Causes of Air & Water Pollution

The average adult in the United States breathes 3,000 gallons of polluted air everyday, according to GreenStudentu.com. Moreover, Americans use over 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides annually, which are eventually flushed into bodies of water. Almost 73 different types of pesticides have been found in groundwater that is used as drinking water in most parts of the country, making it harmful for living beings. If these statistics sound alarming and you would like to make an effort to be kind to the environment, do so. To understand how you can make an effort, it is important to understand the causes and sources of this contamination.

What is Pollution?

• Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the environment due to human actions or natural disasters. The three main types of pollution are land pollution (caused by commercial, agricultural and industrial activities), air pollution (caused by the accumulation of dangerous substances and gases in the atmosphere) and water pollution (caused by the accumulation of chemical and biological matter in bodies of water). Simple and small alterations in your daily life can help reduce both air and water pollution. This will not only protect the environment but also improve human health.

Causes of Air Pollution

• Air pollution is a general term applied to a range of contaminants accumulated in the atmosphere. The biggest source of air pollution is waste from the internal combustion engine that emits smoke and sulfur dioxide, both of which are harmful to the environment. The exhaust spews chemicals that contribute to smog and result in air pollution. Chemicals released into the air through photochemical reactions, industrial processes, power-generating stations and factories that burn oil and coal are a large contributor to air pollution. Other causes of air pollution include tobacco smoke, acid rain, paint fumes, aerosol sprays, nuclear weapons, deforestation and wildfires.

Causes of Water Pollution

• Water pollution is the contamination of bodies of water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, ponds and groundwater. Water pollution degrades the quality of life for organisms that live in water and for those who consume it. Pesticides and fertilizers often find their way into streams, rivers and groundwater. The harmful chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers contaminate freshwater and contribute to water pollution. Oil spills and waste from industrial and manufacturing plants are causes of water pollution. Shipping, mining, refineries, human sewage, failing septic systems, household soaps and detergents, car leaks and animal waste also cause water pollution.