Pollution Crash Course: 4 Types of Pollution
Water Pollution
What it is:
Water pollution is the contamination of bodies of water, usually by chemicals or microorganisms. Most is caused by human activity, namely the agriculture industry, as animal waste and pesticides run into the water system when it rains.
Why it’s bad:
We rely on water to survive, so while our immediate water supply may be well-filtered, the water system in the U.S. is interconnected. It is very easy for polluted water from one source to travel to another and contaminate it. Polluted water can hold water-borne pathogens and spread diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and giardia.
What we can do:
- Throw your trash into bins to minimize the chances of it polluting water
- Volunteer with local organizations to clean up beaches and oceans — or on your own with friends!
- Dispose of toxic chemicals, grease and fat properly by referring to your local waste disposal services for proper etiquette
Air Pollution
What it is:
Air pollution is the release of pollutants which can be chemical, physical or biological agents into the air. Most is caused by the use and production of energy, specifically the burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and for gasoline.
Why it’s bad:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes the deaths of approximately seven million people per year.
- Air pollution consisting of carbon dioxide and methane warms the earth which contributes to climate change, inducing more frequent and intense tropical storms, droughts, and rising sea levels which destroys the environments of both humans and wildlife.
- Smog and soot (environmental justice issues) negatively affect low-income communities disproportionately because highways and many factories are often found in or near these communities.
What we can do:
- Take public transportation, walk, bike, or opt to carpool more often
- Invest in alternative energy sources (ie. solar panels)
- Pre-plan outings to drive the most efficient route
- Buy fewer products manufactured using fossil fuels (consult this list)
Land Pollution
What it is:
Land pollution is anything that deteriorates the Earth’s surface. The main causes are littering, construction, urbanization, mining, and agriculture.
Why it’s bad:
Land pollution is so broad that it has tremendous impacts: polluting water systems; damaging natural habitats and ecosystems for wildlife; and decreasing air quality. Although burning landfill would seem to get rid of the trash, it consequently produces air pollution, which contributes to climate change.
What we can do:
- Sort your waste correctly — review your local waste disposal service guidelines to determine what’s recyclable, compostable or simply trash
- Try to reuse items before purchasing reusable products (ie. takeout containers, pasta sauce jars, etc.)
- Limit your intake of single-use plastics and pack reusable products (ie. grocery bags, water bottles, utensils, etc.)
Noise Pollution
What it is:
Noise pollution is the consistent exposure to loud sounds that can disrupt environments, interfere with the way animals communicate with each other and contribute to human health problems — both mentally and physically. This noise can come from traffic, construction sites, airports, train stations, fireworks, large celebrations, concerts, and more.
Why it’s bad:
For humans, constant exposure to noise can cause health problems such as hypertension, increased stress levels, hearing loss, and difficulties sleeping. For animals, excessive noise disturbs their environment and even the way they communicate with each other. For example, noise pollution near marine life affects cetaceans (ie. dolphins and whales) as they use their sense of hearing for orientation.
What we can do:
- Plant trees to help reduce sound intensity
- Invest in noise-friendly wall panels/flooring, especially for loud machinery
- Ask those around you if your sound level may be too loud
- Raising awareness about noise pollution
Sources:
What is Water Pollution and Why Should We Care? | BPI
Air Pollution Facts, Causes and the Effects of Pollutants in the Air | NRDC
Noise Pollution | Environmental Pollution Centers
Land Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Prevention | Texas Disposal
Author: Cynthia Chen | Editors: Kathy Lin, Celine Shen | Graphic: Kathy Lin| Team: Social Good
