Air Pollution and Acid Rain
Acid rain is now commonly perceived as a major environmental threat but the term is still relatively new and many are confused about its causes. While there are some other commonly cited reasons including natural sources, the main cause of acidity in rain is air pollution, which increases the composition of sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides and thus lowering the pH level to less than 7. Air pollution is defined as "the introduction by humankind, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the environment resulting in deleterious effects of such a nature as to endanger human health, harm living resources and eco-systems, impair amenities or interfere with other legitimate uses of the environment." [1]
Acid rain can be called a new phenomenon since it basically emerged with industrialization. The hazardous fumes from factories were one of the main causes of air pollution and thus are responsible for causing higher levels of acidity in rainwater. In 1858, Robert Angus Smith, a London chemist, observed that acid level in rain was causing environmental problems and wrote: "It has often been observed that the stones and bricks of buildings ... crumble more readily in large towns, where much coal is burnt, than elsewhere. I was led to attribute this effect on the slow but constant action of the acid rain." These thoughts were later expressed in his book Air and Rain, The Beginnings of a Chemical Climatology in 1872. [2]
The term acid rain now refers to rainwater, snow and fog containing acidic deposits. The composition or presence of higher levels of sulphur and nitrogen oxides causes reduction in pH level, resulting in an acidic taste. The higher the acidic level, the greater the havoc it wreaks on the environment and eco-system. Acid rain is "caused mainly by the discharge into the air of sulphur...
Air Pollution: A Testament to Human History Air pollution is woven throughout the fabric of our modern life. A by-product of the manner in which we build our cities, air pollution is waste remaining from the ways we produce our goods, transport ourselves and our goods, and generate the energy to heat and light the places we live, play, and work.." (Davis, 1) The most important natural resource on which humans depend
Air pollution remains one of the most urgent and serious problems facing the world today. Research studies conducted in the past have clearly indicated that in addition to harming the environment, the effects of air pollution on human health are particularly adverse. In this text, I discuss air pollution, its causes, and effects. Further, I propose solutions that could be embraced to rein in the problem of air pollution. Air Pollution:
Whereas the level of air pollution in Canada is smaller than the ones in other countries, it can still be considered to play an important role in the tourist industry. People generally come to the country thinking about fresh mountain air and no pollution. However, if one of those wanting to visit Canada would have came across the information that, in 2007 alone, air pollution in Toronto was responsible
The incinerators produce a cocktail of toxic chemicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, immune system defect, increased allergies and birth defects" (3). Green Peace suggests sustainable waste management as an alternative to industrial incinerators. The Sierra Club identifies coal burning power plants as major contributors to air pollution. "Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide
Air Pollution In "Schwarzenegger slams GOP-led bills to block pollution rules," Geman (2011) addresses Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's reaction to the recent potential threats to the Clean Air Act. Congress is "attacking" the Clean Air Act, according to Schwarzenegger, with "more than a dozen proposals in Congress to limit enforcement of our clean-air rules, create special-interest loopholes, and attempt to reverse scientific findings." According to the governor, the Clean Air Act has
Not surprisingly, Houston has experienced a growing problem with air pollution. According to Cherni, "In Houston, outdoor air conditions are usually very unpleasant. In addition to high temperatures and humidity, emissions from numerous cars and industry, and the heat produced by central cooling equipment, contribute to at times unbearable air quality. A report by the Houston Chronicle cited by Cherni reports that while Houston is ranked among the top
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now