AIR POLLUTIO

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Colin DavidsonChase DuffeyKevin ErbsKevin KaneBen LoerkeAbigail McLean

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Why is it a constant issue?

Everyday the average person inhales 20,000 liters of air

Air pollution can be both indoors and outdoors

Problem to both humans and natureAir pollution travels

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History of Air Pollution Control

13th Century London

Industrial revolution

1952 London

1948 Donora, Pennsylvania

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History (cont)

1963 Clean Air Act

1967 Air Quality Act

1970 Clean Air Act

1977 and 1990 Amendments

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What Causes Pollution?

Automobiles

Power plants

Factories

Small businesses

Household products

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Sources of Pollution

Business and industry used to be the main source of air pollution, but regulated and voluntary efforts have greatly reduced pollution from these sources.

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Sources of Pollution (cont)

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Air Pollutants

Aerosols, Asbestos, Carbon Monoxide, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Criteria Air Pollutants, Ground Level Ozone, Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Lead, Mercury, Methane, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM), Propellants, Radon, Refrigerants, Substitutes, Sulfur Oxides (SO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

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Government Policy on Clean Air

Clean Air Act of 1963

Amendments 1970 & 1990

Smaller acts

Larger acts

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LEED & the U.S. Green Building Council

Purpose of LEED

Impact on the environment

Benefits of “green” building

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Effects of Air Pollution

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Effects on Human Health

Short-term

Long-term

Some people are more sensitive than others to pollutants

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Great Smog of 1952

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What is Acid Rain?

Rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions, especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, combine with water

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Acid Rain (cont)

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Effects of Acid Rain

Surface waters and aquatic animals

Forests

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Effects to Property

Effects buildings, bridges, monuments, statues, and other similar structures

Acidic properties of air pollution corrode many building materials

Costs lots of money to repair

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Long Term Effects

Bowka StudyKrakow, PolandIndustrialized

Steel mills First Studied in 1960s Suburban Sprawl

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Acid Rain

Contaminates from the air can enter water sources in the form of Acid Rain

Alters the ph of the water Ecosystems are very sensitive

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Economy

Legislation and Technology shifts move slow

Industry has less regulation Demand Economics

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Individual Responsibility

Everyone breaths the air, therefore everyone is responsible

Conserve Energy Be mindful of where your energy

comes from

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Fixing the Problem

The Three Main Ways to Improve Air Quality

Education of the masses Beginning at an early age. Most people know very little about poor air quality, or

nothing at all. Consequences of daily actions.

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Fixing the Problem (cont)

The “What can I do?” aspect. Many people would like to help but don’t

know what to do. Simple ways to help improve air quality

Conserve energyRecyclingVolunteeringJoin a local group with a shared cause

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Fixing the Problem (cont)

Government Action *Global issue not a specific region International Organizations

Work together Advertising Re-asses current standards

U.S Government Enforcing current policies

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Fixing the Problem (cont)

Update standards *Need to focus on the primary goal and

less about who is liable

Research and Development Research sustainable development

Alternative resources Better filtering systems

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Fixing the Problem (cont)

Implement into modern production Transportation Industry

Waste management Compost piles

Design for new products

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