8/2/2019 Pollution Test Answer

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The causes and consequences of Pollution to Humanity

It has been widely understood that pollution poses significant threat to

humanity. In its simplest form, pollution can be represented as the littering of rubbish

or clogged drains to the extent of dumping hazardous waste and illegal logging.

Schumber (2007) stated that as nations become more industrialised, the more

pollution they emit to the environment. Bedi (2005) further elaborated that industrial

zones are mostly built on forestland and uninhabited areas, resulting in the adverse

effects of pollution. The effects, issues and causes of pollution are alarmingly

disastrous and have been thoroughly researched with air and water pollution as the

primary focus.

In 1952, it has been revealed in London that increases in daily mortality could

be due to the increases in air pollution in which high levels of particulate-based smog

are present in the atmosphere (Schwartz, 1994). Schumber (2007) further explainedthe causes of air pollution such as industrial activities leading to increase in

poisonous gases, rising usage of cars as well as excessive burning of rubbish

releasing smoke and heat. As a result of air pollution, threatening effects could be

seen and normally associated with lung function deficits, increased symptoms and

hospitalization (Schwartz).

Another form of pollution is water pollution, as observed specifically in

Malaysia (Schumber, 2007). The causes of water pollution are further classified into

point and non-point sources (Schumber). Point sources include sewage treatment

plant, manufacturing, agro-based industries and animal farms. Non-point sourcescomprised of agricultural activities and surface runoffs. However, Schumber believed

that domestic sewage is still the main contributor in causing water pollution.

Consequently, due to water pollution, it could be observed that people suffer from

loss in their source of drinking water, as increasing amount of rivers have been

dumped by hazardous wastes, specifically in Malaysia.

In general, all types of pollution are largely attributed to lack of public

awareness as stated by the Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and

Environment (Schumber, 2007). As a result, everyone expects the government to be

leaders in policing and enforcing the law all the time. Other issues posed due to

water pollution include rivers becoming dumping grounds for harmful wastes

(Schumber). Bedi (2005) also outlined the issue of industrial activities related to air

pollution in which factories are releasing poisonous gases in addition to the depleting

amount of oxygen due to the cutting down of trees to build factories.

Looking at the various disastrous effects, causes as well as issued posed

significantly by pollution, it could be observed that if no necessary immediate actions

are taken, the consequences and effects of pollution could alarmingly increase and

further threaten humanity.