Air Pollution - Coursework Example

Air Pollution ChartIssueSourcesHealth/Environmental EffectsCarbon dioxide (CO2)-Combustion of fossil fuels such as coal- Industrial processes such as metal production-High levels of CO2 cause headache, nausea-High levels of CO2 can also cause asphyxiation -Excess amount of carbon dioxide contribute to the greenhouse effect as it traps heat in the atmosphere. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)-Mainly produced from body and hair sprays, chemicals found in old refrigeration and air conditioners -It breaks down ozone through a chemical reaction, therefore, depleting the ozone layer.

Ground-level ozone (O3)-Produced by photochemical reactions that involve volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen in the presence of light-It causes eye irritation and affects the respiratory tract-High levels of Ground-level ozone cause chest congestion followed by wheezing and coughing.-It also affects leaves of agricultural crops. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)-Occurs naturally in volcanic gasses-Produced by consumer products such as car batteries and cleaners-Produced through a reaction between exhaust from motor vehicles when sulfur dioxide reacts with other chemicalsEmissions from industrial processes-It can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin-It also causes irritation when in contact with eyes, nose or throat-It can damage teeth and lung is individuals experience prolong exposure-It reacts with water to form acid rain, which can corrode plants, buildings and animals-It is a toxic substance to aquatic life Global warming- an Atmospheric issue Fitzpatrick defines global warming as “the anthropogenic increase in the temperature that has already taken place on the earth’s surface and near-surface air and oceans” (18).

Global warming issue has become a critical environmental challenge because of its environmental impact. Several air pollutants contribute to the rise of global warming. Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane gas are the common greenhouse gases, which has fuelled the increase in global temperatures. Global warming has many significant impacts. First, an increase in global temperature can accelerate the melting of polar ice, and this can result in flooding of coastal areas. In addition, global warming can affect crops by upsetting their optimal temperature.

Perhaps most significantly, global warming can cause an increase in pests or diseases that can affect crops and animals. Other economic areas such as tourism that rely on snow such as Alpine regions will also suffer due to global warming. Reducing carbon emissions is one of the best approaches to reducing global warming. Many factors cause global warming, but carbon emissions are the most significant causal factor. To reduce global warming, industrialized nations and developing nations must cut down on their carbon emissions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels (Pearson 109).

This will call for a shift from the use of fossil fuels such as coal and oil to the exploitation of green energy such as solar and hydropower. This strategy can help reduce the rate of global warming.