Pollution
Pollution is a major problem in this world, and through the years has only grown. Pollution exists in many forms, affecting all aspects of our ecosystem. ... Although pollution, and its hazardous effects have been previously ignored, this is starting to change. Pollution, or contamination of the earth’s environment with materials that interfere with human health, quality of life, and ecosystem5 is a persistent and growing problem. Pollution is not only disgusting and ugly; it also affects humans and other living things. Through modernization, and the invention of new machines, pollution has grown. Through the centuries, with each successive advancement comes a higher rate of pollution. For example, early man would burn wood for heat, which created little pollution, later man burned coal, which emitted much more pollution. Currently using electricity, which is a long process and which has many waste products, even more and more hazardous pollution is created. Natural pollution occurs when a volcano erupts or when other natural disasters occur. This type of pollution accounts for very little of the pollution in the world. Man however causes most Pollution.7 Air pollution, or the contamination of the air, is caused by many things, such as the use of fire for cooking, heating, and other processes. The issue of air pollution has been addressed as early as the 17th century by the British author John Evelyn- “the weary traveler…sooner smells than sees the city to which he repairs.” Today air pollution can be seen all over the world, whether it be pouring out of smoke stacks, spewing out of chimneys, or coming out of cars. The main form air pollution exists in is smog, a smoky mix of carbon monoxide and organic compounds from incomplete combustion. ... Air pollution is also very dangerous because it can travel with the wind, and go great distances and even travel to different continents. Because of this air pollution does not remain a domestic problem.1 Water pollution is a major problem throughout the world, because it affects a major resource essential to life. Water pollution is caused by many factors, which fit into two categories. The first of which is known as non-point source pollution and is caused by allowing the water from sewer drains to empty directly into rivers and other waterways. ... This type of pollution isn’t policed and regulated. The direct emptying of wastes right into oceans and waterways causes point-source pollution. This form of pollution is regulated. Soil pollution is also a major problem. Soil pollution is caused when wastes are either buried or let right into the ground. The former Soviet Union is responsible for much of the world’s current pollution.