Essay Understanding and Preventing Air Pollution - 1775 Words

Understanding and Preventing Air Pollution Air pollution is a major problem affecting the entire world. In the United States some progress has been made in reducing air pollution through the Clean Air Acts passed by the Congress. Still there is a lot to be done. To prevent air pollution it is important to understand how the air is being polluted, how it impacts on the ecosystem and what we can do about it. Earth is surrounded by layers of gases known as atmosphere. The layer closest to the earth is called the troposphere. It extends up to ten miles above the surface of the earth. Over the troposphere is the stratosphere which extends from ten to forty miles above the earth ( Gutnick pg. 9). Ozone is a part of the stratosphere†¦show more content†¦Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which is emitted through the process of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that, when inhaled, combines with the blood and renders them incapable of carrying oxygen. Methane occurs as a principal ingredient in natural gas, and is produced by the bacterial decomposition of plant and animal matters. Methane in the troposphere absorbs heat and causes greenhouse effect ( Gutnik pg. 15). A sulfur based gas occurs mostly as sulfur dioxide (SO2) which is a colorless, tasteless, foul smelling , heavier-than-air gas. Besides naturally produced from activities of the volcanoes or decomposition of organic material in swamps, it also is produced by the burning of sulfur containing fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide combines with water vapor in the air, forming sulfurous acid (H2SO3), a major component of acid rain ( Gutnik pg. 15). Ozone is a form of oxygen (O3) and a major air pollutant in the troposphere. It is very harsh and irritant to the lungs, and can be a serious problem for people with lung disorders. 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