 |
|
|
|
How dangerous is air pollution?
|
Breathing in polluted air can cause congested lungs, headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, throat or skin irritation - leading to serious health problems if not treated.
But that's not all - some pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, which are released from certain solvents, aerosols and the incorrect disposal of coolers are destroying the earth's protective covering, known as the ozone layer. The ozone layer screens out lethal UV-C radiation and also keeps most of the harmful UV-B radiation from reaching us. The depletion of the ozone layer will allow more UV-B to reach the earth, which means more melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, more eye cataracts, weakened immune systems, reduced plant yields, damage to ocean eco-systems, reduced fishing yields, and adverse effects on animals. This affects the health of millions of people all over the world and causes employers millions of dollars in terms of reduced productivity.
Apart from the use and disposal of things that contain ozone-depleting chemicals, some of the key ways in which the air around us becomes polluted is through the burning of various types of fuel. Smoke and emissions from vehicles, power stations, factories, restaurants and kitchens choke the atmosphere with gases that are harmful to people. Dust from construction or demolition sites is another contributory factor.
|
 |
Find out more
