POLLUTION CONTROL

The presence of environmental pollution raises the issue of pollution control. Pollution control is the process of reducing or eliminating the release of pollutants into the environment . It is regulated by various environmental agencies which establish pollutant discharge limits for air, water, and land.

Pollution prevention (P2) is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source. P2, also known as "source reduction," is the ounce-of-prevention approach to waste management. Reducing the amount of pollution produced means less waste to control, treat, or dispose of. Less pollution means less hazards posed to public health and the environment.

Everyone is a stakeholder as we are all inhabitants of this one and only mother Earth. Each person can contribute something to advance environmental pollution mitigation measures. Environmental protection means caring for our resources and subsequently for ourselves and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come will have a better environment.

By becoming aware and doing the right action, we choose to be part of the solution. Here are a few reminders and tips to reduce/prevent/control pollution: 

• Stop smoking or at least follow the “No Smoking” sign.
• Use unleaded gasoline in your cars.
• Keep your car properly maintained to keep it in good running condition to avoid smoke emissions.
• Share a ride or engage in car pooling.
• Instead of using your cars, choose to walk or ride a bicycle whenever possible. With this eco-friendly practice, you will also be healthier and happier by staying fit.
• Never use open fires to dispose of wastes.
• Adopt the 3Rs of solid waste management: reduce, reuse and recycle. Inorganic materials such as metals, glass and plastic; also organic materials like paper, can be reclaimed and recycled. This takes into account that the proven solution to the problem of proper waste management (especially in third world countries) is proper disposal (in waste bins for collection and not in the street where it could fall into drains), waste segregation and collection, and recycling.
• Start composting brown leaves in your yard and green scraps from your kitchen. It will reduce waste while improving your yard and garden soils.
• Reconnect with nature. Live green by using green power supplied abundantly and freely by wind and the sun. Hang your laundry to dry to minimize use of gas or electricity from your dryers. Enjoy fresh air from open windows to lessen the use of air conditioning system.
• Patronize local foods and goods. In this manner, transporting goods and foods prepared with GMOs which uses fuel from conventional energy sources will be minimized.
• Use eco-friendly or biodegradable materials instead of plastic which are made up of highly toxic substances injurious to your health.
• Create your green space. Value your garden. Plant more trees and put indoor plants in your homes. They clean the air, provide oxygen and beautify your surroundings. Thus, care for them and by protecting them, especially the big trees around and in the forest, you protect yourself and your family, too.
• Have a proper waste disposal system especially for toxic wastes
• Take very good care of your pets and their wastes.
• Never throw, run or drain or dispose into the water, air, or land any substance in solid, liquid or gaseous form that shall cause pollution.
• Do not cause loud noises and unwanted sounds to avoid noise pollution.
• Do not litter in public places. Anti-litter campaigns can educate the populace.
• Industries should use fuel with lower sulphur content.
• Industries should monitor their air emissions regularly and take measures to ensure compliance with the prescribed emission standards.
• Industries should strictly follow applicable government regulations on pollution control.
• Organic waste should be dumped in places far from residential areas.
• Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.
• Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely. Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.
• Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.
• Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
• Consider using gas logs instead of wood.

 Change starts from us. 

A small action done by many can make a huge difference. 

Leave a better world than what you came into.

The best gift to our children is a cleaner environment.

Together let us protect our home. 

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

Pollution effects are defined as “direct and/or indirect adverse impacts of contaminants on the marine environment, such as harm to living resources and marine ecosystems, including loss of biodiversity, hazards to human health, the hindering of marine activities, including fishing, tourism and recreation and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of the quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities or, in general, impairment of the sustainable use of marine goods and services” 

We will focus on some of the effects of pollution:

1. Environmental Degradation

Greenhouse gases, like fossil fuels released by vehicles and factories, and methane, released by livestock, contribute to air pollution and add to climate change by raising the earth's temperature. In a vicious circle, climate change then makes a certain type of air pollution worse. A reaction between combusting fossil fuel emissions and sunlight creates smog, a yellowish or blackish fog also known as "ground level ozone." Climate change also creates more allergenic air pollutants, such as mold caused by damp conditions and pollen caused by a longer pollen season and increased pollen production.

Across the world, climate change leads to more drought, heat waves, rising sea levels, storms, warming oceans and rising sea levels, which affect animal species by destroying their natural habitats.

Environmental pollutants have various adverse health effects from early life some of the most important harmful effects are perinatal disorders, infant mortality, respiratory disorders, allergy, malignancies, cardiovascular disorders, increase in stress oxidative, endothelial dysfunction, mental disorders, and various other harmful effects.

2. Human Health 

Air pollution can have a serious heath impact on humans. If you are exposed to very high levels of air pollutants, you may experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing and breathing problems and have a greater risk of heart attacks. 

Air pollution can also exacerbate existing lung and heart conditions, like asthma. Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs. Children, senior citizens and people who work or exercise outside are at a greater risk. Those most at risk are people with asthma or allergies because pollutants can make their symptoms worse and trigger asthma attacks.

If soil pollutants produce contaminated food, anyone who eats it may become ill. Toxic soil may also cause illness through skin contact or inhalation.

Drinking contaminated water caused by sewage overflow may cause sickness and digestive problems in humans. Pollutants such as mercury in fish and seafood can lead to serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.

Similarly, noise pollution leads to hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbance.

3.Infertile Land

Due to the constant use of insecticides and pesticides, the soil may become infertile. Plants may not be able to grow properly. 

 Pollutants in water resulting from trash, oil spills, sewage spills and run-off from agricultural fields, construction sites and factories affect native plant and animal species. Various forms of chemicals produced from industrial waste are released into the flowing water which also affects the quality of the soil.

4. Endangers animals 

Water pollution in terms of the oil spill may lead to the death of several wildlife species.Animals are also often injured or killed by solid waste discarded in water.

In conclusion: 

Pollution not only affects humans by destroying their respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems; it also affects the nature, plants, fruits, vegetables, rivers, ponds, forests, animals, etc, on which they are highly dependent on survival. It is crucial to control pollution as nature, wildlife and human life are precious gifts to mankind.

Remember, unless we embrace sustainable living, go green, and practice zero-waster our world is likely to witness further dramatic transformations due to pollution. So lets join hands in following the right guidelines especially when it comes to disposal of wastes and take the right steps to make way for a better world.

Sources: (Law et al., 2010). 

Thank you for your contributions of Facebook: 

Nana Wakuvuruga

Short and long term exposure to pollution can trigger some respiratory issues. Living in urban areas where there's a high emission rate from vehicles you're more likely to suffer from respiratory problems

TYPES OF POLLUTION

 When you think of environmental pollution, it typically comes in seven different types. These include air, water, land, radioactive, thermal, light, and sound pollution. 

We will look into each of these: 

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution is when noxious gases and chemicals get suspended in air.

A major source of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels. Vehicle and factory emissions are common sources of this type of air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to the formation of smog, a dense layer of particulate matter that hangs like a cloud over many major cities and industrial zones. 

Air pollution contributes to respiratory problems such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and other lung ailments. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides in the air contribute to acid rain, which is a form of precipitation with a lower (more acidic) pH than normal. Acid rain harms forests, species that live in water bodies, and degrades outdoor statues, monuments, and buildings.

2, Water Pollution

Water pollution does not only affect fish and other marine life, when pollutants get into the water, they have a devastating effect on the water cycle. 

Natural causes of water pollution include algae blooms and volcanoes. However, humans also cause water pollution through trash and wastewater from factories. 

A major source of water pollution is runoff from agricultural fields, industrial sites, or urban areas. Runoff disrupts the water body's natural balance. For example, agricultural runoff typically includes fertilizer or toxic chemicals. Fertilizer can cause algal blooms (an explosive growth of algae), choking out other plants and decreasing the amount of available oxygen necessary for the survival of other species. 

Raw sewage is another type of water pollutant. When sewage gets into the drinking water supply, serious stomach and digestive issues may result, including the spread of diseases such as typhoid or dysentery. 

A third source of water pollution is trash. Improperly disposed of items, such as plastic bags, fishing line, and other materials may accumulate in the water and lead to the premature death of animals that get tangled within the garbage.

3. Land Pollution

Land pollution is another one of the big three pollution types affecting the human population. Land pollution happens when the soil gets contaminated by fertilizers or chemicals being dumped. The pollution in the land can seep into the ground water or run into lakes and streams creating a vicious pollution cycle. 

Soil can become polluted by industrial sources or the improper disposal of toxic chemical substances. Common sources of soil pollution include asbestos, lead, PCBs, and overuse of pesticides/herbicides.

4. Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is caused by loud noises that can hurt the human ears. Types of noise pollution can include explosions, jet engines, and even concerts (if you are close to the speakers). 

Noise pollution is dangerous because it can cause hearing loss. This type of pollution has been shown to impact the movement of sea mammals, such as dolphins and whales and also impacts the nesting success of birds.

5. Light Pollution

Light pollution refers to the large amount of light produced by most urban and other heavily-populated areas. 

While lights are great for helping us to see at night, too many lights cause light pollution blocking out the night sky. Light pollution prevents citizens from seeing features of the night sky and has also been shown to impede the migration patterns of birds and the activities of nocturnal animals.

6. Radioactive Pollution

The radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning, mining of radioactive ores, handling and disposal of radioactive waste, and accidents at nuclear power plants. 

7.Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution, sometimes called "thermal enrichment," is the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. 

A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. Thermal pollution can also be caused by natural forces like soil erosion giving water more sunlight. 

In conclusion we share a comment about pollution by one of our social media followers:

Rashidah Aasim Asad -

Air pollution, noise pollution, etc.. Affecting air by production of dangerous fumes to air and also having uncontrollable noise to humanity from machines for example