Holly S. Anthony
Fossil-fuel pollution from plants, factories, cars, buses, trucks, airplanes, and even lawn mowers produce toxic air pollutants that endanger public health, wildlife, vegetation, buildings, statues, gravestones, and all they touch. Common fossil fuels include coal, natural gas, and petroleum oil. They are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. These remains were covered over and trapped below the earth’s surface. These fuels are being consumed today far more rapidly than they can be replaced. For this reason, fossil fuels are considered nonrenewable resources. The current energy sources in the United States are oil 42%, gas 24%, coal 23%, and other 11%. (Globe, 1993) Causing the damage are the substances these fuels produce when burned: sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, ozone, lead, and other metals. Among other risks from this pollution, cancer reigns high on the list. (Naar, 1990)
Energy sources that are not fossil fuels are called alternative energy sources. Wind, water, and sunlight are nonpolluting renewable energy sources. Windmills and waterwheels played important roles in early industries. Currently, in the United States, these energy sources account for only about 4% of the electricity produced. (Globe, 1993) Many scientists hope that technology will lend itself to us to be able to use renewable energy sources more frequently and more efficiently, so that we are not without alternatives as our nonrenewable resources become depleted.
While many of these outdoor contaminants may seem to be minor irritants, they become a real and present danger when added together and concentrated within four walls over a long period of time we spend indoor. Some specific causes of indoor air pollution are as follows:
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a. Burning of wood, coal, and kerosene in such places as stoves, furnaces, and heaters.
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b. Use of aerosol cleaners and disinfectants.
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c. Ammonia.
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d. Air fresheners.
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e. Insect sprays.
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f. Cigarette smoke.
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g. Asbestos, lead, and radon in many building materials, finishes, and furnishings. (Naar, 1990)
What can you do about indoor air pollution? You can significantly lower the concentrations of air pollution in your own home by increasing the circulation between outdoors and indoors. Opening windows and doors increases the natural ventilation rate. Turning on kitchen, bathroom or workshop exhaust fans is a simple way to remove contaminants from those areas. Buying a heat-recovery ventilator or air cleaner could also exchange and clean air in your home. Although air conditioners and humidifiers often harbor harmful bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses that are spread into the air, cleaning these instruments can help. Air conditioners should be professionally changed or cleaned at least once a year, depending on how much use they get. Humidifiers should be cleaned every day with a strong solution of white vinegar and very hot water. One added hint to keeping air clean is to buy common houseplants. Some houseplants have a natural ability to rid the air of harmful pollutants. To clean the air in a typical 1,500-square foot house 15 to 20 plants would probably be adequate. (Naar, 1990)