2. Where does this pollution occur and who is responsible? Most
air pollutants originate from human- made sources, including mobile
sources (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, etc.) and stationary sources
(e.g., factories, power plants), as well as indoor sources (e.g.,
some building materials and cleaning solvents). Some air toxins are
also released from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and
forest fires. One can also cause air pollution by simply lighting
up a cigarette. Although a single cigarette is small in size and
typically weighs less than 1 gram, a cigarette typically emits
between 7 and 23 milligrams (mg) of PM2.5 when it is smoked,
depending on the manner of smoking and the brand.
3. Possible Solutions As there are many different forms of air
pollution, there are also various forms of solutions. Since people
usually use nonrenewable resources to generate electricity, such as
coal, dangerous levels of toxins are emitted during the process.
These toxins may be SO2, NOx, particulate matter, mercury, and/or
other harmful pollutants. Increasing the use of wind/solar power,
reducing the use of coal/oil, and improving fuel efficiency in
automobiles are all possible solutions to fix the pollution in the
air we breathe everyday of our lives.
4. The Clean Air Act In my opinion, the best solution is for
the government to enforce The Clean Air Act. The remaining benefits
are roughly equally divided among three categories of human health
and environmental improvement: Preventing premature mortality
associated with ozone exposure; preventing morbidity, including
acute myocardial infractions and chronic bronchitis; and improving
the quality of ecological resources and other aspects of the
environment, the largest component of which is improved visibility.
This net improvement in economic welfare is projected to occur
because cleaner air leads to better health and productivity for
American workers as well as savings on medical expenses for air
pollution-related health problems. The beneficial economic effects
of these two improvements alone are projected to more than offset
the expenditures for pollution control.
5. How would taking action benefit the community overall?
Renewable energy is clean, affordable, domestic, and effectively
infinite. It produces no emissions and results in cleaner air and
water for all. Renewable power creates jobs and generates revenue
for local communities. Revenue from solar and wind farms helps
stimulate local economies that need new roads, schools, libraries,
and hospitals. The United States has some of the best wind
resources in the world, with enough potential energy to produce
nearly 10 times the country's existing power needs. Wind energy is
now one of the most cost- effective sources of new generation,
competing with new installations of coal, gas and nuclear power.
Its cost has dropped steadily over the past few years, as wind
turbine technology has improved. Currently, over 400 American
manufacturing plants build wind components, towers and blades.