Air Pollution



Air PollutionGROUP 2Shane Elbert, Nathan Dahlhauser, Alexia Farrell, Matthew Dejong5/30/12ABSTRACTResearchers and environmental scientists use particular methods for obtaining data on air pollution that ultimately provide information on what changes are occurring and what those changes mean for our planet and its inhabitants. These methods are Air Quality Monitoring, source monitoring and ambient air monitoring. This is how we know air pollution has a serious impact on us and the environment. Main sources of air pollution are automobiles, power plants, pesticides, and industrial factories. Air pollution from these sources have been found to be a part of the current major predicament of climate change that the world is facing as well as some health problems that it causes. Studies have shown air pollution contributes to greenhouse gas levels, rising seas, extreme weather, and health effects caused directly from pollution. The results of data and research done have led to increased awareness that brought about change in laws, regulations, technology, and societal standards that have lowered the effects of air pollution such as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Air Act, introduction of fuel efficient and electric cars, and the development of a society with a “go green” conservation attitude.INTRODUCTIONIt seems change is not made until damage has already been done. It takes an event or several years of lack of knowledge of what our actions produce to create awareness. In the past, there was little knowledge on what effects the environment and those who live in it would endure. It became evident that damage was being done when the idea of global warming was becoming a common conversation and when sea levels were noticeably rising and people had to move closer inland. It became evident when the study of children in New York being diagnosed with lead poisoning that led to hyperactivity, mental retardation, kidney disorders, and even death was released. It perhaps becomes more real when people heard the statistics of what fossil fuel-fired power plants produce, which is “67 percent of the nation’s sulfur dioxide emissions, 23 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions and 40 percent of man-made carbon dioxide emissions.” (, 2012) Once the world had come to an understanding and general consciousness of the effects of air pollution, we could begin using preventative methods directed at the causes and even more prevention needs to be assessed. Air pollution comes from several sources but mainly automobiles, power plants, pesticides and indoor pollution, and industrial factories. Given the severity of the current issues air pollution is contributing to, much research has been done in recent years, prompting the implementation of various laws and regulations aimed at controlling the use of pollutants and emissions.It is important to study air pollution and what causes it as well as the effects it has on us and the environment. We have already learned that our actions regarding automobiles, power plants, indoor pollutants, and factories is harmful to our planet and is having several negative effects on it and its inhabitants. Going at this careless and over-consuming pace will only create bigger problems that have already grown large enough. If we can continue to educate ourselves and others about these causes and our contribution to the overall problem, we can also learn how to prevent. Prevention and education will likely never reverse the negative effects that our world has put on itself, but will allow for sustainability of what we have left.METHODResearchers use several methods for collecting data and measuring air pollution and its influences that have led to increased awareness of the issues and eventually resulted in change. Main ways that air pollution is measured is through the use of monitoring sites and computer models by using passive, active, and automatic sampling. (swansea., 2012) “Ambient air monitoring data is used to determine air quality, establish the extent of air pollution problems, assess whether established standards are being met, and characterize the potential human health risk in an area”. (, 2012)Source and ambient air monitoring are the main methods of obtaining air pollution data. This is done by using continuous instrumental, manual, or remote measurements with optical sensing systems. (, 2012) Air Quality Modeling is used as an alternative to direct monitoring and show levels of air quality over time from various sources. They estimate emissions from automobiles, for example, and predict meteorological factors and dispersion of the air pollution and its contents. (, 2012) These methods also provide information as to the chemicals that are released from various sources and what they mean for human, plant, and animal health. This information provides insight to the increase in illnesses due to air pollution, and it is vital that we protect ourselves not only for economical reasons but to remain a healthy world. We are aware because of these methods of what air pollution does to the environment as well as humans and can make changes based on the learned information using prevention. Along with actions that have been taken by the collaboration of environmental scientists, researchers, and the government, there are methods individuals can follow to decrease the negative impact they have on the environment such as recycling, conserving energy in homes, and driving less. RESULTS & DISCUSSIONThe results of researchers collecting data on air pollution and its effects have led to several changes. The Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Air Act, and Kyoto Protocol are some government-driven examples of decreasing air pollution. The EPA, established by the federal government in 1970 due to environmental concern, is responsible for “…research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection”. (, 2012) The EPA has allowed for laws and regulations to be put into place to reduce pollution in all its facets including air pollution. Furthermore, the Clean Air Act was also established in 1963 and was created as a result of shocking data that revealed control of air pollution was necessary for environmental and human health. Many amendments have been made that significantly decreased the emissions from industrial factories and automobiles as well as created standards that protect public health and welfare and regulate emissions of hazardous pollutants. As a result, the Clean Air Act prevented over 200,000 premature deaths, 20,000 heart disease cases and nearly 850,000 asthma attacks and will prevent over 230,000 premature deaths in 2020. (, 2012) The Kyoto Protocol is a binding agreement between 37 countries that will result in decreased greenhouse emissions. Developed and industrialized countries are the main contributors to pollution, so they are considered more responsible for taking care of their burden they put on the environment. The Kyoto Protocol will result in a reduction of emissions by 5 percent over a period of five years. (UNFCCC.int, 2012)On a societal level, “going green” has become somewhat of a standard for all forms of conservation. For example, education has been directed at children on conserving their usage because what they use in their homes is powered by fossil fuels that harm the earth’s atmosphere. The general public has become familiar with the technology of hybrid and electric cars, leading to people becoming more conservative with the gas they use and cars they buy, with ultimately results in overall less gas emissions from automobiles. Undoubtedly, governmental programs and increased awareness have had a positive impact on slowing the effects of air pollution and advancement of climate change. However, we need to do more to slow the effects. Looking at automobiles alone, there are many solutions that have been made to decrease the amount of air pollution that is produced. Automobiles from the U.S. and China make up more than half of the carbon dioxide that is produced in the world. (, 2012) It is unrealistic to completely get rid of automobile pollution, but more people have realized that reasonable alternatives are car pooling, riding the bus, riding non-motorized objects, walking, and converting to hybrid or electric cars, although hybrid and newer fuel efficient cars are expensive and have become luxury items. While we have more fuel-conserving vehicles that emit fewer pollutants than ever before, high populations drive these cars which result in the same, if not more, amounts of air pollution. Automobile pollution is a difficult situation to handle because people are dependent on their cars with the current economy and with the average commute to work being thirty minutes, a car is necessary. As a result of needing a car for the commute, more pollutants are produced which in turn is harmful in the long run. Some causes of pollution from automobiles are leaking of nitrogen, battery spills, improper disposal of oil, and the chemicals in the soap you wash your car with. The chemicals are washed off the car with water which then runs into the sewage gutters in the street polluting our water systems. The most interesting means of automobile pollution is the tires. When you drive on the road, your tires wear down leaving particles on the road which are kicked up by oncoming traffic and thrown into the air waiting for us to breathe it in. Automobile pollution has many effects on many different things. Environmental impacts are polluted streams, rivers, oceans, and drinking water, the cutting down of trees and habitats for more road systems, the depletion of the ozone layer, which depletes mainly because of the pollutions that cars produce. Human impacts are respiratory problems, infant death, cancer-like illnesses, weakened immune system, and even adult death. The Clean Air Act has greatly reduced the amount of air pollution from mobiles, but it is still important to remember that more needs to be done.The burning of fossil fuels emitted by power plants have been large contributors to air pollution, making it a target area for improvement. Air pollution can cause smog, meaning dark and dirty clouds above cities, and regional haze, which is a hazy view similar to that of looking at oncoming headlights through an old windshield. People often are oblivious to the effects that are less perceivable such as acid rain and health effects caused by mercury poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning and the inhalation of nitrogen-oxide. Some of these health effects include emphysema, lung cancer, collapsed lungs and others. Another major detriment to the use of fossil fuel-fired power plants is that the dramatic emissions of greenhouse gases, most prevalent of which is carbon dioxide, contribute greatly to climate change and global warming. (, 2012) Governmental involvement has undoubtedly resulted in decreased emissions by power plants, specifically by the Clean Air Act due to emissions standards, yet there are even safer ways to continue using power plants without using fossil fuels. While there are alternatives to using the current technology for energy, the alternatives are more expensive and less potent, in that less energy is produced. Companies are still seeking loopholes to get the most production at the lowest cost. (, 2012) To combat this problem in a practical manner, there needs to be an increase in alternative fuel sources and alternative fuel research and technology. This will take the full load off of the shoulders of the fossil fuel-fired power plants and keep their emissions down as a result. In addition, this will allow for further trial and error and the real-world testing of alternative fuels that fossil fuel was afforded during the early stages of its life. This will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and ease the public into the idea of a different source of power while letting the market equal out and prices of alternative fuels come down with advanced technology. Once this is implemented, there needs to be stricter government regulations on fossil fuel-fired power plants and more incentive, such as tax breaks and rebates, for alternative energy consumers and providers. Pesticides, which are used for managing household pests like mice and insects, have become recognized in recent years as immediately very dangerous because of the health problems they create. Common indoor pollutants such as insecticides, termiticides, and disinfectants have become known to be hazardous to our health. Asbestos, lead, and mercury are also common chemicals found in homes that can induce illness. The nervous system, skin and eyes are affected by pesticides used in the home. suggests indoor pollution is more harmful than outdoor pollution. (2012) Through methodological research, we have learned how to prevent pesticides from harming human and environmental health through ventilation, proper use, and proper disposal. When insecticides, termiticides and household cleaners are used incorrectly, the effects become even more harmful. (, 2012)Factory pollution, also known as industrial pollution, is the release of emissions, effluents, and wastes that come out during the manufacturing of goods and services. As chemicals, heat, and waste from the new products go through assembly, they all need to be eventually removed from the site of the factory. Open air vents, smokestacks, and chimneys release the pollution from the factory into the air. This pollution is very harmful to humans, plants, and animals. (, 2012) Some of the pollution that we breathe in can be very harmful and lead to illness. “ Since 1990, EPA’s implementation of the Clean Air Act has reduced levels of the six most common air pollutants by 41 percent…”(, 2012) Air pollution has become the enemy on a societal level and results in giving emitting factories a bad reputation, which may force certain individuals to stop buying products from that company. Research has shown that not only going green, but promoting going green and caring about the environment and society pays off in dividends, and covers the marketing costs of promoting the “going green” attitude. Along with the negative pollutants put into the air, factory pollution can also increase the effects of climate change. Because of the methods used to obtain this information, the world has realized the effects of air pollution caused by factories make it necessary to push further change to reduce emissions even more. Overall, the result of methods used by environmental scientists and individuals have reduced air pollution and therefore assisted in the slowing of climate change. The issues are still not at rest, due to the decrease not being enough. Growing populations increase demand that the world cannot keep up with at low costs without damaging the environment. Although government programs have and will reduce air pollution levels, the levels need to be dramatically decreased even more. It will take more work on the government’s part to implement the appropriate laws and regulations and more education on an individual level. Prevention is the only way towards sustainability.CONCLUSIONStudying, researching, and educating are the main ways to bring about change. Steps to reduce air pollution have increased over the years due to increased knowledge, and if we can increase the amount of knowledge even more, we may decrease the effects of air pollution even more. It is important to be educated on the effects of air pollution by taking information collected from scientists’ methods and analyzing what we are doing to our environment and our health. The risk of harming human health should be enough to bring about change, but it is unfortunately not. Although there was little knowledge in previous decades on the effects of air pollution, there is enough information now to know that we are damaging our planet and ourselves. To sustain what we have left, we must push for further laws and regulations and promote conservation even further. Change has already been made through societal standards which are strong methods that inflict a need to belong and do what everyone else is doing. Governmental programs and monitoring methods are also responsible for positive outcomes in the reduction of air pollution. Yet the causes are still not being handled at an appropriate pace because the effects air pollutants cause are not lessened enough. Illnesses are still present and climate change is still a probable outcome. Prevention and education will not reverse the negative effects, but will allow for sustainability for the future.BibliographyEPA. Evironmental Protection Agency. 2012. 2012 <>.NRDC. Natural Resources Defense Council. 2012. 2012 <>.Swansea. Swansea: City and County of Swansea. 2012. 2012 <Swansea.>.UNFCCC. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 2012. 2012 <unfccc.int>.National Association of Clean Air Agencies. Clean Air World. 2012. 2012 <>. ................
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