Air, Noise, and Light Pollution Unit 2: The Atmosphere Air, Noise, and Light Pollution

Health Effects of Air Pollution Worst for people who are young, old, or have heart and/or lung problems Can people die of air pollution? Short-term effects Headache, nausea, irritation to the eyes/nose/throat, tightness in the chest, and coughing (can lead to or worsen upper respiratory infections) Long-term effects Emphysema, lung cancer, and heart disease NO air pollution just makes their sickness worse! Tens of billions of dollars per year in health costs to treat air pollution induced respiratory diseases. What else causes emphysema?

Indoor Air Pollution The quality of air inside is sometimes worse than the quality of air outside Sick-building syndrome – most common in hot places that are tightly sealed to keep out the heat Ventilation is key Radon Gas – colorless, tasteless, and odorless (why is that bad?) Adheres to dust particles Once in the lungs, it can destroy genetic material in your lung cells! Can lead to cancer (second leading cause of lung cancer) Actually happened in a courthouse in Florida! Half of the people developed allergic reactions to fungi growing in the air ducts, ceiling tiles, carpets, and furniture.

Asbestos Several minerals that form in long, thin fibers valued for their strength and resistance to heat Popular building material pre-1970 HUGE movement in older schools to remove them! Can cut and scar the lungs leading to a condition called asbestosis HO House

Noise Pollution aka Unwanted Sound Damages our hearing by destroying cells in our ears Hearing loss has doubled in the last 30 years What might cause this in teens? Study in a quiet environment in Africa found that 80 year olds there can hear better than 30 year olds here Measured in decibels (dB) According to EPA, 85 dB for 8 hours (120 dB is the threshold of pain) So when I can HEAR your music through your headphones, have fun with hearing aids.

Light Pollution Does not present a direct hazard to human health! Does negatively affect our environment Energy is wasted when light is directed upward to the night sky and lost to space Better if light is directed downward and on timers Lights near the beach discourage turtles from nesting Optional demonstration with flashlight and aluminum foil.