Cornwall Josh Cornwall Mrs.

Rand English 1101 March 24th, 2014 Air Pollution and Why You Should Care Currently we are suffering from two major pandemics. One is pollution, and more specifically, air pollution, and the other is a group of young adults who dont recognize a problem that is not only affecting the environment, but their health as well. Teenagers are so

often known for being egotistical and apathetic to the world around them. I, however, dont agree with this statement. Teenagers are the next generation. They are educated, knowledgeable, and influential. They have access to and are able to spread information all over the world with the touch of a button. However, this begs the question: why dont they care about such a worldly problem, like that of air pollution? I believe it stems from a general lack of knowledge on the issue. They know that air pollution exists, but they dont understand how and why its affecting them, and even more so why they should care at all. Alas, perhaps its not because they are selfmotivated, uncaring individuals that they cant recognize air pollution, but far more that they dont know why they should care. Therefore, the question becomes: What is air pollution, what are the consequences if this problem isnt taken care, and are their any solutions? Air pollution can be described as any airborne substance that has the capacity to adversely impact human health or other components of Earths biosphere (National Research Council 13). Understanding that air pollution is any substance that goes into the air and can harm human health and the environment, is essential. It identifies how harmful it is to not only to the environment, but to humans as well. Air pollution is a growing issue that has spread worldwide.

Cornwall Many different sources have caused air pollution as a result of their use, however, one major event in history is really the cause for increased air pollution: The Industrial Revolution. As many of us know, the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 1800s, brought along not

only major technological advancements, but air pollution as well. The use of coal made factories very efficient, but along with the coal came soot and smoke, which added to the amount of air pollutants in the atmosphere (Environmental History Resources). Air pollution also comes in many different forms, including gaseous forms, liquid droplets, and solids as well. These pollutants come from primary pollutants, which are pollutants that come straight from the source, while some pollutants are from secondary pollutants, which are caused by chemical reactions in the atmosphere (National Research Council 13). There are many sources of air pollution. Some of the sources include automobiles and industries in which compounds like that of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ozone are released into the atmosphere (Brook 909). These compounds are very harmful and cause many problems in both the environment as well as human health. Air pollution has caused a myriad of consequences within the environment. To begin, it is very important to mention the ozone. Ozone depletion is a worldwide problem (Hoffman 8). The ozone layer is really important to both humans and the earth as it absorbs the majority of the UV rays. UV rays cause skin cancer and can damage plants (Hoffman 9). Therefore, the depletion of the ozone could cause a variety of problems for planet earth. The source of the depletion comes from chlorofluorocarbons or more easily known, as CFCs. CFCs are the main cause for the ozone depletion in the world. They ozone molecules react with chlorine and this breaks the ozone layer up, which can last for a very long time (Hoffman 9). Though CFCs were banned soon after the problems with them were realized with the Vienna Convention and Montreal

Cornwall Protocol, which are two treaties that banned CFCs because of the damage they caused to the ozone layer (Hoffman 11). However, the ozone layer was severely damaged by the CFCs and cannot be easily fixed. It will take a long time for the ozone to replenish itself. Many other consequences of air pollution can be seen today as well. One of the biggest

and probably most controversial and important issues today is global warming. Many people find themselves a bit confused when they think about global warming. They sense that its this idea that the earth is heating up and getting hotter, and that winter will disappear altogether. This idea however is foolhardy. Global warming isnt so basic. It has many more parts and components to it. Al Gore explains global warming as radiation being trapped in the atmosphere. In essence, a thin layer of atmosphere protects the earth. The atmosphere allows the suns radiation to warm up the earth and then exit the earth as infrared waves. However, due to air pollution, the atmosphere is trapping the heat in, which is causing the earth to heat up (An Inconvenient Truth). Global warming causes significant problems to both the environment and human health. Environmentally, the homes of many animals, including polar bears, penguins and seals, will be destroyed. The melting of icebergs and ice sheets are causing the oceans to rise, and put areas that are below sea level at risk (An Inconvenient Truth). This means more problems for humans as well. One of the biggest issues of global warming is the climate changes that its causing. Storms are increasing and becoming more intense, causing devastating and lasting effects to people on a global scale. It also causes evaporation from not only the ocean, but land as well. This means that soil dries out and droughts are occurring. This causes problems for humans in that farms and foods cannot be planted and so a lack of food also becomes a major problem as global warming increases (An Inconvenient Truth). Overall, if global warming can teach us

Cornwall anything, its that humans are affected just as much as the environment. Any changes that are caused from global warming directly affect us in every way. However, the main reason that we as humans are affected deals with health. As was

discussed earlier in the paper, if the ozone layer is destroyed, then UV rays will more easily pass through and if this occurs, drastic damage to humans will occur. UV rays are radiation and this causes skin cancer (Hoffman 9). Therefore, if more damage occurs to the ozone, then skin cancer rates are more likely to exist and come about. Additionally, if global warming continues then many more problems for humans will erupt as well. Global warming is the cause for increased and more powerful storms like that of hurricanes and typhoons (An Inconvenient Truth). These storms affect people worldwide, causing damages to ecosystems as well as peoples houses, and their health. After these storms, dirty water and pollution cover the lands and can harm people and make them sick. Global warming also causes other problems as well. Droughts often occur more, which causes many issues. Droughts cause poor conditions for farms and people in general. Water is limited amongst people, and because the land is dry, food cannot be grown, and people suffer for it. Finally, many different health conditions occur as well. Finally, air pollution causes adverse health effects for many people. Typically, respiratory health issues, heart disease, asthma, and lung function are common problems that can become more intense due to air pollution (Wilson 125-126). Asthma and respiratory systems can become aggravated due to poor air quality, especially in children and elderly persons as their lungs are not as strong. In the end, after realizing all the ways that people, including teenagers can are affected by air pollution, its so important to make changes and even more important to simply care. One of the best methods in dealing with the problem of air pollution is first and foremost being aware that it exists. Once people realize and understand that air pollution, and the

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problems that accompany it are a real and growing concern, then they can do things about it. For starters, spreading the message and informing other people of the growing disaster that air pollution has caused can make people more aware, and want to make a difference. From there, people should reduce carbon emissions by buying energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. (An Inconvenient Truth). Reducing CO2 emissions is simple enough. By choosing to bike or walk to places rather than drive everywhere, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon use. Also, using mass transit is another way to reduce carbon emission amounts. There are many other ways to help with the air pollution problem as well. Planting trees is not only simple, but also greatly helpful. It is common knowledge that plants produce oxygen and release it, while also absorbing carbon emissions, so simply planting trees can assist in taking out many of the air pollutants in the air. Reduce, reuse, and recycle is also a motto to live by (An Inconvenient Truth). By reducing what we use, we can help to decrease the amount of air pollutants put into the air. By choosing to reuse, we can constrict the amount of supplies being used. By choosing to recycle, we can make one object into another useable object without having to use any other material. Additionally, by using renewable resources, like that of water and wind, we can find new, environmentally friendly ways to produce and get our energy. Overall, being conscious is what is most important when thinking about air pollution. In the end, air pollution is a living, breathing thing. Teenagers must realize that this is their world and the conditions that they are being left in are poor and unjust. There are so many problems due to air pollution. Air pollution is causing the ozone layer to quickly deplete, global warming to thrive and heat up the world, and many health problems to erupt in a multitude of humans. If the ozone is depleted, severe amounts of skin cancer could and likely will increase (Hoffman 9). If global warming continues on the path it is currently on, then many problems will

Cornwall arise for humans. Well face destruction as our homes will be destroyed, and many areas below sea level will be washed out with rising sea level from melting ice sheets (An Inconvenient Truth). Finally, the increased amounts of air pollution in the air are causing more issues for people with asthma, lung problems, and are causing some problems for individuals with heart

disease (Wilson and Spengler 125-126). Overall, air pollution affects each and everyone in many different ways. We have chosen to stay in the dark because we dont see these problems affecting us everyday, but they are. Just because we cant see global warming and the ozone layer, we know they exist, and therefore we must choose to change. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, Be the change you want to see in the world. Earth is our world, and its all we have. If we choose to remain blind to the obvious environmental problems that we are suffering from, then theyll only get worse. If they get worse, then earth will become uninhabitable. Air pollution is a global issue. We have to do our part in making sure that is wonderful place isnt destroyed by our ignorance. Therefore, I say we choose to stand up, and make a difference. Earth is all we have, so we must take care of it, and protect it.

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Works Cited Brook, RD. "Air Pollution: What Is Bad for the Arteries Might Be Bad for the Veins." Archives of Internal Medicine 168.9 (2008): 909-11. [WorldCat.org]. Web. 23 Mar. 2014 "Environmental History Resources." Industrial Revolution. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. Gore, Al. "An Inconvenient Truth." (DVD Video, 2006) [WorldCat.org] . N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. Hoffmann, Matthew J. Ozone Depletion and Climate Change: Constructing a Global Response. Albany: State University of New York, 2005. Print. National Research Council. Global Sources of Local Pollution: An Assessment of Long-range Transport of Key Air Pollutants to and from the United States. Washington, D.C.: National Academies, 2010. Print. Wilson, Richard, and John Spengler. "Particles in Our Air: Concentrations and Health Effects." Particles in Our Air: Concentrations and Health Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.

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Inquiry Project Reflection The most interesting thing I learned in this paper is how truly detrimental air pollution is to the environment and to humans. Air pollution is responsible for many global issues that we are facing today, including ozone depletion and global warming. These issues, if not fixed, are going to cause irreversible earth degradation, and therefore, we must make haste in fixing the problems that we have caused. Overall, just learning the effects that air pollution has on the world was very interesting. However, it wasnt always so great. At times, finding varied sources to use was difficult and impossible. I would either run into the trouble of something I wanted being checked out or I just didnt find anything relevant. To overcome this obstacle I just simply kept looking for information that was relevant to air pollution and how it affected both people and the environment. I also struggled in finding my audience and how I wanted to write the paper. However, with some thought and help I managed to focus my essay. My inquiry question never changed because I found my topic really interesting and wanted to focus and appeal to someone who might not have any interest. Additionally, throughout my research, I discovered a myriad of historical viewpoints, however, I couldnt use them all, as interesting as they were, but I did decided to use one. Also, sometimes-historical views are important because they can give you a time period of when something first started. It can also give you a reference point or show you when something really important occurred. Overall, this paper has helped me to learn about a something that I was fascinated in and also allowed me to give my own opinions and perspectives on the matter. It didnt have to just be a paper giving information. I was allowed to include more of myself and give my own opinions, which was very cool and helpful. Therefore my analytical and evaluation skills may have

Cornwall changed a bit because while explaining the information, I could also take time to evaluate and analyze the information and provide my own take on that information. If anything, Im most proud of how I decided to write the paper. Rather than writing it in a negative viewpoint that seemed angry and mean, I wrote it in a more positive action planned type of way. I introduced the information and explained how it was relevant to young people and how the issue will affect them. If I could know anything else about the subject, I think I would want to focus more on the other types pollution and issues that have come about because of pollution. Its very interesting

and so important, and therefore more people should educate themselves and choose to be smarter about how they are treating the Earth.