Environmental Pollution

Image via Wikipedia

The earth is our home. It is the only home that we have. Therefore, it is important to keep it safe and healthy for our future generations. In order to protect our earth, we must identify some of the causes and effects of environmental pollution.

Air pollution is caused by the emission of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, including lead from the fumes of vehicles, chlorofluorocarbons, also known CFCs, are also released into the air when aerosol such as insect repellents, hair sprays as well as air conditioners are used. The CFCs destroy the ozone layer, a protective layer above the earth, which keeps out the ultraviolet rays. Smoke filled haze caused by open burning also pollutes the air and further destroys the ozone layer. With such big holes in the ozone layer, the evidence of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays has increased.

Next, the dumping of toxic effluents, rubbish and nuclear wastes into the waterways causes water pollution. Oil spills have killed thousands of sea creatures. In 1997, the oil spills off the coast of Japan and the spillage resulting from the collisions of ships, caused massive destruction of marine life and untold misery to fishermen. Besides this, sewage continues to pollute and contaminate our water with coliform bacteris. Dirty sources of water result in the contamination of our drinking water.

In addition, the indiscriminate dumping of rubbish and toxic wastes and the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides contribute to land pollution. Harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable materials like polystyrene and plastics are other sources of land as well as river pollution.

Nuclear leaks have threatened the lives and health of the affected inhabitants and livestock with cancers and mutations. Even the tough and hardy reindeer, a native animal species, has not been spared the effects of radiation.

There are many hazardous and horrendous effects of pollution of mankind. Pollution creates health problems such as asthma and bronchitis due to the dust and toxic particles in the air as well as the reduction of oxygen in the athmosphere. The continued pollution of the air also contributes to the worsening of the greenhouse effect that raises the temperature on earth, leading to erratic weather conditions, flash floods and the melting of the ice-floes in the Artic and Antarctic. Water pollution exposes man to toxins in the water. There is a vicious cycle where the fish eat the toxic wastes and man eats the fish that in turn poisons him. Furthermore, oil slicks have destroyed marine life in large areas. Pollution of the land by toxic wastes results in many kinds of diseases and cancers.

The effects of all types of pollution are disastrous. We must unite and act quickly to save the earth before it’s too late. We must need the clarion call of Chief Seattle: “This earth is precious to God and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on the Creator…Care for it…And with all your strength, with all your mind, with all your heart, preserve it for your children, and love it…as God loves us all.”