The Industrial Revolution led to mass production of goods, rapid human population growth, and societal expansions. With these advancements, air and water pollution became rampant. The production and pollution practices occurred through most of the 20th century, until laws were implemented to reduce pollution and adverse human health effects.  

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• Select an air or water pollutant that affects your community or household (emissions, chemical, pesticide, etc. – be specific about the contaminant).
• What are the environmental and health impacts of the pollutant?
• What are some strategies for reducing or removing the negative environmental and human health impacts?

Due Monday

Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.

Classmate 1

Top of Form

I live in a very small community that does’t really have alot of the pollutants that you would see in a bigger community, at most my town has a population of around 500 people. While we do have a sawmill that has needed an upgrade for a long while but our major pollutant in our small town would be trash. It is everywhere, you see it whether you are out on the main roads or out on the long forgotten dirt roads. The trash is not only an eye sore but it is also a danger to our environment. It seeps into the ground and then it poisions our gardens and our farm animals. When it poisions the animals it can impact our health and our incomes. My town is made up of farm lands and most of the people live off of the land. If we can work as a community to clean up our town it will not only be more visually inviting but it will also help our land and animals produce our food and income.

Classmate 2

Top of Form

Chicago’s high pollution levels are caused by cars, power plants, boilers and refineries. I believe cars cause the most pollution. High ozone levels are caused by vehicle exhaust. The exhaust fumes omitted from vehicles contain certain poisonous chemicals, which include carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, benzene and soot. These poisonous chemicals can be detrimental to the human body and the environment. These chemicals can increase the risk of premature death and other health problems, such as lung cancer, asthma attacks and cardiovascular damage. The chemicals can also cause skin and eye irritation. Car pollutants cause immediate and long-term effects on the environment, such as global warming and acid rain. Warmer global temperatures affect farming, wildlife, sea levels and natural landscapes. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide mix with rainwater to create acid rain, which damages crops and forests. Some of the strategies that may reduce or remove the impacts of vehicle pollution, would include purchasing electric, hybrid and other clean, fuel efficient vehicles. Dispose of old and poorly maintained vehicles. Walk, bike or use public transportation when possible