How Chemicals Harm the Earth Mary Buron // Chem 1A // Prof. Kimball

From house cleaners to fuels for our vehicles, these chemicals are beneficial for the efficiency in our societies. There are many chemicals that we use in our everyday lives. However, there is also a drawback for using these chemicals, and unfortunately, as these chemicals may be helpful for us, they can also harm the environment.

There are possibly three most common forms of air pollution… 1. Carbon Monoxide 2. chlorofluorocarbon 3. Nitrogen Oxides

Carbon Monoxide is commonly found in jet engines, most rockets, and many gas turbines. Carbon Monoxide is very harmful to humans and large exposures can signify toxicity to the central nervous system and heart. This proves it to be a negative chemical to the earth.

chlorofluorocarbon can be found in fire extinguishers, propellants, and solvents in the form of haloalkanes. These can have negative effects on the environment such as ozone depletion.

Nitrogen Oxides are found in various fuels used in many factories. Nitrogen oxide is harmful to the earth as it worsens health problems. When it’s dissolved in atmospheric moisture it can cause acid rain which can damage both trees and entire forest ecosystems.

As our air remains in danger of various chemicals, Our ground is subjected to real danger as well. Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill or underground storage tank leakage. Among the most significant soil contaminants are hydrocarbons and Heavy metals.

Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen can cause acid rain which reduces the pH value of soil. Other problems that chemicals can bestow on our ecosystem.. Soil can become infertile and unsuitable for plants. Which would affect other organisms in the food web. Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to carry out photosynthesis.

It is important to remember… Even though our lives have become much more efficient due to very helpful chemicals, we still pay a price. Our ecosystems will suffer if we do not use these chemicals wisely.