Air Pollution
Dust from the cracked, dry earth mists the sky. The horizon supports the afternoon sun. In the distance, two silhouettes come walking forward. The closer they two figures get, the more clearly distinguishable they become. It is a father and daughter dressed in shorts and tee shirts. They are ready for summer, only one major problem. The two are in gas masks because the air is toxic to humans. Everywhere the turn there are deep cracks in the surface of the earth. These stretch on for miles in every direction. Desolation and abandonment encompass this scene. The daughter questions her father, "What happened?" He replies, "We did not keep our air clean and free of pollutants." This was a commercial when I was a young girl. It was extremely effective in bringing to the foreground a problem that is widely overlooked by society as a whole. Air pollution is a serious matter and one that needs attention. Before we can address air pollution, we must first define pollution. "Pollution has its origins in the Latin word polluere, which means 'contamination of any feature of the environment'" (http://hk.geocities.com/xavier114fch/01/01-content.htm). Photochemical
fuels either in the home, by industry or internal combustion engines. With pollutants so rampant in our society currently, how are we to inform and interest people? There needs to be more education on the subject. Schools, newspapers, media, etc. all can help to inform and educate the public on ways to work towards cleaner air not just for their sake but the sake of future generations. Government does not always have to regulate things. We as citizens can do several things to support cleaner, healthier air. "For example, drive less, choose air-friendly products, save energy and speak up for cleaner air" (www.arb.ca.gov). Every time heaters or air conditioners are used, people drive to work or school, windows are cleaned or hair is styled, choices can be made to reduce or increase air pollution. Air pollution is a problem both inside and out. "Most people spend at least 80% of their lives indoors" (www.arb.ca.gov). So not only do we need to be educated about global air pollution but personal air pollution as well. Air pollution can affect plant life as well as humans. Some plants are sensitive to pollutants. When those plants encounter an airborne pollutant, they become ill and die. "Other plants may be destroyed by altered mud acidity and release of poison metal ions" (http://hk.geocities.com). These plants are living organisms that help keep our main ecosystem viable. Without the sub-ecosystems to support life and a stable cycle in place, this immense ecosystem could fall prey to the resource-draining inhabitants. Air pollution affects human health, plants and has damaging effects on our surroundings. The affects on human health are not scientifically proven beyond all doubt. Since our lives are surrounded by numerous risk factors, there is no way to determine and pin point specific air pollution affects.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2579
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
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