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AIR POLLUTION . Colin Davidson Chase Duffey Kevin Erbs Kevin Kane Ben Loerke Abigail McLean. Why is it a constant issue?. Everyday the average person inhales 20,000 liters of air Air pollution can be both indoors and outdoors Problem to both humans and nature Air pollution travels .
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AIR POLLUTION Colin Davidson Chase Duffey Kevin Erbs Kevin Kane Ben Loerke Abigail McLean
Why is it a constant issue? Everyday the average person inhales 20,000 liters of air Air pollution can be both indoors and outdoors Problem to both humans and nature Air pollution travels
History of Air Pollution Control 13thCentury London Industrial revolution 1952 London 1948 Donora, Pennsylvania
History (cont) 1963 Clean Air Act 1967 Air Quality Act 1970 Clean Air Act 1977 and 1990 Amendments
What Causes Pollution? Automobiles Power plants Factories Small businesses Household products
Sources of Pollution Business and industry used to be the main source of air pollution, but regulated and voluntary efforts have greatly reduced pollution from these sources.
Air Pollutants Aerosols, Asbestos, Carbon Monoxide, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Criteria Air Pollutants, Ground Level Ozone, Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Lead, Mercury, Methane, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM), Propellants, Radon, Refrigerants, Substitutes, Sulfur Oxides (SO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Government Policy on Clean Air Clean Air Act of 1963 Amendments 1970 & 1990 Smaller acts Larger acts
LEED & the U.S. Green Building Council Purpose of LEED Impact on the environment Benefits of “green” building
Effects on Human Health Short-term Long-term Some people are more sensitive than others to pollutants
What is Acid Rain? Rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions, especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, combine with water
Effects of Acid Rain Surface waters and aquatic animals Forests
Effects to Property Effects buildings, bridges, monuments, statues, and other similar structures Acidic properties of air pollution corrode many building materials Costs lots of money to repair
Long Term Effects • Bowka Study • Krakow, Poland • Industrialized • Steel mills • First Studied in 1960s • Suburban Sprawl
Acid Rain Contaminates from the air can enter water sources in the form of Acid Rain Alters the ph of the water Ecosystems are very sensitive
Economy Legislation and Technology shifts move slow Industry has less regulation Demand Economics
Individual Responsibility Everyone breaths the air, therefore everyone is responsible Conserve Energy Be mindful of where your energy comes from
Fixing the Problem The Three Main Ways to Improve Air Quality • Education of the masses • Beginning at an early age. • Most people know very little about poor air quality, or nothing at all. • Consequences of daily actions.
Fixing the Problem (cont) • The “What can I do?” aspect. • Many people would like to help but don’t know what to do. • Simple ways to help improve air quality • Conserve energy • Recycling • Volunteering • Join a local group with a shared cause
Fixing the Problem (cont) • Government Action • *Global issue not a specific region • International Organizations • Work together • Advertising • Re-asses current standards • U.S Government • Enforcing current policies
Fixing the Problem (cont) • Update standards • *Need to focus on the primary goal and less about who is liable • Research and Development • Research sustainable development • Alternative resources • Better filtering systems
Fixing the Problem (cont) • Implement into modern production • Transportation • Industry • Waste management • Compost piles • Design for new products