AIR POLLUTION term papers and essays

Air pollution occurs when harmful elements are introduced into the atmosphere. Since many of these elements are naturally occurring, it would be more precise to say that air pollution occurs when certain chemicals and gases are present in the atmosphere in harmful amounts. Clean breathing air is comprised of roughly 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, less than one percent argon and the rest - just over 1% - is composed of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and naturally occurring gases such as methane. When this balance is disturbed, by natural or man-caused events, the resulting imbalance is known as air pollution and therefore may be harmful for humans and animals. Typically, air pollution brings to mind layers of thick smog hovering over large cities. Indeed, the concentration of manufacturing plants, automobiles, waste management facilities and power plants certainly contribute to adding chemical pollutants to the air. These chemicals include carbons, sulfurs and nitrogens in compounds that can make breathing harmful to one's health. Air pollution is not limited to large metropolises, however, as naturally occurring gases and events such as methane produced by the digestive systems of cattle, dust, wildfires, and volcanic activity can also contribute to bad air. Air pollution can be an inside issue as well. Cigarette smoke, wood-burning fireplaces, formaldehyde found in carpets and plywood, and aerosol spray cans may all affect the quality of indoor air. The major issue with air pollution of any kind is that it may cause or worsen lung diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and COPD.

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