Pollution and our Environment: What do we do now - Essay Example

? Pollution and our Environment What do we do now? Table of Contents Pollution and our Environment- Introduction page 2- Sources of Pollution (NPS) Page 2 3- Sources of Pollution that you may not commonly consider Page 4 4- Industrial forms of pollution Page 5 5- Conclusion Page 9 Pollution and our Environment- Introduction Pollution is the cause for at least 40% of death in the world today, this figure was released in a study conducted by the Cornell group. The Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland are two international environmental groups which are currently working to establish a database of locations that are polluted all over the globe. A pollutant is any form of contaminant that, when put in a new environment, releases toxins into our air, land and bodies of water. Chemicals have poisoned virtually most of the globe, which has had a harmful impact on humans, animal life, and vegetation life, on the land, sea and air. Approximately 100,000 chemicals are now on the commercial market, with one thousand new chemicals being added each year. Some organizations test and monitor the toxicity of their products on an individual basis, they do not all comply with this form of monitoring. Compounds of chemical nature are often changed when meeting with other elements, but in many circumstances the effects of these combined substances are not known. Pesticides which are created to destroy insects, weeds and fungus, are also toxic to the nervous systems of humans, and are associated with cancer and reproductive, growth, nervous system and systemic immunity damage. Each chemical we use, every substance we are responsible for creating, through manufacturing, agricultural, energy use, or consumption, actually stays here on Earth. These poisons may seem to vanish but they are only hidden from our immediate view. The World Health Organization states that 3 million people now perish on an annual basis from the effects of polluted air quality. This is three times the figure of 1 million who perish annually due to automobile accidents. In the United States, traffic deaths equate to over 40,000 per year, while air which is contaminated claims 70,000 lives each year. U.S. air pollution deaths can be equated to deaths from breast cancer and prostate cancer. Pollution can be explained as a point source or nonpoint source type. Sources of Pollution (NPS) Pollution sources are categorized as being point ornonpoint source in nature. Point source pollution originates from a specific place such as industrial and sewage treatment facilities. In the last quarter century, America has made considerable effort and progress in remediating this cause of pollution. Non-Point source pollution happens when rain falls or snow melts, and then moves over and through the surface, collecting natural and human created pollutants and then leaves them in water sources such as lakes, rivers, ocean waters, and wells or other sources of drinking water. These non-point source pollutants include: Destructive agents for herbs and insects, and fertilizers for agricultural property and residential lands Oil substances, grease, chemicals which are toxic and metals from urban runoff and energy facilities Particulate matter from poorly managed industrial sites, crop and forest areas, and stream banks which are degrading Salts from irrigation practices and acid leakage from abandoned mines Bacteria and biological nutrients from animal wastes, and poor functioning septic tanks Agricultural and recreational contaminants Currently non-point source pollution is the primary reason that approximately 40% of the rivers, lakes, and other water bodies that are monitored are not clean enough to meet basic requirements for fishing or swimming. The most recent National Water Quality Inventory established that agriculture is the main contributor to water quality contamination, and is responsible for destroying 60% of the impaired rivers and a large portion of the destructed lake acreages monitored by states, territories, and tribes. Water runoff originating in urban areas is the largest source of water quality contaminants to monitored estuaries. If people were able to reduce their use of toxic chemicals which includes pesticides by 10%, 2 million kg of chemicals which are toxic in nature will be eliminated each year from the environment. If US manufacturing companies were able to decrease their toxic releases by 10%, 700 million kilograms would be eliminated from the environment. Endocrine Disruptors We are all at risk for the environmental effects of pollution. The threats of contaminant substances have been improperly attended to. Experts had made the assumption had that, if they could control cancer, we as a whole species would be safe from anything else. However the threat of pollution is looming over and on our entire globe. In the past research on and regulation of synthetic chemicals and pollution was directed towards the dangers of mutations, birth defects, and especially diseases such as cancer. Wildlife research and lab experiments provide the conclusion about how chemicals have had an impact on declining wild animal populations by altering hormones, sexual development, retarding reproduction, and interfering with the immune system. These human made toxins, are called endocrine disruptors, as they interrupt with an organisms hormones. Endocrine systems are necessary for involvement with body growth, developing organs, metabolic processes and regular body functions including kidney function, body temperature and nutrient regulation. Endocrine interference includes any substance that interacts with hormones including the thyroid, cortisol, insulin or growth hormones. Chemicals are being tested for connection to certain types of cancers, as well as lowered sperm counts and altered behavioral and learning skills. Sources of Pollution that you may not commonly consider Genetic engineering is a technology in that scientists transfer genes between differing species. This practice differs from breeding or hybridization of a selective nature. Scientists are able to splice genes from viruses, bacteria and animals and transfer them into growing food sources. At the current time, 2/3’s of food that is processed is made with an organism that is genetically engineered. Some laws do not require testing for safety concerns over a long period, so long-term effects remain uncertain. Although some companies promote and market genetically engineered foods, many other countries worldwide think the known or potential risks of this technology require legal enforcement. Some nations have enforced laws or policies to prohibit the use of genetically engineered products in their foods. These countries have legitimate ethical reasons for not wanting to place genetically engineered organisms into the environment. Ecological problems are involved with the irreversible effects on surrounding ecology if these genes spread to other biological life forms: Cross pollinating of genetically engineered organisms and a relative wild species could create the engineered gene in nature, where it could create monumental damage to habitats for the rest of time Genes that create resistance to substances that kill weeds and pests can transfer to neighboring weeds, creating a new plant that may take over the native plants. There is a gene called the BT toxin which is put into other plants, it makes plants resistance to insect effects. The toxin of the manipulated plant also destroys needed insects. The species disperses the toxin into the soil. This changes soil chemistry and biology that that can affect nutrient cycles and soil fertility. This toxin is an insect killer of natural origin that organic farmers use. It is not known if large crop plantings which have the implemented gene will cause the toxin itself to decrease in its effectiveness. Gene splicing is something that companies use because the added gene offers protection against insect pests or weed killers. Some changes increase the size or rate of plant growth. In theory gene modification permits the organization to obtain a patent on the altered seeds. It is against the law for a farmer to gather seeds from this year’s crop to share or to plant the next year. Industrial forms of pollution The petrochemical industry is one of the largest scale polluters. Many sites exist in the US and other countries that are petrochemical related. The funds in the US called Superfund sites are any spaces in the US which the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed as contaminated by waste of a hazardous nature and is therefore in need of remediation as it poses a threat to human health and or to the environment. We require new laws that use what scientists state as the precautionary principle. Germany and Sweden have implemented this measure, with other countries also contemplating doing so. At the present time, we use the policy of “risk assessment,” this requires governments to provide absolute proof harmful technologies and techniques before they can halt their use. Any preventive means that are created to halt a product or practice, the WTO deems as illegal banding to trade and orders them to be halted. Without the implementation of a prevention principle, people lose the right to choose what risks they themselves or the natural environment are acceptable to be exposed to. Mercury contamination in groundwater is a significant problem as a result of gold mining. Toxic materials are used in order to gain metals and gems from the earth. As a result of this practice, large amounts of mercury are released. The mercury is combined with gold carrying silt to form a compound that contains most of the gold that was in the silt. The mercury is later evaporated with the use of blow torches or open flame to heat the compound and release the gold pieces. Mercury is released into the air and surrounding environment, which includes faraway places as it is deposited far from its place of origin. A variety or organisms are also affected as they absorb this substance from their environment. The fish and seafood we eat, and the air we breathe, may be contaminated by this mercury. However, the people and miners who are working in this industry are even more at risk for experiencing health problems due to exposure. To deal with this problem, certain technologies can be used to reduce mercury vapours and recapture the mercury from the amalgamated compound so that it can be reused. Mining activities also have the ability to affect groundwater through the leaching effects. The overuse of pesticides and fertilizers that can seep into ground water originates from agricultural sources. Contamination is also caused by the dumping of motor oils, detergents and other chemicals that can leak into water sources. Water can be contaminated naturally by the leaching of heavy metals from natural formations into the soil and waters in the vicinity. Modern plants and smelters can be effectively designed to control releases and minimize contaminant levels. The problem is that this is very costly and there are many plants that do not meet regulations. The older forms of smelters are not able to effectively control emissions. The facilities extract metals from ore to produce a different metal product. Reducing agents are used to heat the ore and extract the metal. These metals include copper, lead, nickel, zinc, cobalt, gold and several others. The reduction agents are coke, charcoal or others. Some of these facilities are able to produce high levels of substances such as hydrogen fluoride, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and other vapours and gases of a toxic nature. An estimation from a survey concluded that 5-6 % of manmade global emissions are coming from steel production alone. Several different heavy metals are released into the atmosphere and are deposited into the environment via rain, wind and air. These substances are released as fine particulate matter or emit as fugitive emissions that are produced as a result of everyday operations. These processes can also create a significant amount of waste matter that is in a solid state. This waste contains many of the previously mentioned contaminants. Alkaline residues known as effluent from the smelter and tailings are known to release acid into waterways from the waste pits. Like other sources of pollution the contaminants from these procedures are able to spread out significantly affecting different parts of the world, far from the origin of their creation. The contaminants find their way into water ways, land surfaces and in the bodies of human beings and other living organisms.Mininguranium creates radioactive waste and this pollution comes from the improper management and disposal of uranium from mines and nuclear waste. Several areas where industrial safety standards do not comply with those of the industrialized nations include areas in India Eastern Europe and China. There is no reasonable level of radiation exposure. High levels of radiation exposures can cause in death within hours to days to weeks. Individuals exposed to lower amounts may experience changes in their body and experience several different symptoms of illness. Used lead acid battery recycling involves the smelting of batteries that are used in cars, trucks and back-up power supply. Professional research organizations state that several millions of people are affected by lead contamination from their involvement of the processing of used lead acid batteries. Most of this processing is occurring in areas where impoverished people are trying tomake a living. They are not well informed about the dangers of lead contamination and often carry out unsafe practices in their own homes as they try to retrieve the lead from the used batteries. Some rivers no longer have the same chemical nature due to the death of organisms that once lived there. Groundwater is the primary source of water for approximately 20% of the world’s population, in areas where surficial water is not available. The aquifers that exist underground are displaying contamination problems at a slower rate, however the damage done to these water sources is serious. Treating this contaminated water is essential and does require monetary and human labour sources that may not be available especially in impoverished nations. Many of these issues will take a substantial amount of time to correct. Although water can been treated there are still certain levels of pollutants and trace pollutants that pose an uncertain risk to the heath of humans and surrounding ecology. One example of these subtle pollutants is residues form medications. By using effective waste management systems, it is possible to protect and preserve water sources. Global human health is adverselyaffected from drinking the water, eating food that has been prepared in unsafe water, or by ingesting food that has been grown with contaminated water. It is predicted that over the next few decades two thirds of the global population will be adversely affected by water scarcity. Changes are being made on a global level to improve the treatment of sewage. Every country must manage its sewage effectively in order to preserve water bodies. Interventions such as hand-washing and hygiene education, toilet/latrine installation and water treatments, are helping to reduce disease and infection. Children are the most significantly affected individuals when they are exposed to unsafe water sources. Their bodies are simply not strong enough to fight off the intestinal diseases that may occur as a result of ingesting contaminated water. Conclusion Organizations have come together that include representatives from all over the globe. It will be up to each and every individual to make a contribution to help make addressing environmental concerns a priority. The World Health Organization, United Nations, professionals from scientific backgrounds, environmental action groups, research organizations and legislative bodies will have a significant impact on the creation of policy, fund allocation and education and awareness initiatives that will be directed towards environmental concern. References The World's most polluted places, Blacksmith Institute - September 2007 Spengler, John D. and Sexton, Ken (1983) "Indoor Air Pollution: A Public Health Perspective" Science (New Series) 221(4605 ): pp. 9–17, page 9 Hong, Sungminet al. (1996) "History of Ancient Copper Smelting Pollution During Roman and Medieval Times Recorded in Greenland Ice" Science (New Series) 272(5259): pp. 246–249, page 248 David Urbinato (Summer 1994). "London's Historic "Pea-Soupers"".United States Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/perspect/london.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-18. "Deadly Smog".PBS.2003-01-17. http://www.pbs.org/now/science/smog.html.Retrieved 2012-01-18. James R. Fleming; Bethany R. Knorr of Colby College."History of the Clean Air Act".American Meteorological Society.http://www.ametsoc.org/sloan/cleanair/. Retrieved 2012-01-18. "Environmental Issues".The Environmental Blog.http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/environmental-issues/. Retrieved 2011-12-10. Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, 1972 Environmental Performance Report 2001 (Transport, Canada website page) World Resources Institute: August 2008 Monthly Update: Air Pollution's Causes, Consequences and Solutions Submitted by Matt Kallman on Wed, 2008-08-20 18:22. Retrieved on 2012-01-18. Read More