pollution and the environment environment-all of the living and nonliving things around you....
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Pollution And The Environment
Environment-all of the living and nonliving things around you.– Local environment
People you see School Neighborhood Plants Animals Air water
Pollution And The Environment
– Global environment Forests Mountains Rivers World’s populations
– Pollution-dirty or harmful substances in the environment. Can pose a threat to your health.
Air Pollution
Air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels.– Oil, coal, and natural gas used to provide
energy. Provides heat and electricity in homes. Powers factories and motor vehicles.
– Automobile emissions-gases that cars release into the air.– Cars are one of the most widespread sources of air
pollution.
Air Pollution
– Acid rain-rain that is more acidic than normal because of the gasses in the atmosphere. Contaminates fresh water supplies. Harms forests by changing the chemistry of the soil.
– Ozone-special form of oxygen. Not good at ground level but helpful in the
atmosphere. (shields earth from suns rays).– Smog-yellow-brown haze that forms when
sunlight reacts with air pollution. Causes many kinds of respiratory problems. See figure 15.1 on page 431.
Water Pollution
40% of the nations rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are too severely polluted to swim or fish in.
Drinking water comes from two sources.– Surface water-lakes or rivers.– Groundwater-water that collects under the
earth’s surface.
Water Pollution
Pollution can make water undrinkable.– Lead contaminated water can damage the brain,
kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells.– Sewage-garbage, detergents and other
household wastes washed down drains is another source of pollution.
– Oil spills and chemical waste from factories can pollute water.
– Runoff-rainwater or snowmelt picks up pesticides or fertilizers and wastes.
Solid Waste
The average American produces about 4.4 pounds of garbage per day.– Biodegradable-easily broken down in the
environment. Paper food
– Non-biodegradable-doesn’t disintegrate. plastics
Solid Waste
– Landfills-huge, specially designed pits where waste materials are dumped and buried. Must be sealed so toxic chemicals do not leak. Biodegradable materials do not break down inside
landfills. Compost pile-a place where biodegradable waste
can break down naturally.– Leaves– Grass– Shredded newspaper– food
Hazardous Wastes
Hazardous wastes-human-made liquid, solid, or sludge wastes that may endanger human health or the environment.– Detergents, paint, batteries, plastics, fabrics,
pesticides and insulation. Exposure to hazardous wastes may cause damage
to the brain, liver, and kidneys. May also lead to cancer.
Hazardous Wastes
– Safe disposal of hazardous wastes requires special handling. Must be stored in facilities where they will not be
released into the environment. Materials in homes that may require special handling
include.– Batteries, bleach, drain cleaner, motor oil, antifreeze, nail
polish remover and oven cleaner. Call the local health department or environmental
agency to find out how to get these materials safely into waste storage.