Environmental Issue- Air Pollution

Sydney Wilkinson

Air Pollution

English 101

            Among the many environmental issues our planet is experiencing, air pollution is one that is getting worse over time.  Many different things contribute to air pollution, and many different problems arise from it as well. 

            One cause of air pollution is the exhaust that leaks into the air from machineries that contain engines such as cars, tractor-trailer trucks, and even airplanes.  Carbon Monoxide is one of the main elements found in exhaust.  But engine powered machinery are only one of the many causes unfortunately.  Any buildings that burn coal, natural gas, etc. are also a source of air pollution.  This includes factories, home residencies, and nuclear power plants.  And a third form of common air pollution is the use of pesticides; this is especially harmful when farmers use pesticide in bulk to treat their crops.

            Air pollution comes along with many harmful side effects.  To complicate matters further, air pollution harms both the human race and the planet.  Among humans it can cause a range of respiratory problems, some which can become fatal.  Plants are also damaged by air pollution, but an even more serious effect to the planet is damage done to the Ozone layer.  When holes form in the Ozone layer, sunrays reach Earth easier which can be extremely damaging.

            One “place” that is noticeably affected by air pollution is Los Angeles, California.  Air pollution is seen in the form of smog, which is when fog mixes with chemicals in the air.  It appears as a smoky fog, hence the term “smog.”  Los Angeles is more heavily affected due to the high population of motor vehicles and factories.