ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 3.1 Chapter 3

Water Pollution People depend on the Hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere for many of their needs. Just because water is clear does not mean it is clean, Pollutants enter water via rain, melting snow, or irrigation water runs over land or through the ground and picks up pollutants.

Water Pollution Those pollutants can then find their way into groundwater by entering streams, lakes and rivers. Two most common pollutants:  Sediment  Nutrients

Water Pollution Effluent usually contains harmful by- products of manufacturing processes.  Heated water is effluent (raises temperature of water killing many aquatic organisms.  Sewage- 80% goes through treatment plant, 10% passes through septic tank, 10% is untreated.

Water pollutants and human health Metals can be very dangerous to humans if they enter our water. Some common diseases caused by infected water  Cholera-intestinal infection  Dysentery-caused by bacteria, can cause seizures and kidney failure.  Malaria- parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, infect the liver and red blood cells.  Cryptosporidiosis- causes abdominal cramps, nausea, weight loss and dehydration

Air Pollution Air pollution can be forest fires, dust storms, burning fossil fuels and other things…  Ozone (0 3 )- Protects the Earth from harmful solar radiation but too close to earth it can be a pollutant and cause illness (respiratory).

Air Pollution Carbon Monoxide, CO- gas that forms from burning fossil fuels, colorless and odorless, deadly! Sulfur dioxide, SO 2 - when coal containing pyrite is burned. Respiratory problems

Air Pollution Nitrogen Dioxide, NO 2 - form when fuels burn, part of smog Particulate Matter- solid particles in air, soil, construction dust, tire rubber, asbestos

Air Pollution Quality Over the past decade, the number of cars on roadways in Pa has increased, though it has not resulted in higher levels of air pollutants. This is because of regulations on emissions set by the Bureau of Air Quality.  BAQ- works with businesses, schools and communities to limit air pollution.

Common Soil pollutants Just as air and water pollution many substances that pollute the soil are a result of human activities.  Agriculture- sediment, pesticides, animal wastes and fertilizers.  Solid wastes- from landfills leak in the soil with harmful substances

Indoor pollution Indoor pollution is very common and pose many health risks.  Fumes- paints, cleaning products, oils, and pesticides. If mishandled or misused these products become HHW (household hazardous waste) Ways to reduce risks  Always read instructions on products  Use only the minimum needed for the job  Give leftovers of products to others to handle or dispose