What is air
pollution?
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by smoke and harmful
gases.
What are the
causes and effects of air pollution?
Causes: Oil and coal being burned for energy to run factories and
machinery create by-products like smoke and other irritants. Other causes of
air pollution are vehicles, gas stations, and smoke. Indoor air pollution can
be caused by not enough air flow inside. When the air is not flowing enough,
contaminants can build up and make the air dirty and unhealthy.
Effects: Almost 37 million children live in a place that has polluted
air and 2.4 million people die every year from diseases such as lung diseases,
asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, all as a result of air pollution. The planet is
affected in a negative way by air pollution. The average temperature of the
planet is slowly rising and air pollution causes the ozone layer to thin, which
can lead to reduced protection from the sun. Contaminants combine with water to create acid rain, which
can harm animal habitats.
What can too
much air pollution lead to?
In London, England, during December 1952, there was a colder winter
than normal. Because of this, people were burining a lot of coal to keep warm.
This all led to what is now called "The Great Smog". A thick layer of smog (smoke and other
irriants that combines with fog) covered the city for 5 days. It was really hard for people to see
further than a few feet in front of them and no one could use buses, ambulances
or cars. In some places the smog even entered indoors. This led to a lot of
people getting sick and not being able to get the hospital.
Fun activities
to help reduce air pollution!
Cars and other vehicles are a big source of air pollution. Find a map
of your local neighborhood and see what is within walking or biking distance of
your home-a park? Soccer field? You may be surprised at what you find! Next
time you're craving adventure, walk or bike there instead of driving.
Plants help to counteract the effects of air pollution because during
photosynthesis (the process in which plants create food from carbon dioxide and
water), the leaves give off oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Research what
plants or trees are native to your area and try planting one in your backyard!
Information from:
No comments:
Post a Comment