Air Noise and Light Pollution 308 Air pollution

Air, Noise and Light Pollution 3/08

Air pollution • Effects very young and very old most • Cause of death – never air pollution • Adds to effects of existing diseases such as emphysema , heart disease and lung cancer

Short term effects • Usually reversible • Cough, irritation of eyes nose • Make asthma and emphysema worse

Long term effects air pollution • Heart disease, emphysema • Occurrence of asthma due to lung damage in young children

Indoor air pollution • Indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoors • Especially when we seal up our homes to save energy

Indoor • Sick Building Syndrome

Asbestos • Mineral used in the past for insulation and as a fire retardant • Banned in 1970 • Cuts and scars lungs

Noise Pollution • Unwanted sound • Hearing loss has doubled in the US in the last 30 years

• 12% of teens have permanent hearing loss. • Personal listening devices not regulated in US • 85 d. B for 8 hours maximum safe level

Underwater Noise Pollution • Whales and Dolphins very sensitive to sounds over long distances • Ships, military sonar, oil exploration , boats and jet skis all disturb communication

Light Pollution • No direct hazard to human health. May be tied to sleep disorders and early puberty • Energy waste – light into space • Avian migration