How is pollution on Earth harmful?
Pollution
There are many kinds of pollution. Some kinds of pollution affect the air, soil, and water. Other pollution is in the form of noise and light.
Air pollution is caused by microscopic bits of trash, droplets of liquid or harmful gases in the air. Breathing air with these types of debris is harmful. There are two main types of air pollution: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants enter the air directly. Some examples of primary pollutants are smoke from factories or car exhaust. Secondary pollutants are chemicals that mix together to dirty the air. For example, exhaust smoke from vehicles mixes with factory smoke to form dangerous combinations.
Soil pollution is caused when harmful chemicals get into soil. These chemicals seep into soil through accidental spillage or purposeful dumping. Pesticides, or chemicals used to kill insects, leak from holding tanks, and oil leaks into underground water supply systems. Water pollution can have a far-reaching impact on the environment. Some scientists believe that water pollution is the largest cause of death and disease in the world. Some other forms of pollution are not as well known. Noise and light pollution also have negative effects on the environment. Noise pollution is caused by the loud sounds made by cars, airplanes, and factories. People who are exposed to loud noises for long periods of time can suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep disturbances, and hearing problems. In animals, noise pollution can cause communication and reproductive problems. For some animals, noise can even affect the ability to navigate, or find the way to breeding grounds or away from harm. Noise from underwater sonar equipment has been known to confuse whales. When a whale responds to the sonar as if it were another whale, it may become beached along a shore, unable to swim back into the ocean.
Pollution from artificial light is caused by glowing roadside signs, bright stadium lights, headlights from cars, and street lamps. Long-term exposure to these sources of lighting has negative health effects on both people and animals. In humans, artificial lighting has been known to cause high blood pressure. It can also affect sleeping and waking rhythms, as well as the body’s natural ability to fight illness. In animals, artificial lighting can affect sleeping and waking rhythms, navigation, and reproduction.
No one can accurately predict the timing and effects of pollution on Earth. Scientists can agree that pollution affects people, animals, and the climate on Earth. Scientists believe that humans need to begin taking the first steps toward conserving fossil fuels and reducing waste into the atmosphere.