Friday, October 14, 2011

Pollution

Pollution
What is pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of a contaminant into the environment. It is created mostly by human actions, but can also be a result of natural disasters. Pollution has a detrimental effect on any living organism in an environment, making it virtually impossible to sustain life.

What is Pollution Prevention?

Pollution is the contamination of air, soil, or water by the discharge of harmful substances. Pollution prevention is the reduction or elimination of pollution at the source (source reduction) instead of at the end-of-the-pipe or stack. Pollution prevention occurs when raw materials, water, energy and other resources are utilized more efficiently, when less harmful substances are substituted for hazardous ones, and when toxic substances are eliminated from the production process. By reducing the use and production of hazardous substances, and by operating more efficiently we protect human health, strengthen our economic well-being, and preserve the environment.
Why are the different types of pollution?
Pollution harms the Earth’s environment and its inhabitants in many ways. The three main types of pollution are:
Land Pollution
Land pollution is pollution of the Earth’s natural land surface by industrial, commercial, domestic and agricultural activities.
What are the sources of land pollution?
Some of the main contributors to land pollution are:
  • Chemical and nuclear plants
  • Industrial factories
  • Oil refineries
  • Human sewage
  • Oil and antifreeze leaking from cars
  • Mining
  • Littering
  • Overcrowded landfills
  • Deforestation
  • Construction debris

How to Prevent Land Pollution
The best way to prevent land pollution is to recycle. Here are a few other ways you can reduce land pollution:
  • Reuse any items that you can
  • Buy biodegradable products
  • Store all liquid chemicals and waste in spill-proof containers
  • Eat organic foods that are grown without pesticides
  • Don’t use pesticides
  • Use a drip tray to collect engine oil
  • Buy products that have little packaging
  • Don’t dump motor oil on the ground
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the accumulation of hazardous substances into the atmosphere that danger human life and other living matter.
What are the sources of air pollution?
Some of the main contributors to air pollution are:
  • Automobile emissions
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Combustion of coal
  • Acid rain
  • Noise pollution from cars and construction
  • Power plants
  • Manufacturing buildings
  • Large ships
  • Paint fumes
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Wildfires
  • Nuclear weapons

How to Prevent Air Pollution
The number one way to prevent air pollution is to walk or bike more and drive less. This will prevent fossil fuels from polluting the air. Here are some other ways to prevent air pollution:
  • Carpool or join a ride share with friends and coworkers
  • Don’t smoke
  • Keep your car maintenance up-to-date
  • If you have to drive, do your errands at one time
  • Don’t buy products that come in aerosol spray cans
  • Avoid using lighter fluid when barbecuing outside
  • When you drive accelerate slowly and use cruise control
  • Always replace your car’s air filter
  • Use a push or electric lawnmower rather than a gas-powered one
  • Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners that can emit fumes
  • Inspect your gas appliances and heaters regularly
Water Pollution
Water pollution is the introduction of chemical, biological and physical matter into large bodies of water that degrade the quality of life that lives in it and consumes it.
What are the sources of water pollution?
Some of the main contributors to water pollution are:
  • Factories
  • Refineries
  • Waste treatment facilities
  • Mining
  • Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
  • Human sewage
  • Oil spills
  • Failing septic systems
  • Soap from washing your car
  • Oil and antifreeze leaking from cars
  • Household chemicals
  • Animal waste
How to Prevent Water Pollution
The best way to prevent water pollution is to not throw trash and other harmful chemicals into our water supplies. Here are a few more ways you can prevent water pollution:
  • Wash your car far away from any stormwater drains
  • Don’t throw trash, chemicals or solvents into sewer drains
  • Inspect your septic system every 3-5 years
  • Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers that can run off into water systems
  • Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it down
  • Always pump your waste-holding tanks on your boat
  • Use non-toxic cleaning materials
  • Clean up oil and other liquid spills with kitty litter and sweet them up
  • Don’t wash paint brushes in the sink

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