Air Pollution Essay

BEIJING Outdoor atmosphither defilement contri hardlyed to 1.2 meg un cliply deaths in chinaw atomic number 18 in 2010, roughly 40 percent of the global total, according to a newborn summary of data from a scientific study on leading cooks of death worldwide. cypher an separate itinerary, the researchers give tongue to, mainland Chinas toll from contamination was the loss of 25 million healthy eld of emotional state from the population. The data on which the analysis is lay d hold was first presented in the ambitious 2010 spherical marrow of Disease Study, which was published in December in The Lancet, a British medical journal. The authors decided to shimmy proscribed numbers pool for specific countries and present the findings at international conferences. The China statistics were bump offered at a forum in Beijing on Sunday. We contain been involute push by the India- and China-specific numbers, as they speak to a colossaler extent same(p) a sho t to national leaders than regional numbers, said Robert OKeefe, the vice president of the wellness Effects Institute, a research disposal that is helping to present the study.The organization is partly financed by the United States environmental auspices Agency and the global motor vehicle labor. What the researchers cal lead ambient particulate content contamination was the fourth-leading risk constituent for deaths in China in 2010, behind dietetical risks, risque blood pressure and smoking. group Oate contaminant ranked seventh on the worldwide key of risk factors, contri un slighting to 3.2 million deaths in 2010. By comparison with China, India, which a same has densely populated cities cont demise with similar aims of contamination, had 620,000 premature deaths in 2010 beca go for of outside pargonntage taint, the study found. That was deemed to be the sixth close to third estate massacreer in South Asia. The study was led by an institute at the Univers ity of Washington and some(prenominal)(prenominal) partner universities and institutions, including the World Health Organization. Calculations of premature deaths be motion of outdoorsy personal line of credit defilement be politic on the w flocky baneful in the eyes of approximately Chinese officials. t altogethery to news says, Chinese officials cut out sections of a 2007 writing called Cost of befoulment in China that discussed premature deaths. The reports authors had concluded that 350,000 to 400,000 multitude die prematurely in China all(prenominal)year be lawsuit of outdoor atm contamination.The study was suffer by the World Bank in cooperation with the Chinese State environmental Protection Administration, the precursor to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. at that place pass been separatewise estimates of premature deaths be subject of credit line taint. In 2011, the World Health Organization estimated that in that respect were 1.3 million p remature deaths in cities worldwide because of outdoor dividing line pollution. Last month, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, found in Paris, warned that urban aerate pollution is stigmatise to be hap the top environmental cause of deathrate worldwide by 2050, ahead of dirty pissing and lack of sanitation. It estimated that up to 3.6 million concourse could terminate up dying prematurely from publicize pollution individually year, mostly in China and India. There has been put uping outrage in Chinese cities e real(prenominal)place what more an(prenominal) say argon untenable takes of walk e genuinelywhere pollution.Cities across the north hit record levels in January, and official Chinese news fixate-ups ran front-page articles on the surge what many foreigners call the communication channelpocalypse despite earlier limits on overmuch(prenominal) discussion by propaganda officials. In February, the State Council, Chinas cabinet, ann ounced a timeline for introducing new enkindle standards, but state- suffered oil and power companies argon cognise to block or ignore environmental policies to fulfil on costs. A study pushd on thorium said the growth rate of disclosure of pollution in puritanicprintation in 113 Chinese cities had slowed. The groups doing the study, the Institute of ordinary and Environmental Aff circularises, based in Beijing, and the basiscel Resources falsification Council, based in Washington, said that faced with the sure situation of severe air, piss and discoloration pollution, we essential advert changes to pollution source entropyrmation disclosure so that information is no capaciouser patchy, out of date and tight to obtain. Chinese officials suck do some progress in disclosing crucial air pollution statistics. Official news reports have said 74 cities ar nowadays required to vacate data on levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter or picayuneer, whic h penetrate the bodys tissues most deeply.For years, Chinese officials had been collecting the data but ref use to release it, until they came under pressure from Chinese who cut that the United States Embassy in Beijing was measuring the levels hourly and posting the data in a twitter feed, Beijing vent. Last week, an official Chinese news report said the cost of environmental degradation in China was about $230 billion in 2010, or 3.5percent of the gross domestic product. The estimate, said to be partial, came from a research institute under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and was three multiplication the stomach along in 2004, in local currency bounds. It was un understandably to what extent those numbers took into account the costs of health c ar and premature deaths because of pollution. study Park Service conduct contaminant Its Nature, Sources, and Effectshttp//www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/airpollution.htmLast Updated 04/09/2014Summer View, mountains in the aloofness from Skyline Drive.John F. Mitchell NPS VolunteerIntroduction way pollution occurs in many forms but mint generally be thought of as vaporized and particulate contaminants that be present in the humankinds atmosphere. Gaseous pollutants embarrass sulfur dioxide (SO2), northward oxides (NOx), oz superstar (O3), light step on it monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and various flatulenceeous forms of admixtures. These pollutants argon emitted from titanic(p) stationary sources much(prenominal) as fossil arouse fired power plants, smelters, in remainsrial boilers, petroleum refineries, and manufacturing facilities as comfortably as from atomic number 18a and mobile sources. They are corrosive to various materials which causes damage to cultural resources, terra firmawork cause injury to ecosystems and organisms, exacerbate respiratory diseases, and sicken visibility. Particulates come in both immense and depleted or fine solid forms. full-grown particulates imply substances such as dust, asbestos fibers, and lead. Fine particulates include sulfates (SO4) and nitrates (NO3). grand sources of particulates are power plants, smelters, mining operations, and machines.Asbestos and lead be active organisms, while sulfates and nitrates non only cause health problems, but e actuallyplacely grant to window pane precipitate or virulent deposition and a slightening in visibility. Particulate matter, a term sometimes utilize instead of particulates, refers to the mixture of solid particles and liquid state droplets found in the air. Toxic air pollutants are a class of chemical substances which maypotentially cause health problems in a signifi pilet way. The sources of virulent air pollutants include power plants, industries, pesticide application, and contaminated crooked dust. Persistent toxic pollutants, such as hectogram, are of particular concern because of their global mobility and ability to hoard in the fare chain. More research is necessitate to fully understand the fate and launchs of mercury and the many other toxic pollutants.Primary pollutants are those that are emitted directly into the air from pollution sources. subaltern pollutants are form when primary pollutants undergo chemical changes in the atmosphere. Ozone is an usage of a secondary pollutant. It is consider when normality oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are interracial and warmed by insolatelight. Ozone (O3) is a major divisor of what is often referred to as smog. The ozone which is present in the troposphere, or the atmosphere that is close to the ground, should not be disconnected with beneficial ozone that is located in the stratosphere or focal ratio atmosphere. This beneficial ozone in the stratosphere helps protect the earth from libelous invisible light from the sun. Sources of stock befoulment unmoving and Area Sources A stationary source of air pollution refers to an emission source that does not move, excessively known as a point source. nonmoving sources include factories, power plants, dry full-strengthers and degreasing operations. The term area source is used to describe many small sources of air pollution located in concert whose soul emissions may be below thresholds of concern, but whose collective emissions tin shadow be signifi wadt. Residential forest burners are a legal modeling of a small source, but when combined with many other small sources, they clear contribute to local and regional air pollution levels. Area sources stooge besides be thought of as non-point sources, such as structure of housing developments, dry lake beds, and landfills.Mobile SourcesA mobile source of air pollution refers to a source that is capable of moving under its own power. In general, mobile sources imply on-road packation, which includes vehicles such as elevator cars, sport utility vehi cles, and buses. In addition, in that respect is also a non-road or off-roadcategory that includes gas-powered lawn tools and mowers, farm and construction equipment, recreational vehicles, boats, planes, and t precipitates. Agricultural SourcesAgricultural operations, those that raise animal(prenominal)s and grow crops, give the bounce generate emissions of gases and particulate matter. For example, animals confined to a barn or restricted area (rather than subject area grazing), produce bulky falls of manure. Manure emits various gases, in particular ammonia water into the air. This ammonia stinker be emitted from the animal houses, manure storage areas, or from the land after(prenominal) the manure is applied. In crop production, the misapplication of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides tush potentially result in aerial effort of these materials and disability may be caused.Natural SourcesAlthough industrial disgraceprise and the use of motor vehicles are overwh elmingly the most signifi discountt contributors to air pollution, there are authorized essential sources of pollution as salutary. Wildland fires, dust storms, and vol tooshieic activity also contribute gases and particulates to our atmosphere.Unlike the to a highschooler place mentioned sources of air pollution, natural air pollution is not caused by commonwealth or their activities. An erupting vol nookieo emits particulate matter and gases forest and prairie fires jakes emit outsized quantities of pollutants plants and trees naturally emit VOCs which are oxidized and form aerosols that enkindle cause a natural blue haze and dust storms preserve manufacture large amounts of particulate matter. Wild animals in their natural home ground are also considered natural sources of pollution. The National Park Service recognizes that each of these sources emits gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere but we regard these as constituents resulting from natural processes . snap pollution at ShenandoahSources of air pollution that affect Shenandoah National Park are by and large outside of the putting green. These include industrial facilities located throughout the mid-Atlantic region and the Ohio River Valley as well as urban centers in this same region. Because most areas adjacent to the super savage are rural and rude, it is clear that transport of pollutants from distantlocations is an main(prenominal) element upon which park air fibre hinges. correct some agricultural activities, such as ammonia from the poultry industry and pesticides that are applied to adjacent fields, may contribute to air pollution in the park. In-park emission sources are relatively small, but do include motor vehicles, maintenance equipment, small boilers and generators. The relative contribution from the in-park sources is very small compared to other sources. In a July 2002 report describing an emissions inventory for Shenandoah National Park, it was determined that less than 1% of emissions were produced from in-park sources.How does air pollution move?Air transport is the term used to describe the mechanism by which air pollution moves from an emissions source to a receptor. A source is a location (i.e., thronestack, chimney, exhaust pipe) from which the pollutant emanates and a receptor is the place (i.e., poop, vegetation, waterbodies, human lungs) where the pollutant is deposited. The atmosphere itself is the conveyer belt of pollutants from sources to receptors. If the wind carries the plume of pollution high abundant in the air, it may travel for snows of miles before be brought to earth. This is known as long-range or trunk call transport.Air Pollution EffectsThe air is an important component of the natural system of a park in its own right. The aim of pollution in the atmosphere results directly in air quality degradation. Air pollution is also a overcritical factor affecting the quality of other environmental resources as well as the human-made structures and facilities in the area. begrime air can and has scatheed park resources in a variety of ways depending upon the chemistry of the pollutant, weather and environmental conditions, and the nature or sensitivity of park resources. Examples of this harm include vegetative discoloration and growth hurly burly from ozone, loss of aquatic species from stream venomousification, shifts in nutrient availability from irate deposition, and erosion of grammatical construction surfaces and rock n roll formations. Air pollution impairs visibility and contributes to climate change. Air pollution can also be perverting to human health.ShchooltodayYour Cool Facts and Tips on Air PollutionWhat causes air pollution?Air pollution can result from both human and natural deeds. Natural events that pollute the air include forest fires, volcanic eruptions, wind erosion, pollen dispersal, evaporation of organic compounds and natural radioactivity. Pollution fr om natural occurrences are not very often. military man activities that result in air pollution include1. Emissions from industries and manufacturing activitiesHave you seen a manufacturing company before? You go forward notice that there are long tubes (called chimneys) erected high into the air, with business deals of smoke and fumes coming out of it. Waste incinerators, manufacturing industries and power plants emit high levels of speed of light monoxide, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air. This happens almost everywhere that large number live. oil refineries also release lots of hydrocarbons into the air. 2. Burning fogy FuelsAfter the industrial age, transportation has become a key part of our lives. Cars and heavy duty trucks, t rains, exaltation vessels and airplanes all burn lots of fossil discharges to work. Emissions from automobile engines contain both primary and secondary pollutants. This is a major cause of pollution, and one that is very difficult t o manage. This is because humans rely heavy on vehicles and engines for transporting people, trusty and services.Fumes from car exhauts contain dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, oxides of atomic number 7, hydrocarbons and particulates. On their own, they cause groovy harm to people who breath them. Additionally, they react with environmental gases to name further toxic gases. Click here to see the make3. Household and Farming chemics wander dusting, fumigating homes, household altering products or painting supplies, over the counter insect/pest killers, fertilizer dust emit harmful chemicals into the air and cause pollution. In many case, when we use these chemicals at home or offices with no or little ventilation, we may nail drink ill if we breathe them. What are the common air pollutants around?Carbon Monoxide (CO)Fuel electrocution from vehicles and engines.Reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the bodys organs and tissues exasperates spunk disease, resulting in chest pain and other symptoms. Ground-level Ozone (O3)Secondary pollutant formed by chemical reception of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx in the presence of sunlight. Decreases lung function and causes respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, and also makes bronchial asthma and other lung diseases get worse. More on Ground Level Ozone present Lead (Pb)Smelters (metal refineries) and other metal industries flame of conduct gasoline in piston engine aircraft dotty incinerators ( desert burners), and battery manufacturing. Damages the developing nervous system, resulting in IQ loss and impacts on admiting, memory, and behavior in children. Cardiovascular and renal marrows in adults and earliest personal effects link to anaemia. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)Fuel combustion (electric utilities, big industrial boilers, vehicles) and wood importunate. Worsens lung diseases leading to respiratory symptoms, change magnitude susceptibility to respirato ry infection. Particulate function (PM)This is formed through chemical reactions, fuel combustion (e.g., burning coal, wood, diesel), industrial processes, farming (plowing, field burning), and unpaved roads or during road constructions. short-term moving pictures can worsen heart or lung diseases and cause respiratory problems. Long-term exposures can cause heart or lung disease and sometimes premature deaths. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)SO2 come from fuel combustion (especially high-sulfur coal) electric utilities and industrial processes as well as and natural occurances like volcanoes. Aggravates asthma and makes breathing difficult.It also contributes to particle formation with associated health effects. What are the effects of air pollution? paneificationChemical reactions involving air pollutants can create vitrioliculatedic compounds which can cause harm to vegetation and buildings. sometimes, when an air pollutant, such as sulfuric corrosive combines with the water droplets th at make up clouds, the water droplets become venereal infectionic, forming venomous rain. When acid rain falls over an area, it can kill trees and harm animals, fish, and other wildlife.Acid rain destroys the leaves of plants.When acid rain infiltrates into soils, it changes the chemistry of the soil making it speculative for many documentation things that rely on soil as a habitat or for nutrition. Acid rain also changes the chemistry of the lakes and streams that the rainwater flows into, harming fish and other aquatic life. EutrophicationRain can consider and deposit the Nitrogen in some pollutants on rivers and soils. This go away adversely affect the nutrients in the soil and water bodies. This can result in algae growth in lakes and water bodies, and make conditions for other living organism harmful. Ground-level ozoneChemical reactions involving air pollutants create a poisonous gas ozone (O3). Gas Ozone can affect peoples health and can damage vegetation types and som e animal life too. Particulate matterAir pollutants can be in the form of particulate matter which can be very harmful to our health. The level of effect usually depends on the length of time of exposure, as well the kind and concentration of chemicals and particles overt to. Short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis andpneumonia. some others include headaches, nausea, and supersensitive reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and emphysema. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly. Air pollution prevention, monitoring and solution.Solution efforts on pollution is always a big problem. This is why prevention interventions are always a better way of controlling air pollution. These prevention methods can every come from government (laws) or by individual actions. In many big cities, monitoring equipment have been installed at many points in the city. Authorities have them regularly to check the quality of air. Lets see more below Government (or community) level preventionGovernments throughout the world have already taken action against air pollution by introducing green energy. close to governments are investing in wind energy and solar energy, as well as other renewable energy, to minimize burning of fossil fuels, which cause heavy air pollution.Governments are also forcing companies to be more responsible with their manufacturing activities, so that even though they still cause pollution, they are a lot controlled.Companies are also building more energy efficient cars, which pollute less than before. Individual Level PreventionEncourage your family to use the bus, train or bike when commuting. If we all do this, there will be less cars on road and less fumes.Use energy (light, water, boiler, boiler and fire woods) wisely. This is because lots of fossil fuels are burned-over to generate electricity, and so if we can cut down the use, we will also cut down the amount of pollution we create.Re cycles/second and re-use things. This will minimize the dependency of producing new things. Remember manufacturing industries create a lot of pollution, so if we can re-use things like shopping pliant bags, clothing, paper and bottles, it can help. Basic Air Pollution FactsBelow are some random facts and info on environmental pollution.Air pollutants (dangerous things that make the air unclean)come in the form of gases or particles.In blemish 2011, a very powerful earthquake in the sea (tsunami) hit the Japan coast. The sea level rose and water came into the land, damaging 4 of the 6 reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. World Health Organi sation (WHO) experts confirm that there is slight maturationd risk of some cancer types for some people who were exposed to the ray. These included people living in that area and some workers at the plant. Below is a peice of the information given on BBC website The biggest lifetime risks were seen in those exposed as babys, compared with children or adults.For girls exposed to ray from the accident as infants, the report found a 4% increment above the lifetime judge risk of solid tumours and a 6% increase above that pass judgment for breast cancer. Boys exposed as infants are expected to have a 7% increased risk of leukaemia above that expected in the normal population. The biggest risk was seen in thyroid cancer, which for infant girls could be up to 70% higher than expected over their lifetime. BBC Website /news/health-21614722It is estimated that you breathe 20,000 liters of air each day. This mean(a)s the more dirty the air is, the more we breathe into our lungs dangero us chemicals. Air can be polluted both interiors and outdoors. Tobacco and other kinds of smoking are examples of indoor air pollution. softheaded Building Syndrome is a health condition related to pesticides, insecticides and chemicals we use at home and offices. In the great Smog Disaster in London in 1952, four thousand people died in a few days due to the high concentrations of pollution. Air pollution affects kids more than adultsbecause, for their body size, kids breathe more air and spend more time playacting outside. More hazardous pollutants are discharged into the air each year than are released to surface water, ground water, and land, combined.Motor vehicles produce more air pollution than any other single human activity. unmatched full commuter bus can mean 40 less cars going through your neighborhood.In America, vehicle exhaust contributes roughly 60% of all carbon monoxide emissions nationwide, and up to 95% in cities. indoor(prenominal) air pollution and healthA round 3 billion people cook and heat their homes using open fires and leaky stoves burning biomass (wood, animal slime and crop waste) and coal. N proto(prenominal) 2 million people die prematurely from illness attributable to indoor air pollution from household solid fuel use. Nearly 50% of pneumonia deaths among children under five are due to particulate matter inhaled from indoor air pollution. More than 1 million people a year die from chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) that develop due to exposure to such indoor air pollution. Both women and men exposed to heavy indoor smoke are 2-3 times more likely to develop COPD Source WHOOzone Depletion Losing states Protective LayerNational geographicalThe ozone grade is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 9.3 to 18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers) above soil and serves as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation sickness emitted by the sun. Ozone is a highly reactive blood corpuscle that contains thr ee oxygen atoms. It is constantly being formed and broken down in the high atmosphere, 6.2 to 31 miles (10 to 50 kilometers) above Earth, in the region called the stratosphere. Today, there is widespread concern that the ozone work is deteriorating due to the release of pollution containing the chemicals atomic number 17 and bromine. Such deterioration allows large amounts of ultraviolet B rays to reach Earth, which can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans and harm animals aswell. Extra ultraviolet B radiation reaching Earth also inhibits the reproductive cycle of phytoplankton, single-celled organisms such as algae that make up the bottom rung of the food chain. Biologists disquietude that reductions in phytoplankton populations will in turn move the populations of other animals.Researchers also have documented changes in the reproductive rates of young fish, shrimp, and crabs as well as frogs and salamanders exposed to excess ultraviolet B. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chem icals found in the first place in spray aerosols heavily used by industrialized nations for much of the last(prenominal) 50 years, are the primary culprits in ozone forge breakdown. When CFCs reach the upper atmosphere, they are exposed to ultraviolet rays, which causes them to break down into substances that include centilitre. The chlorine reacts with the oxygen atoms in ozone and rips apart the ozone molecule. One atom of chlorine can destroy more than a hundred thousand ozone molecules, according to the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The ozone tier above the Antarctic has been particularly impacted by pollution since the mid-1980s.This regions low temperatures speed up the conversion of CFCs to chlorine. In the southern organise and summer, when the sun shines for long periods of the day, chlorine reacts with ultraviolet rays, destroying ozone on a massive scale, up to 65 percent. This is what some people erroneously refer to as the ozone hole. In other regions , the ozone floor has deteriorated by about 20 percent. About 90 percent of CFCs currently in the atmosphere were emitted by industrialized countries in the blue Hemisphere, including the United States and Europe. These countries banned CFCs by 1996, and the amount of chlorine in the atmosphere is falling now. But scientists estimate it will take another 50 years for chlorine levels to return to their natural levels.Clean Air KidsThe Earth is wrapped in a mantel of air called the atmosphere, which is made up of several social classs. About 19-30 kilometres above the Earth is a layer of gas called ozone, which is a form of oxygen. Ozone is produced naturally in the atmosphere.WHY DO WE HAVE AN OZONE LAYER?The ozone layer is very important because it conditions too many of the suns ultra-violet rays (UV rays) getting through to the Earth these are the rays that cause our skin to tan. alike much UV can cause skin cancer and will also harm all plants and animals. spiritedness o n Earth could not exist without the antifertility shield of the ozone layer.WHAT IS THE OZONE gob?Every spring, a hole as big as the USA develops in the ozone layer over Antarctica, in the South Pole. A smaller hole develops each year over the Arctic, at the North Pole. And there are signs that the ozone layer is getting thinner all over the planet. Scientists have discovered that the ozone hole over Antarctica stimulateed in 1979, and that the ozone layer generally started to get thin in the early 1980s. The loss of the ozone layer occurs when more ozone is being washed-up than nature is creating.WHAT conditionS THE OZONE HOLE?One group of gases is particularly likely to damage the ozone layer. These gases are called CFCs, Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons. CFCs are used in some spray cans to force the content out of the can. They are also used in refrigerators, air conditioning systems and some fire extinguishers. They are used because they are not poisonous and do not catch fire. clos e to countries have now stopped using new CFCs that can be released into the atmosphere, but many scientists believe we must stop using old ones as well.THE OZONE HOLE AND OUR wellnessThe ozone layer is like a sunscreen, and a turn of it would mean that more ultra-violet rays would be reaching us. Too many UV rays would cause more colour, and because sunburn causes skin cancer, this too would increase deaths. These UV rays are also dangerous for our eyes and could cause an increase in people fitting blind. That is why sun cream and sun shabues are very important.THE OZONE HOLE ON ANIMALS AND PLANTSUV rays can go through water and end up killing small water animals orplants, called plankton which form the base of the food chain in oceans and seas. Whales and other fishes have plankton as their main food, and if plankton die because of these UV rays, whales will start dying too, because they will not have anything to eat. Large amounts of UV rays could damage all green plants. If t he ozone layer occurs getting thinner, there could be fewer and fewer plants on Earth, then there would be less food in the whole world.THE TWO-FACED OZONE spatterOzone found between 19 and 30 kilometres high in the atmosphere is one of the reasons why we are alive on Earth. But when the gas ozone is found lower down where we can breathe it in, it becomes very dangerous for our health. This ozone is caused by a reaction between air pollution and sunlight and can cause modern-day smog. This is distinguishable to the smog that formed in the early 20th century from smoke and fog. What can you doThere are many things we can do to help reduce air pollution and global warming. Use buses and trains instead of cars, as they can carry a lot more people in one journey. This cuts down the amount of pollution produced. Walking or cycling whenever you can will be even better, as it does not create any pollution. It will also be good for your body, as regular exercise will keep you fit and hea lthy. If your parents must use the car, ask them to lift using it for very short journeys if possible, as this creates needless pollution. Try to encourage them to share their journeys with other people, for example when they go to work or go shopping. in any case encourage them to drive more slowly as this produces less pollution and less carbon dioxide. nada is produced to generate electricity and to keep us warm. Most energy is produced by the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas, which release carbon dioxide, a nursery gas. Fuel burnt in our cars also releases carbon dioxide. As an individual, you do not have a lot of control on how your energy is produced. However, you can control the way in which you use that energy. utilize less energy promoter less of it require to be produced. So less carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. We can also help prevent pollution from our own homes which may contribute to acid rain and misfortunate air quality, and incr eases emissions of carbon dioxide in theatmosphere. Turning off lights when they are not needed and not use electricity will reduce the demand for energy.less(prenominal) electricity will need to be produced and so less coal, oil and gas will have to be burnt in power stations, which meaning less air pollution and less carbon dioxide Pollution formed indoors can be reduced by ensuring that all gas appliances are working correctly. Good ventilation will better indoor air quality by dispersing biological pollutants like dust mite, and other pollutants such as cigarette smoke. Most of the ice we throw away can be recycled, such as glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminium cans, plastic bottles and waste paper. recycle used materials uses less energy than making new ones. Composting fruit and vegetable waste reduces the amount of rubbish buried at rubbish dumps.What are the Governments doing?Governments throughout the world have already taken action for these different environmenta l problems (i.e. Acid Rain, Air Quality, Ozone Hole, Global Warming). In their plans they hope to reduce the amount of emissions of babys room gases produced by man. About half of the greenhouse effect is caused by our use of energy, especially from fossil fuels. Other sources of energy could be used which do not emit carbon dioxide, e.g. wind power, solar (sun power) and wind power. In the home and at school, we must learn to use energy efficiently and not waste it.Rain is very important for life. All living things need water to live, even people. Rain brings us the water we need. But in many places in the world even where you live, rain has become a menace. Because of pollution in the air, acid gases from factories, cars and homes, the rain is becoming dangerous for the life of every living creature. This rain is known as acid rain.WHAT IS acid RAIN?Acid gases are produced when fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned in power stations, factories and in our own homes. Most of these acid gases are blown into the sky, and when they mix with the clouds it can cause rain or snow, sleet, fog, mist or total to become more acidic. The opposites ofacid are alkalis for example, toothpaste and baking hot powder are both alkalis. Strong alkalis can also be dangerous, such as ammonia and bleach. Lemon juice, vinegar and cola are all acidic. Rain is naturally acidic, but acid gases make it even more acidic, sometimes as acid as lemon Nature can also produce acid gases, such as volcanoes. When they erupt, the smoke that comes out of the crater is also full of acid gases.HOW DO WE MEASURE acidulousITY?There is a special scale called the pH scale that measures the aptitude of acids and alkalis. A low pH number means something is acid. A high number means something is alkali. And something in the middle is called neutral. Acidity can be tried and true using litmus paper.Usually rain is a little acidic, and has pH of about 5.5, if the pH of rainfall is less than 5. 5, then the rain is probably polluted by acid gases. Acids turn litmus paper red, and alkalis turn it blue. With a special paper called popular indicator, you can test levels of acidity.WHAT ARE THE MAIN GASES THAT CAUSE ACID RAIN?When we burn fuels, chemicals called sulphur and nitrogen are released into the air. Once in the air, they mix with water in the air rain, snow, etc and are transformed into different chemicals called sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can be very dangerous for plants, animals and people. Most of the sulphur comes from power stations, which make electricity, and also from volcanoes. Most of the nitrogen oxides come from car and truck exhausts. We call air pollution the painful gases that we produce and release in the air. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are the most important causes of acid rain.A PROBLEM ALL OVER THE WORLDAir pollution can be carried over long distances. When acid gases are released, they go high up in the sky, and then th ey are pushed by squiffy winds towards other countries. The acid rain in Sweden is caused by air pollution in Britain and other countries of Europe. The pollution produced in Britain ends up mostly in Scandinavia countries in northern Europeincluding Sweden, Norway and Denmark.In the USA, the winds blow the air pollution to certain areas in Canada.HOW BAD IS ACID RAIN?When rain is acidic, it affects what it falls on trees, lakes, buildings and farmland. Sometimes rain is not very acidic and does not cause a lot of problems, but when it is acidic, it can be very harmful to the environment. TREES AND PLANTSAcid rain can have terrible effects on a forest. The acid takes away important minerals from the leaves and the soil. Minerals are like vitamins for trees and plants. Without them, trees and plants cannot grow properly. They lose their leaves and become very weak. They are no longer strong bounteous to fight against illnesses and frost. They become very ill and can even die. Some soils are alkaline, when acid rain falls on them the acid becomes neutral. Plants and trees living on these soils are not in any big danger..LAKES AND WATER LIFEAcid rain has a terrible effect on water life. Even if the acid rain does not fall dandy into the lake, for example, it may enter from rivers and streams. Some of the life in the lake such as fish and plants may end up dying, because they cannot survive in acidic lakes. Thousands of lakes in Scandinavia have no more life in them. They have received so much acid rain for so many years, because of the winds pushing the acid gases, that nothing can survive. You can recognise a lake dead from acid rain by its clean and crystal clear water. But they look clean because there is very little living in them anymore. Tiny plants and animals are mostly unable to survive..OUR wellnessParticulates very small particles of debris found in some of the air pollution are one of the main causes of health problems. In towns and cities, thes e are released mainly by diesel engines from cars and trucks. When we breathe in air pollution, these very fine particulates can easily enter our body, where they can cause breathing problems, and over time evencause cancer. Water we drink from taps can be contaminated by acid rain, which can damage the brain.. BUILDINGSAcid rain can also ruin buildings because the acid eats into metal and stone. It also damages stained glass and plastics. Some types of building materials are softer than others, and it is the softer ones which are most alter by acid rain. Sandstone and limestone are examples of stone which are fairly soft and are damaged easily. Granite is an example of a harder stone that can resist the effects of acid rain. In many places in the world, past and famous buildings and monuments are affected by acid rain. For example, the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA, has had to be restored because of acid rain damage. Buildings are naturally eroded by rain, wind, frost and th e sun, but when acidic gases are present, it speeds up the erosion.