Air pollution is a permanent damage that is being inflicted upon
Mother Earth by humans, and is a growing problem that effects us all.
Air pollution contaminates the air with dust and chemical smoke from
using motorized vehicles, factories, chimneys, airplanes, automobiles,
ships, trains, buses, combustion (burning of fuel), respiration (where
an increase in population would cause a problem), power plants, paints,
consumer products (such as aerosol cans), lawn mowers, and many others.
As you can see, the materials we commonly use in our day to day lives
greatly effect the quality of air. In more cases we are harming the air,
not helping it.
Air pollution causes many problems which are extremely harmful. For
example, numerous health problems are caused due to air pollution. The
ozone layer is being destroyed and the greenhouse effect is taking place
all due to an increase in air pollution.
Air Pollution has a serious effect on our health. It is very dangerous,
and can cause many health problems. Therefore, we must put an end to the
growing amount of air pollution. Toxic air pollution, which is
hazardous, causes cancer, genetic mutation, birth defects, and other
serious illnesses (even with low exposure). Millions of pounds of toxic
and cancer causing chemicals are being emitted into the air over our
nation every year by the increased use of motorized vehicles, and both
large and small industries, which are then inhaled or carried into the
lungs.
The Issues
Environmental ISSUES:
Most importantly, air pollution is destroying our vital ozone. The Ozone
layer is a thin layer of ozone located in our upper atmosphere which
protects the earth from the sun's deadly rays. Chlorofluorocarbons (also
known as CFC's) which are found in refrigeration systems, fire
extinguishers, and propellants for aerosol cans are the main ozone
destroyer. As the ozone is depleted, that will only cause greater
problems for humans, plants and other animals living on earth. First of
all, the hole in the ozone allows the sun's deadly rays to enter the
earths atmosphere and reach us. These ultraviolet rays can kill plants
and agriculture, and more importantly it can harm humans through the
form of skin cancer. Did you know that 1% of reduction in the ozone
layer raises 10,000 more cases of skin cancer in the United States
alone!!!
Air Pollution is also directly related to a phenomenon known as the
"Greenhouse Effect." Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere forms a "blanket"
around the earth trapping solar radiation and heat, then reflecting it
back to earth. This keeps the earth warm form the deep freeze of the
universe, and to a certain degree this is a good thing. However, the
increased amount of carbon dioxide entered into the environment is
harmful. An increase in population means that more people are exhaling
Carbon Dioxide and an increased use of cars and more carbon
dioxide/monoxide all lead to the Greenhouse effect. Scientists feel that the earths temperature will raise from 2 to 6 degrees in the future.
This will cause problems for portions for the earth that are already
warm, melt the polar ice caps (therefore flooding may be an issue), and
cause problems for farmers.
HEALTH ISSUES:
Air pollution can also directly destroy the lung tissues and weaken the lung's defense against contaminants. That means as air pollution grows, our lungs capacity to protect itself from that will decrease. Air pollution can either paralyze or kill the cilia-which is what pushes mucus/germs out of the lungs and body. This leaves the body extremely vulnerable to disease. On a less serious scale air pollution will make you cough, wheeze, make breathing harder, make your eyes water, irritate the nose and the mouth, and cause diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. That is if you're healthy. For a person that already has weak lungs, air pollution only makes the situation worse. For asthma and lung cancer patients, more trips to the hospital and emergency room will be necessary, an increase in medicine use, limited activity, and there is a chance for premature
death.
Some Suggestions
Many people live their lives thinking "I'm just one person, my actions
are not going to make a big difference in helping the environment." That
is not true! The littlest actions and steps will have a positive effect
on our growing environmental situation. Here are some simple things you
may be able to do to help the earth. You must understand that these
actions may also be economically efficient and save you money, while
helping the environment.
1. CAR POOLING!!!!!! We understand that the workers of Harvey Health
Center (Both Dr. Shah's and Mr. Patel) live on Plumtree Dr (same street)
yet 3 cars are used to go to work. We are not able to emphasize the
importance of car pooling enough. The amount of air pollution will
greatly be reduced if car pooling is used with your company. The less
cars used, the less air pollution in our atmosphere, it's as simple as
that.
2. If car pooling is not possible, another extremely environmentally
sound and efficient alternative is to use public transportation. You
could use CTA, Metra, or Pace all services that will provide you with a
carefree and relaxed ride to work. There are no hassles of dealing with
traffic, saving gas money, and you will also be helping the environment
out at the same time.
For route information call: 708-836-7000
Other general things you can do to reduce air pollution when driving is
to:
Drive at a medium and steady speed, start and stop evenly, no movements
that are abrupt, and not leaving the car on when it is unnecessary
(don't leave the care running idle). This will reduce gas consumption,
therefor reducing the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere.
You should also use energy conserving grade of motor oil. Plus, try to
combine errands so you are driving fewer miles. It is also smart not to
drive during traffic hours.
~~~~ALL OF THIS WILL HELP OUR ENVIRONMENT AND PRESERVE IT FOR FUTURE
GENERATIONS. YOUR HELP IS NECESSARY IN OUR PATH FOR CLEANING UP THE
AIR~~~~!!!!
