Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Chapter 13
Overpopulation
2010 world population estimate 6.9 billion
Prediction, 2050 = 9.2 billion (developing world)
Air Pollution
Sources of Air Pollution
Sulphur Dioxide, Particulates, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Lead, Hydrocarbons
Photochemical Smog
Mix of particulates, gases (ozone pollution) In areas of temperature inversion May result in: difficulty breathing, burning eyes, headaches, and nausea
Air Pollution
Acid Rain
Sources of Acid Rain - burning fossil fuels Effects of Acid Rain
respiratory problems
Air Pollution
Ozone Layer Depletion Ozone: oxygen interacts with sunlight Protective membrane-like layer in earths atmosphere Depletion by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Global Warming Burning fossil fuels (Greenhouse gases) Economically disruptive, costly change of modern society
Figure 13.2: This diagram shows the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer
Water Pollution
75% of the earth is covered with water
Water Contamination
Point source: specific entry point Non-point source: seep into waterways
Septic Systems, Landfills, Gasoline and Petroleum Products, Dioxins
Chemical Contaminants
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); Pesticides; Trihalomethanes (THMs); Lead
Noise Pollution
Loud noises: common, source of physical & mental distress Short-term exposure: reduces productivity, concentration, attention span, and may affect health Symptoms of noise distress: sleep disturbance, headaches and tension, and impacts on physical health
Land Pollution
Solid Waste
Reduce, reuse, recycle 90% of garbage could be reused or recycled
Hazardous Waste
Solid waste that poses a hazard to humans or the environment The Canadian Environmental Protection Agency program to deal with hazardous wastes
elimination or reduction
Radiation
Radioactive: emits high-energy particles from the nuclei (alpha & beta particles, gamma rays)
Ionizing Radiation
unavoidable; can damage DNA
Food Quality
Accounts for 80-95% of intake of the most persistent toxic contaminants Air contributes 10-15% and drinking water contributes very little Canadas food: some of the safest in the world