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Acidic wastes have increased into a growing problem since humans have developed industrially. The burning of fossil fuels in electric companies, oil refineries and other large plants produce acidic wastes that are released into the atmosphere. These acidic wastes have an adverse affect on the environment and human health. ... ) government should pass stricter laws regulating the emissions of such wastes in order to preserve the environment and protect humanity from harm.
Acidic wastes consist of many pollutants; sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) represent the main wastes released. These wastes appear in gaseous, particulate, or precipitate forms. ... Acidic wastes in the form of gas or particles therefore become present in the air one breathes and can be dangerous to human health, leading to thousands of premature deaths and increased lung related illnesses. ... Pure rain has a slightly acidic state at about 5. ... For example, the pH 3 is ten times more acidic than the pH of 4. ... Any reading below a pH of 7 is considered acidic, and a reading above a pH of 7 is considered basic or alkaline. ...
The potential for human health to be damaged by acidic wastes has developed into a pressing concern. ... In addition, the acidic precipitation that falls to earth is absorbed by crops, which is in turn eaten by humans and livestock. Fish that live in acidic lakes and rivers also become affected and can pass the toxic acids to whatever eats them. Brain damage, kidney problems and Alzheimer’s disease in humans have been linked to the ingestion of acidic chemicals in foods.
The environment has also been affected by acidic wastes. ... About eight percent of the Adirondack lakes are acidic, meaning that the aquatic ecosystem is too acidic for most or all animals to live in. ... Furthermore, acidic wastes in a gaseous form create smog that is often seen above large cities because of the large amount of vehicles present that release SO2 and NOx as wastes. ... Appendix A provides pictures of a few examples of the effects of acidic wastes on the environment. ... government has passed a few acts against acidic wastes released into the atmosphere, but only the most recent acts have come close to reducing them significantly. The first Clean Air Act passed in 1955, was initiated only to investigate the harmful effects of acidic wastes. ... government implemented several regulations on emissions of acidic wastes, it is clear that there have been reductions in the levels released. ... In addition, the current president, George Bush, has recently lifted a regulation on pollution that will inevitably increase the amount of acidic wastes released into the atmosphere. ... government should implement more regulations on SO2 and NOx emissions to prevent an increase in acidic wastes before significant damage occurs in the environment and to human health.
Approximate Word count = 2201
Approximate Pages = 8.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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