Air Pollution

1. Secondary pollutants: caused by multiple of primary pollutants. For example, O-zone, acid mist.

2. Types of pollutants

2.1. Primarily air pollutants: air pollution coming from a direct source. For example, sulphur dioxide coming from factories.

3. Effects of air pollution

3.1. Respiratory and heart problems can occur when exposed to air pollution.

3.2. Global warming will occur. As the temperature increases it can melt ice burgs. This will result in species losing their habitats.

3.3. Ozone layer will eventually become thin causing many harms to humans such as skin and eye irritations.

4. Statistics

4.1. According to environmental indicators, 5.5 per cent of heart and lung related issues has increased over the past decade. (LoveToKnow Corp,2016)

4.2. In the United States, carbon monoxide went down 15 per cent between the years of 2000-2010. (LoveToKnow Corp, 2016)

4.3. According to the Canadian Medical Association Canadas air pollution is responsible for 21,000 premature deaths , 92,000 emergency room visits and 620,000 visits to a walk in clinic in a period of one year. (LoveToKnow Corp, 2016)

5. Who is affected by air pollution

5.1. People with asthma can damage symptoms and make asthma attacks happen more frequently.

5.2. Individuals with a heart problem can start to experience chest pains and shortness of breaths.

5.3. Pregnant women who are exposed to air pollution have many risks to their unborn babies. This may include having a reduced birth weight or being born too early.

5.4. Older adults are more affected by Air pollution due to weak immune systems. As we age our bodies are more prone to the environmental hazards. Some factors will result in heart disease, lung diseases and also bronchitis.

6. What is air pollution

6.1. Airborne chemicals that have a negative impact on the environment, human health and also the economy. (Conserve Energy Future, 2016)

7. What does air pollution include

7.1. This smog includes carbon monoxide, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides, Particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and also ground level o-zone.

8. Causes of air pollution

8.1. Industrial emissions: this comes from industrial combustion systems.

8.2. Coal and gas-fired power plants: responsible for producing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide. Mercury is also involved which happens to be a toxic metal that can impair the brain.

8.3. Vehicles: one of the many causes of air pollution is transportation.

8.4. Burning wood will allow toxic chemicals into the air we breath.

9. How to protect ourselves from air pollution

9.1. Be aware of high ozone areas

9.2. Avoid bringing toxic chemicals into the air we breath by burning wood, garbage and plywood.

9.3. Try taking a different transportation options. For example taking the bus to work will reduce the chances of air pollution.

9.4. Use alternatives by finding healthier options. For example using a electric mower verses a gas powered mower can reduce the chances of smog.

10. Air pollution and climate change

10.1. Green house gases such as carbon dioxide will allow global warming to occur by not allowing any heat from the sun.

10.2. Vehicles tend to let out tiny particles that will have a cooling effect on the environment. These tiny particles are called aerosols.

10.3. Acid rain is formed from sulpher dioxide. Although it tends to allow air into the atmosphere it allows us humans to live in a warm environment.

10.4. Another green house gas that was used is methane. This gas came from livestock, although they are banned today due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.

11. What is the government doing?

11.1. Limiting the amount of carbon dioxide in emissions and green house gases

11.2. The government believes that putting taxes on the amount of carbon emissions it would scare companies and allow them to save energy.