Welcome to Pollution Guide
What Causes Water Pollution Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Air Pollution: Only One Breath Away
from:Air pollution is one of many forms of pollution that plagues us everyday; with every breath we take we are exposed to massive amounts of toxins. How did this happen? Who is responsible for this catastrophe? What is someone going to do about it? All of these are great questions and the responses are vast, but two things are for sure: we are a part of the problem and we can be a part of the solution.
Different Types, Same Affects
Air pollution does not stem from one source, so it may seem easier to blame the major corporations or the big cities, but everyday choices can make for air pollutants too. Of course, one could argue that the larger the source then the larger the risk but think this way for a moment; a concentrated amount of small sources can also create a big stink. A few creators of air pollution include:
• Indoor - It is a misconception that the air inside of our homes is a lot cleaner then outside—after all we are clean therefore our air must be. Not true. Cleaning agents, carpet fibers, second-hand smoke, mold, and poor ventilation are some creators of indoor pollution
• Backyard Fun - Someone decides to have a backyard get together, so they get their gas-powered mower out to make the lawn nice, they fire up the charcoal to cook a few burgers, and to add some excitement they light a few fireworks. All three of these actions have caused poisons to be released into the air.
• Big Business - There is no doubt that large factories and power plants cause large amounts of air pollution, but we have governmental rules in place to regulate that, right? Well, the answer to that depends upon the administration and upon whom you ask. There are conflicting reports about levels released and what has been released. It seems with each voted in government comes a new set of standards and those could change at any moment.
What Can The Common Man Do?
We may not be able to change the laws for all businesses in every place in the world, but there are things that can be done on a smaller scale that will have immense effects for the immediate world around you. A few steps that you can take are:
• Reduce - Reduce the amount you use your personal air pollutant products. Everyone has to go to work and run errands, but if you carpool, take public transportation, or walk whenever possible then you will cut down on air pollution.
• Invest - Invest a small amount of money to purchase a more efficient stove and heating system. These two items produce indoor pollution and finding a more efficient alternative will reduce that and your energy usage.
• Involvement - Get involved in the local politics that address air pollution in your area. Knowledge and getting the word out can make miracles happen.
Air pollution did not happen overnight and unfortunately we are dealing with many factors and not all of them are properly regulated. Ignoring this problem will not make it go away, nor will relying that the next generation will make it better. There are things that can be done and should be done. Just ask yourself how you can help.
What Causes Water Pollution Specific links
What Causes Water Pollution News
Green advice for beach bums to keep water clean
Are you one of millions who will enjoy some of the summer sun at the beach? Did you know that some of the choices we make at home and while on vacation can actually contaminate the very same waters we can't wait to get in? Do Your Part and become a greener beach bum this year.
Read more...EarthTalk / From the editors of E
It is still unclear whether or not marine and coastal ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico are healthy two years after BPís offshore drilling rig exploded 40 miles off the Louisiana coast, eventually releasing 205.8 million gallons of oil into the water column.
Read more...What cookstoves tell us about the limits of technology
It sounds too good to be true: If we could just swap out dirty indoor cooking stoves in the developing world with cleaner versions, we could cut pollution, save lives, and slow climate change. Promising, yes? But, like most things that sound too good to be true, it’s not that easy. Read full article >>
Read more...What's Next in Science and Technology?
Media are invited to a Capitol Hill reception and exhibition of cutting-edge NSF-funded research.
Read more...Robotic fish shoal sniffs out pollution in harbours
The autonomous fish robots work as a group, using chemical sensors to monitor pollution levels
Read more...