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Pollution has been defined as the addition of any
substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate
faster than the environment can accommodate its
dispersion, breakdown, recycling or storage in some
harmless form. In simpler terms, pollution means the
poisoning of the environment by man. Pollution has
accompanied mankind every since groups of people settled
down in one place for a long time. It was not a serious
problem during primitive times when there was more than
ample space available for each individual or group. As
the human population boomed, pollution became a major
problem and has remained as one every since. Cities of
ancient times were often unhealthy places, fouled by
human wastes and debris. Such unsanitary conditions
favored the outbreak of diseases that killed or maimed
many people living in those times.
The rapid advancement of technology and
industrialization today is something that man can be
proud of. However, it has brought along with it many
undesirable results, one of which is the pollution of
our environment. Humanity today is threatened by the
dangers of air, water, land and noise pollution.
The air that we breathe is heavily polluted with
toxic gases, chemicals and dust. These consist of the
discharge from industrial factories and motor vehicles.
The emission of tetraethyl lead and carbon monoxide from
exhaust fumes is a major cause for concern too. Outdoor
burning of trash and forest fires have also contributed
to air pollution. They cause the smarting of the eyes,
bouts and coughing and respiratory problems. Owing to
the burning of fossil fuels, the level of carbon
monoxide in the air is more than desirable. Too high a
level of carbon dioxide will cause the Earth's
temperature to rise. The heat will melt the polar caps,
thus raising the sea level and causing massive floods
around the world. the burning of fuels also produces
gases which form acid rain. Acid rain has a damaging
effect on water, forest and soil, and is harmful to our
health.
Man has reached the moon and invented supersonic
crafts that can travel faster than the speed of sound.
However, these inventions emit pollutants which
contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. This
depletion of ozone, which absorbs the harmful rays of
the sun and prevents them from reaching the Earth, will
have drastic effects on all living things. It will lead
to a rise in the number of people suffering from skin
cancer.
Water pollution has become widespread too. Toxic
waste has found its way into our lakes, streams, rivers
and oceans. This waste is released by factories and
sea-going vessels. Spillage of oil by tankers and during
the recent Gulf War has caused irreparable damage to
marine life. Thousands of sea animals have died or were
poisoned by the pollutants in their natural habitat. As
such, it is dangerous for humans to consume sea food
caught in polluted waters.
Dumping of used cars, cans, bottles, plastic items
and all other kinds of waste material is an eyesore.
Much of the refuse is not biodegradable and this
interferes with the natural breakdown process of
converting substances from a harmful form to a non
harmful one. As such, it becomes a hazard to one's
health.
We are often faced with noises from construction
sites, jet planes and traffic jam. we may be unaware of
it but noise pollution has been attributed to causing a
loss of hearing, mental disturbances and poor
performance at work.
To control environmental pollution, substances which
are hazardous and can destroy life must not be allowed
to escape into the environment. this calls for united
decision-making among world leaders and a public
awareness of the dangers of pollution. |
