AIR POLLUTION

Introduction

When people think about air pollution, they usually think about smog, acid rain... But the air pollution can also exist inside homes and buildings. Every year, many people is affected by chemical substances  present in the air. Now the universities and laboratories are finding solutions and explain the public about the problem.

How can we prevent air pollution?

Scientists writte laws to control the emissions.

-The first step to solving air pollution is assessment. Scientists must then determine how much exposure to pollutants is harmful. Many countries have set controls on pollution emissions for transportation vehicles and industry. Many state and local organizations also participate in monitoring and controlling the environament.

-The second step is the prevention of air pollution. In addition, it is possible to prevent many types of air pollution.

The adequate ventilation is also a key to control the indoor air pollution.  Home and work environments should be monitored for adequate air flow and proper exhaust systems installed. 

-One of the most dangerous air pollutants is cigarette smoke. Restricting smoking is an important key to a healthier environment.

What is the air pollution?

Air pollution is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particles or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other líving organisms. Air pollution can cause chamage to the natural envirorment and buildings in cities.

Health effects

Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short-term and long-term effects. Different groups of individuals are affected by air pollution in different ways. Some individuals are much more sensitive to pollutants than others. Young children and elderly people often suffer more from the effects of air pollution. People with health problems such as asthma, heart and lung disease may also suffer more when the air is polluted. 

Examples of short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Other symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions.
Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys.

It is estimated that millions of people die prematurely every year in the world as a result of smoking cigarettes. It is also harmful for non-smoking people to breath the smoke (passive smokers).

Indoor air pollution:

Many people spend large part of time indoors. We work, study, eat, drink and sleep in enclosed environments where air circulation may be restricted. For these reasons, some experts feel that more people suffer from the effects of indoor air pollution than outdoor pollution. (Pollution exposure at home and work is often greater than outdoors. The California Air Resources Board estimates that indoor air pollutant levels are 25-62% greater than outside levels and can pose serious health problems).

There are many sources of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, and vapors from building materials, paints, furniture, etc. cause pollution inside buildings. Radon is a natural radioactive gas released from the earth which can be harmful too.

Outdoor air pollution:

Smog is a type of large-scale outdoor pollution. It is caused by chemical reactions between pollutants derived from different sources, primarily automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. Cities are often centers of these types of activities, and many suffer from the effects of smog, especially during the warm months of the year.

The pollution can build up to dangerous levels. A temperature inversion occurs when air close to the earth is cooler than the air above it. Under these conditions the pollution cannot rise and be dispersed. Cities surrounded by mountains also experience trapping of pollution.

Another consequence of outdoor air pollution is acid rain. When a pollutant, such as sulfuric acid combines with droplets of water in the air, the water can become acidified. It damages plants by destroying their leaves, it poisons the soil, and it changes the chemistry of lakes and streams.

                                            Bàrbara, Alèxia, Carles, Paula i Naiara