Why should we be concerned about air pollution?
In many U.S. cities, activities such as driving
cars and trucks; burning coal, oil, and other fossil fuels; and
manufacturing chemicals pollute the air we breathe. Air pollution
can even come from smaller, everyday activities such as dry cleaning,
filling your car with gas, and degreasing and painting operations.
These activities add gases and particles to the air we breathe.
When these gases and particles accumulate in the air in high enough
concentrations, they can harm our health and our environment. Larger
populations in cities and surrounding counties lead to more cars,
trucks, industrial and commercial operations, and generally means
more pollution.
Air pollution is a problem for all of us. The average
adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air every day. Children breathe
even more air per pound of body weight and are more susceptible
to air pollution. Many air pollutants remain in the environment
for long periods and are carried by the winds hundreds of miles
from their origin. Millions of people live in areas where ozone,
very small particles
and toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns.
Air pollution can make you sick
People who are exposed to high enough levels of
certain air pollutants may experience burning in their eyes and
nose, an itchy, irritated throat, or breathing difficulties. Long-term
exposure to some toxic chemicals found in polluted air can cause
cancer, birth defects, brain and nerve damage, and long-term injury
to the lungs and breathing passages, and the immune, neurological,
and reproductive systems. Some air pollutants are so dangerous that
accidental releases can cause serious injury or even death.
People vary in their response to air pollution.
Some people are especially vulnerable to the health effects of air
pollution. These sensitive populations include children, the elderly
and people with heart and respiratory diseases, such as asthma and
bronchitis.
|