The Effects of Pollution and Protecting the Environment

The Effects of Pollution and Protecting the Environment Caroline Adams

Air Pollution Bad gases in the air that are dangerous • Humans create too many harmful gases for the planet to filter (carbon dioxide from cars or buses) • Chemicals pollutants or toxins settle onto plants • Ingested by animals or humans •

Water Pollution • Serious threat impacting 40 percent of U. S. rivers and 46 percent of lakes • Mercury (a heavy metal) is very toxic to us and our environment • Toxic to fish and other aquatic animals • When we eat fish with mercury in it, it is harmful to our bodies

Littering • Not properly disposing of trash or toxic substances • Animals can swallow or entangle themselves • Can ingest toxic substances like motor oil or pesticides

Soil Contamination • Toxins enter the soil (bleach, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, paint thinner, and cleaning solutions) • Plants can take up these toxic chemicals • Animals may eat these plants • Sickness or death

What do you think are some ways we can prevent pollution?

Conservation of Resources • http: //www. brainpop. com/scien ce/ourfragileenvironment/natur alresources/

Help the Environment! Recycle (plastic, soda cans, cardboard, glass, etc. ) Help pick up litter (even if it’s not yours!) Ease up on the use of air conditioning and heating Don’t let water run! Environmentallyfriendly automobiles

Sources • http: //greenliving. nationalgeogr aphic. com/pollution-affect-livingthings-including-humans 2193. html • http: //www. brainpopjr. com/scien ce/conservation/naturalresource s/grownups. weml • http: //environment. nationalgeog raphic. com/environment/globalwarming/pollution-overview/