dangerous. Such measures may help people in the immediate vicinity of the polluted area to take care of their health, but according to global standards, they are ludicrous and insufficient.

The government in China takes the issue of environmental protection and decreasing the level of emissions with a degree of skepticism; however, the matter has become pressing over the past few years, and the officials are forced to make decisions on the topic. The new law on environmental protection has come into effect in January 2015, significantly increasing the fines for companies that break the ecological regulations, and seizing the property of such polluters.

Another decisive step had been made recently, in the years 2014-2015, when China claimed to adapt a “new normal” strategy of industrial development and growth, where much consideration is put to ecology and problems of environmental protection. However, this strategy still has much space for improvement, according to the authors of the policy brief on structural change, better growth, and peak emissions in China, Fergus Green and Nicholas Stern. They claim the following:

To reduce its emissions at a rapid rate, post-peak, China will need to deepen its planned reforms in cities and in the energy system, supported by a concerted approach to clean innovation, green finance and fiscal reforms … China’s “new normal” [should] entail a concerted commitment to a continuing and dynamic process of structural transformation and policy reform. (Green & Stern, 2015, p.4-5).

China needs a better understanding of the global processes and policies, encompassing the questions of ecology and the actions on pollution and emissions, and the rapid change of its outdated legislation can become a major step to embracing the global ecological values. The health of people and the sustainability of environment can prove to become the most important things in the future perspective, while the economic growth at all costs may soon become too cost intensive in terms of energy efficiency and overall quality of life.

Although China has become the world’s factory, the polluting industries have blighted its rise of economics. Some economists say that the immense growth rates do not improve the lives of ordinary people, when one considers the inevitable damage to the air, water, soil, and human health. Outdated production equipment needs to be replaced or retrofitted, which will cost a lot if the country truly intends to reduce the emissions and pollution (Kahn & Landler, 2007, par. 7).

If China gets ready to take the necessary steps, it can also set an example for the whole world on the way to achieve such key goals together, united. While it may be hard to call China a leader of ecological revolution, the actions that have been taken recently by the government and the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, not to fall behind in this race for the future of the environment definitely deserve respect, especially when compared to the attitude shown by China only a decade ago.

References

Chen, RJ, Huang, W, Wong, CM, Wang, ZS, Thach, TQ, Chen, BH, & Kan, HD. (2012). Short-term Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide and Daily Mortality in 17 Chinese Cities: The China Air Pollution and Health Effects Study (CAPES). Environmental Research, 118: 101-106.

Chen, RJ, Zhang, Y, Yang, CX, Zhao, ZH, Xu, XH, & Kan, HD. (2013). Acute Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Stroke Mortality in the China Air Pollution and Health Effects Study. Stroke, 44(4): 954-960.

Davenport, C. (2014). Governments Await Obama’s Move on Carbon to Gauge U.S. Climate Efforts. The New York Times. Web.

Green F., & Stern, N. (2015). China’s “new normal”: structural change, better growth, and peak emissions. Policy brief, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. Web.

Jize, Q. (2004). Most polluted cities in China blacklisted. China Daily. Web.

Kahn, J. & Landler, M. (2007). China Grabs West’s Smoke-Spewing Factories. The New York Times. Web.

Pouget, J. (2015). Airpocalypse: This Is How China Looks At Its Red Alert Pollution Peak. Web.

Rohde, R. A., & Muller, R. A. (2015). Air Pollution in China: Mapping of Concentrations and Sources. PLOS ONE, 10(8): e0135749-e0135713.

Executive Summary

Scientists have discovered that the level of pollution in the western bank of Lake Erie has been increasing over the past decade. The increase in cyanobacteria and algae is a clear indication that there are pollutants in the water from different rivers that feed the lake. Studies have revealed that there is a high amount of phosphorus in the water, and there are also untreated industrial wastes present in the lake.

Introduction

Lake Erie is popularly known for its high pollution level in the 1970s, whereby the industrial sector had released high amounts of toxic waste into the shallow lake. The high pollution rate led to the death of many species of fish and an increase in algae and bacteria in the lake. However, through the combined efforts of the industrial sector, the communities around the lake, and the authorities, conservation measures were applied to save the lake.

The lake was liberated from the brink of death, but it is apparent that over the past several years, the Western side of the lake has been experiencing an increase in green slime, which has been associated with high toxicity. There are worries among the members of the community that the lake could be facing another episode of high toxicity, and they have called for the authorities to investigate the main causes of the pollution in an attempt to mitigate the occurrence of another catastrophe in the lake. This paper looks into the main cause of pollution in Lake Erie today.

Research Method

This study utilizes secondary material as the main source of information to highlight the main cause of pollution in the Western bank of the Lake Erie. The secondary material includes scholarly journals retrieved from online libraries. The information from the sources has been peer-reviewed for validity; hence, the findings of the research are reliable.

Analysis

Scientists at the Heidelberg University’ National Center for Water Quality Research have revealed that the depth of Lake Erie implies that the water is replaced every 2.5-3 years (Burlakova et al. 563). This is one of the main reasons that it was possible for the lake to recover from the extensive water pollution in the 1970s (Allinger and Reavie 369). However, there has been an increase in cyanobacteria and algae in some parts of the lake over the last decade, which implies that there is a new source of pollution that is threatening the lake.

The scientists have been studying the quality of the water in the rivers that feed the lake, and it is apparent that the industries around the lake have been treating their waste-water adequately. However, scientists have discovered that there is a high concentration of phosphorus runoff in the rivers feeding the lake. The phosphorus runoff is associated with the agricultural lands in the region, which reveals that the use of fertilizers and herbicides is to blame for the increasing toxicity of the lake.

A study by various environmental scientists also revealed that there is a high amount of Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers in the sediments in the western bank of Lake Erie. Further analysis of the Detroit River indicated that it is the source of the HBCD, and since it feeds the lake from the western bank, the sediments are diluted as they head to the eastern bank; thus, only the western bank reveals the increasing toxicity in the water. The presence of HBCD in the Detroit River is an indication that there are manufacturers, especially in the plastics, textile, or building industries that are releasing untreated waste-water into the river (Letcher et al. 32).

Another study has revealed that River Maumee is also a major contributor to the increase in phosphorus in Lake Erie. The research revealed that the levels of phosphorus in the lake and the River Maumee have been increasing simultaneously. The increase in phosphorus is particularly seen during the high precipitation seasons in the region, which implies that most of the phosphorus runoff is from the agricultural land in the region (Stow et al. 3393).

Results

It is apparent that the increase in pollution in Lake Erie is a function of the changes in land use in the region. The high levels of phosphorus in the runoff water from the rivers that feed the lake have caused changes in the temperature of the water, and a subsequent increase in the number of bacteria and algae. These changes are bound to affect the growth of planktons in the lake. The changes in the temperature of the water in the western bank are also expected to have a negative repercussion on the biodiversity of the lake (Zhou et al. 804).

Additionally, scientists have also identified an increase of HBCD in the Detroit River that feeds Lake Erie from the western side. The presence of the HBCD isomers in large quantities is a clear indication that there are manufacturing companies releasing untreated wastewater into the river (Free et al. 158).

The authorities and the members of the community should look into establishing the culprits causing high pollution rates in the rivers that feed Lake Erie. Additionally, efforts to reduce the amount of phosphorus in the lake should be intensified while compelling farmers to use environmentally friendly products in their farms. Immediate action should be taken to prevent a repeat of the high pollution level in Lake Erie, which almost eliminated the entire population of fish in the water.

Works Cited

Allinger, Lisa and Euan, Reavie. “The Ecological History of Lake Erie As Recorded By the Phytoplankton Community.” J. Great Lakes Res 39.3 (2013): 365-382. Print.

Burlakova, Lyubov, Alexander Karatayev, Christopher Pennuto and Christine Mayer. “Changes in Lake Erie Benthos over the Last 50years: Historical Perspectives, Current Status, and Main Drivers.” Journal of Great Lakes Research 40.3 (2014): 560-573. Print.

Free, Christopher, Olaf Jensen, Sherri Mason, Marcus Eriksen, Nicholas Williamson and Bazartseren Boldgiv. “High-Levels of Microplastic Pollution in a Large, Remote, Mountain Lake.” Marine pollution bulletin 85.1 (2014): 156-163. Print.

Letcher, Robert, Zhe Lu, Shaogang Chu, Douglas Haffner, Ken Drouillard, Christopher Marvin and Jan Ciborowski. “Hexabromocyclododecane Flame Retardant Isomers in Sediments from Detroit River and Lake Erie of the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America.” Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 95.1 (2015): 31-36. Print.

Stow, Craig, YoonKyung Cha, Laura Johnson, Remegio Confesor and Peter Richards. “Long-Term and Seasonal Trend Decomposition of Maumee River Nutrient Inputs to Western Lake Erie.” Environmental science & technology 49.6 (2015): 3392-3400. Print.

Zhou, Yuntao, Anna, Dmitry Beketsky, Yerubandi Rao and Peter Richards. “Record-Breaking Lake Erie Hypoxia during 2012 Drought.” Environmental science & technology 49.2 (2015): 800-807. Print.

The video “Indoor air pollution: The silent killer” discusses the detrimental impact of indoor air pollution in rural Indian households on people’s health (NDTV, 2015). The data presented in the video file reveals horrifying facts about the participation of household pollution in global pollution rates. According to NDTV (2015), household air pollution is accountable for as much as 12% of all air pollution. In rural India, where people cook on old-fashioned stoves that produce a great amount of carbon emission, household air pollution has reached a dramatically high point. 87% of rural households and 26% of urban ones cook on stoves that use biodegradable but highly polluting fuels such as coal and wood (NDTV, 2015). This material is very low in energy efficiency and high pollution level. According to data provided by the School of public health at the University of California, Berkley, the PM 10 level in rural households in India is 13 times higher than the national air quality standards allow (NDTV, 2015).

What is even more dangerous is that household air pollution is accountable for 21% of global black carbon emissions. There are several reasons why people do not use modern stoves. First of all, the majority of people cannot afford them. Another reason is the unavailability of mechanics in case of an emergency. Thirdly, most people still do not know how to use modernizes versions of stoves and, as a result, they continue using the old ones (NDTV, 2015). However, some people switch to solar cookers. They say that whereas these cookers are expensive, their price is compensated by benefits. A solar cooker allows cooking indoors when the weather is bad, and it takes four times less wood. Still, specialists remark that while such stoves reduce air pollution, they do not eliminate dangerous health impacts (NDTV, 2015). In the country where over a million children under the age of five die every year from household pollution, it is crucial to implement some radical changes.

When talking about air pollution, people rarely think of indoor pollution. However, this type of contamination is rather dangerous, and everyone should know about it as well as the ways of eliminating it. Our houses may be impacted by such pollutants as trichloroethylene, xylene, formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene (“Nasa guide,” 2016). Trichloroethylene is found in paints, adhesives, and inks, and it causes nausea and dizziness. Ammonia is abundant in fertilizers and window cleaners, and it leads to eye irritation and sore throat. Xylene is found in tobacco smoke and rubber items and causes heart problems and irritation to mouth and throat. Formaldehyde’s habitat is paper, and this toxin irritates the nose, throat, and mouth.

Benzene is found in plastic and synthetic fibers, and it leads to drowsiness and headaches (“Nasa guide,” 2016). Keeping certain types of house plants is one of the best ways to eliminate the dangerous impact of pollutants on people’s health is keeping house plants. Such plants as Kimberley Queen fern, spider plant, dwarf date palm, Chinese evergreen, Boston fern, weeping fig, devil’s ivy, broadleaf lady palm, flamingo lily, and lilyturf protect from formaldehyde and xylene. Varigated snake plant, English ivy, peace lily, red-edged dracaena, and florist’s chrysanthemum help to fight almost all of the pollutants (“Nasa guide,” 2015). Apart from keeping house plants, indoor air pollution may be reduced by good ventilation, minimized clutter, and using detectors of carbon monoxide. The problem of indoor air pollution is rather significant, and people should do their best to eliminate it.

References

NASA guide to air-filtering houseplants. (2016). Web.

NDTV. (2015). Indoor air pollution: The silent killer [Video file]. Web.