How Pollution Destroys the Atmosphere and Habitats Essay Example for Free

How Pollution Destroys the Atmosphere and Habitats Essay Introduction â€Å"Nowadays, industries, automobiles, power stations, etc. have become indispensable in our daily life.† ( Science Level K page 242) Have you ever wondered what causes pollution? Forms of Pollution Pollution is the process whereby various harmful substances are added to the environment (land, water, air etc.) by human and natural activities. The main various types of pollution that exist are: Air Pollution Air pollution is the cause of release of chemicals, and particulates into the atmosphere which endanger human life and living matter on the earth by humans, human products and natural disasters. As the current era of modern industrialization progresses more and more waste of the results of their production become toxins which can be freely inhaled and fatal to mammals. Water Pollution Water pollution is the introduction of chemical, biological and physical matter into large bodies of water that corrupt the quality of life that lives in it and consumes it. Like the discharging of waste water from commercial and industrial waste (intentionally or through spills) into surface waters; oil spills, household chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers are the major sources of water pollution. Land Pollution Land pollution is pollution of the Earth’s natural land surface by industrial, commercial, domestic and agricultural activities. It occurs when chemicals are released intentionally, by spill or underground leakage. Some of the main contributions to land pollution are deforestation, construction debris, industrial factories etc. Effects on Environment Human Health Pollution has many different forms that are not only doing damage to our environment but also to our health. Pollutants can enter human body causing diseases. Air pollution can cause breathing problems and eye, throat and skin irritation. When solid waste is not properly treated and disposed of, it can become a breeding for pests and disease can spread. Water pollution can cause waterborne diseases by polluted drinking water, polluted beach water, and, serious diseases by water polluted by chemicals. Water pollution may also result from interactions between water and contaminated soil, as well as from deposition of air contaminants (such as acid rain).Damage to people may be caused by fish foods coming from polluted water and vegetable crops grown or washed with polluted water. Plants Leaves find it difficult to produce food in polluted air. When trees begin to lose their leaves, they may eventually die. When there is too much chemical content in the water absorbed by the roots, it can also affect plant life. Water Pollution that affects plants would include acid rain. Soil Pollution problems affecting plants include the overuse of pesticides which selects for resistant strains of insects and weeds, the loss of topsoil due to overdevelopment and soil erosion, and the uptake of toxic chemicals through the mismanagement of solid waste. Acid rain can kill trees, destroy the leaves of plants, can infiltrate soil by making it unsuitable for purposes of nutrition and habitation. Trees and plants may absorb soil contaminants and pass them up the food chain. Animals Oil spills in the seas and oceans result in birds and animals (e.g. penguins and seals) being coated in oil. This makes it difficult for them to float and keep warm and they may eventually die. Solid waste in the water encourages the growth of algae which depletes water of oxygen and kills marine life. People, who don’t throw away their trash, throw it on the ground. It is very sad for stray cats and dogs who wander the streets with nothing to eat but garbage. That is how pollution is very effective on animals and how they used to live. Pollution Originates in Nature Volcanic eruptions, sandstorms and natural forest fires are one of the natural activities that cause pollution. These events cause a large amount of substances such as ash and dust, which are harmful to our health, to be added to the environment. The volcanic gases that pose the greatest potential hazard to people, animals, agriculture, and property are sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide which also can be generated by forest fires, and hydrogen fluoride. Sulfur dioxide gas can lead to acid rain and air pollution downwind from a volcano. Globally, large volcano explosive eruptions that inject a tremendous volume of sulfur aerosols into the stratosphere can lead to lower surface temperatures and promote depletion of the Earths ozone layer. Because carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air, the gas may flow into in low-lying areas and collect in the soil. The concentration of carbon dioxide gas in these areas can be lethal to people, animals, and vegetation. A few historic eruptions have released sufficient fluorine-compounds to deform or kill animals that grazed on vegetation coated with volcanic ash; fluorine compounds tend to become concentrated on fine-grained ash particles, which can be ingested by animals. Ways to Prevent Pollution Most human activities produce some waste products, but it is important to make sure that we have as little pollution as possible. Many people are switching to clean technology. That means having the same benefits from our modern life-style without the pollution. Electric cars, environmentally sensitive washing powders and solar-powered energy are examples. Less pollution is not only good for wildlife and nature human health benefits from less pollution as well. That means lower medical bills, and a better quality of life. There are many ways to stop pollution like:- * The best way to prevent water pollution is to not throw trash and other harmful chemicals into our water supplies because it causes harm to the rivers and lakes. * Throw trash in the proper places. * Reduce, reuse, and recycle things in your house. * Because of water run-off, dont put oils down the storm drain. * Cut the plastic ties on sodas so they dont hurt animals in case the ties in up in the bay. Conclusion We should all work to reduce pollution to work towards a greener and safer earth; for the next generation. Let’s give people hope for a better future; and let’s erase the thought of the â€Å"2012† ending, all over the world.