Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Science

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

Notes #2Notes #2

Air Pollution – Effects on Human Air Pollution – Effects on Human HealthHealth

• Chronic Bronchitis– Persistent inflammation of bronchial linings– Constant couching weakens the bronchial tubes

making breathing difficult– Particulates, oxides, and acids (sulfur and

nitrogen) are the main culprits

• Asthma– Not caused b pollution, pollution makes it worse– Bronchial passages are blocked or constricted

Air Pollution – Effects on Human Air Pollution – Effects on Human HealthHealth

• Emphysema – When the air sacs in the lungs lose

elasticity and can no longer push out air

• Lung Cancer– Mostly caused by cigarettes– Auto exhaust and particulates

(asbestos, arsenic, nickel, chromium, beryllium) also contribute

Air Pollution – Effects on Human Air Pollution – Effects on Human HealthHealth

• Indoor Air Pollution–From materials inside the bldg

• Paint, carpet, plastics, etc.

–Sick Building Syndrome• Buildings with particularly poor air

quality

• The worst in tight buildings

Air Pollution – Effects on Human Air Pollution – Effects on Human HealthHealth

• Types of Indoor Air Pollution–Radon

• Invisible, tasteless, odorless• Radioactive• Produced naturally by the earth• Comes into the home, attaches to

dust• Can lead to cancer in the lungs

Air Pollution – Effects on Human Air Pollution – Effects on Human HealthHealth

• Types of Indoor Air Pollution–Asbestos

• Different fibers that contain silica

• Very strong and resistant to heat

• The fibers cut and scar lung tissue