Air Noise and Light Pollution Chapter 12 Section

Air, Noise, and Light Pollution Chapter 12 Section 2 Pages 331 - 335

Short-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health § § § § Headaches Nausea Irritation to eyes, nose, and throat Upper respiratory infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) Coughing Tightness in Chest Can make asthma and emphysema worse Can be reversible if exposure to pollution decreases

Long-Term Health Effects of Air Pollution § § § Emphysema Lung Cancer Heart Disease

Indoor Air Pollution § The quality of air inside is often worse than outside. § Examples of indoor air pollutants include: § Chemicals that are used to make carpets, building materials, paints, and furniture. § Sick-building Syndrome: caused by buildings that have very poor air quality. § Most common in hot, airtight places.

Indoor Air Pollution § 60 Minutes Video about Lumber Liquidators – March 2, 2015 (approx. 13 minutes) § https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=d. Wu 4 g O 9 Zh. Ks

Radon Gas § Radon is a naturally occurring, tasteless, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. § It is the 2 nd leading cause of lung cancer in the U. S. § It seeps into cracks and holes in foundations of homes, offices, and schools where it adheres to dust particles and is then inhaled.

Asbestos § Several minerals that form in long, thin fibers. § Valued for their strength and resistance to heat. § Used in insulation and as a fire retardant. § The U. S. banned the use of most asbestos products in the 1970 s. § If inhaled, they can cut and scar the lungs which causes asbestosis.

Noise Pollution § Unwanted sound. § It is irritating and damages our hearing by destroying cells in our ears. § Hearing loss has doubled in the U. S. in the last 30 years. § Approximately 12% of teens have permanent hearing loss. § The intensity of sound is measured in units called decibels (d. B). § Can also cause headaches and stress.

§ § Light Pollution Does not present a direct hazard to our health. Negatively affects our environment. Biggest concern is energy waste. Examples of light pollution include billboards, poor quality street lights, and the lighting of building exteriors.