Smog Exposure Linked to Premature Deaths
Back in 2008, before president Obama was in office, there was some controversy on whether or not the White House was in support of preventing ozone destruction. There were high levels of smog, and ozone is one of the main componants in it. When the Bush administration claimed that there were no health risks from smog exposure. However, after tests were done, bad air pollution began to negatively affect people in only 24 hours. This is the reason why we should be trying our best to keep our air at its best quality. Once our atmosphere is destroyed, there's no getting it back. There are many ways for people to prevent air pollution that are simple and effective.
For one, car exhaust is destructive. The less we drive, the better. Carpooling and using public transportation or other driving alterinitive scan seriously improve how much pollution we release. Another problem is factories and industrial farms. They use fossil fuels and burn them very unsafely. We should be buying from places that enviromentally safe. I hope that all people make their best efforts to keep our world's wonderous atmosphere clean.
Questions:
1. What are other ways of keeping the air clean?
2. What is the biggest problem of air pollution?
3. Why is it harmful for our air to be polluted?
4. Have things imporved since 2008?
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ReplyDeleteI agree that it is important to keep our air quality clean and fresh so we do not get sick or damage the environment. However, I don't think that everyone is willing to stop driving or ride bikes to get to places. In order to compromise, we need to point out what is producing so much exhaust that is entering the atmosphere and eliminate it. I found it crazy that in only 24 hours the pollution was getting so bad that people were already being affected. This bad air pollution is negatively impacting people, plants, and animals so it is necessary that we immediately figure out how to stop this pollution from entering our atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteTo answer question 2:
The biggest problem of air pollution is that we cannot figure out a way to prevent it and eliminate it. We do our best to car pool and drive less, but that is not enough. People still need to travel on busses, trains, and airplanes so exhaust is still being put into the air.
I found a very interesting article to follow up on air pollution. Here are some statistics and facts about health effects and environment effects caused by air pollution.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/air_pollution_-_effects.html
Very Interesting! Air pollution is definitely harming our health, and it scares me that the Bush Administration could've been so ignorant! If these issues are not dealt with, we're going to end up killing ourselves. After all, air is a natural necessity of life! I love how you said "once our atmosphere is destroyed, there's no getting it back". So true! It makes me wonder what our current Obama Administration has said or is saying about air pollution. Guess I should start watching the news! Since we've only just begun this subject in class, I'm really excited to continue learning! I know that if we learn about these issues, we can all help our community in stopping air pollution.
ReplyDeleteTo answer Question 2: I believe that the largest issue in air pollution is that it is harmful to Humans, Animals, and the Environment. We need to find ways to reduce it or eliminate it, because it is still harming us to this day. Another problem is that it is hard to eliminate. America and other leading countries have built up their industries and their whole economic system with air pollution there. Quickly eliminating this part of business is not so simple!
Once again, great article choice Sara.
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ReplyDeleteGreat picture! It is disappointing that the Bush administration claimed that there were no health risks from smog exposure, when 24 hours later people started becoming negatively affected. How embarrassing. At least we now know the truth! It makes me wonder what the current Obama administration has to say or has said about air pollution. Ozone is one of the substances in smog, which is formed from nitrogen oxide and organic compounds released from fossil-fuel-burning sources, such as vehicles. I remember reading a packet about good and bad ozone layers in environmental science class. It was fascinating! Studies have unfortunately shown that short-term exposure to ozone can worsen lung conditions like asthma and lead to death. It is also really sad that researchers found that even short-term exposure to the maximum levels of ozone can cause health issues. Not only is air pollution harmful to us, but it effects animals, plants, and the environment. We need to find a way to reduce or eliminate it, before it is too late. I also hope people make their best efforts to make the air we breathe in safe.
ReplyDeleteTo answer one of your questions:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/mar/15/air-pollution-biggest-killer-water
Air pollution did not improve, since 2008. The main concerns in the world right now are climate change, loss of biodiversity, water and the health impacts of pollution. According to OEDC, air pollution will be the biggest cause of premature deaths, killing an estimated 3.6 million people a year by 2050, mostly in China and India. Developed countries will mostly suffer from exposure to ground-level ozone. By 2050 about 40% of the population, will most likely have little water. Groundwater depletion will become the biggest threat to agriculture and other water supplies. Biofuels are being suggested, instead of fossil fuels, since they can emit less carbon dioxide. However, they can both reduce biodiversity. In several years, the future of human beings does not look good.