Environmental Health

Air Pollution• Burning of fossil fuels producing

sulfur dioxide, a yellowish brown gas

• Particulates in the air– Tiny solid particles of liquid droplets

that are suspended in the air

• Carbon Monoxide– Odorless, colorless gas mostly from

motor vehicles

• Ozone– Forms when nitrogen dioxide

combines with hydrogen chloride to release oxygen which is altered by sunlight to form ozone

Air Pollution• Nitrogen Dioxide

– An amber-colored gas from the burning of coal and motor vehicles

• Lead– Found in emissions from some

processing plants and motor vehicles burning fuel containing lead

• Hydrocarbons (VOCs)– Chemical compounds that contain

carbon and hydrogen– Most are given off by motor

vehicles

Types and Sources of Air Pollutants

Air Pollution’s Effects on Humans

Acid Rain• Rain, snow, or fog that has

fallen through acidic air pollutants such as sulfur dioxides and nitrogen dioxides

• When acid rain falls into lakes, ponds or on the ground, it gradually acidifies the water and/or ground

• When the acid level of the water or ground reaches a certain level, plant and animal life cannot survive

Acid Rain Production and Transport

Indoor Air Pollution• Woodstove Smoke

– Emits particulates and carbon monoxide and other pollutants

• Furnace Emissions– Inadequate cleaning and

maintenance can lead to carbon monoxide in the home

• Asbestos– If tiny fibers become loosened

and airborne, they can lodge in the lungs and cause cancer

Indoor Air Pollution• Formaldehyde

– A colorless, strong-smelling gas released by some carpets, draperies, furniture, boards, paneling, countertops and many adhesives

• Radon– An odorless, colorless

radioactive gas that is the byproduct of the decay of uranium and radium in the soil

• Household Chemicals

Air Pollution in the Home

Ozone Layer Depletion• This layer above the earth protects plants and animals from ultraviolet B radiation, one cause of skin cancer• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) found in aerosol sprays, refrigerants, and cleaning solutions have contributed to the depletion of the Ozone Layer

Ozone Depletion

Global Warming

• Carbon dioxide emission from the burning of fossil fuels can create a buildup of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere that could have a warming effect on the earth’s surface

• Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, CFC’s, ground-level ozone, nitrous oxide and methane

Global Warming: Causes and Effects

Reducing Air Pollution

• Use renewable resources such as solar, wind and water power

• Move away from automobiles as the primary source of transportation

• Governments should encourage public transportation

• Auto makers need to lower the toxic emissions in vehicles

• Bicycle use should be encouraged

Water Pollution• Any substance that gets into the

soil can eventually enter the water supply

• Bacteria from human waste can enter into the water supply from improperly installed septic systems

• Toxic chemicals that are dumped in septic systems or water ways can enter the ground water system

• Landfills not properly lined can contaminate water supplies

• Gasoline and petroleum leaks can seep into the ground water

Water Pollution• Toxic chemicals that were used in

industry such as PCBs and household products can work their way into the water ways

• Herbicides (chemicals that kill vegetation) and Pesticides (chemicals that kill insects, rodents, plants and fungi) can accumulate in the bodies of all living organisms

• Heavy metals such as lead should not be in drinking water

Water Pollution Sources

Noise Pollution• Noise related distress can reduce

productivity, concentration levels, and attention spans and may affect mental and emotional health

• Symptoms include disturbed sleep patterns, headaches, tension and increased blood pressure

Land Pollution• Solid Waste such as goods, containers

and packaging, food wastes, yard wastes and residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sources produce waste that is usually buried in landfills

• Hazardous waste that is toxic and poses a hazard to humans or the environment is taken to special dump sites