WHAT IS POLLUTION?

Presence of matter (gas, liquid, solid) or energy (heat, noise, radiation) whose nature, location, or quantity directly or indirectly alters characteristics or processes of any part of the environment, and causes (or has the potential to cause) damage to the condition, health, safety, or welfare of animals, humans, plants, or property.

Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/pollution.html#ixzz3p2ycNWRG

If you’ve ever seen smog hanging low over a city, then you’ve seen air pollution first-hand. Air pollution can be natural or man-made, but it’s the man-made pollutants that are the most destructive, like greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and the destruction of the ozone.

Carbon dioxide is one of the worst air pollutants, it’s mainly emitted from power plants, cars, planes and other vehicles and comes from burning fossil fuels.

Air pollution has been linked to health problems like asthma and lung disease, as well as the deterioration of the ozone layer (which protects us from harmful UV rays) and the warming of the earth which may destroy the habitats of many animals.

If water is cloudy, smelly and has garbage floating in it, then it’s easy to know that it’s polluted, but clear and clean looking water can be polluted as well with toxic chemicals. Polluted waters aren’t safe to drink or swim in and can cause illness even years after you’re exposed, or you can feel the effects indirectly by eating seafood that has been poisoned by its environment. Water pollution occurs naturally where oil and petroleum leak from underground into the ocean in what are called “Petroleum Seeps,” the biggest one being off the coast of California in Coal Oil Point Seep.

LET'S WATCH AND LEARN MORE

GASP is Group Against Smog and Pollution

Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is a non-profit citizens' group in Southwestern Pennsylvania working for a healthy, sustainable environment. Founded in 1969, GASP has been a diligent watchdog, educator, litigator, and policy-maker on many environmental issues, with a focus on air quality in the Pittsburgh region.

POLLUTION FACTS

• The United Nations estimates that 4,000 children die every day from drinking dirty water. 
• 40% of America’s rivers and 46% of America’s Lakes are too polluted for swimming, fishing and aquatic life.
• Vehicle exhaust contributes around 60% of all carbon monoxide emissions in the country, and up to 95% in cities.
• 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, storm water, and industrial waste are discharged into US waters every year.

According to a CNN report, one gram of human excrement contains approximately “10 million viruses, 1 million bacteria, 1,000 parasite cysts and 100 parasite eggs.” 

QUESTION: WHAT CAN WE DO TO MINIMIZE AIR AND WATER POLLUTION?

 The probability of you drinking a glass of water that contains a molecule of water that also passed through a dinosaur is almost 100%.

 SMOG PROBLEMS: In pairs / groups, talk about which of the following smog problems would bother you most:

1. Polluted air
2. Poor visibility in the streets
3. Not being able to see the sun
4. Having to wear a facemask outdoors
5. Being told by your government to stay indoors
6. The thought that illegal loggers make big profits and cause smog problems
7. The sudden closure of schools, hospitals and other services
8. The terrible smell
9. The potential for incurring health problems