Heart And Blood Lead Exposure Causes example essay topic

The advent of technology brought about progress and have greatly improved our way of life. However, there are trade offs too. Technology not only bring about positive impact but negative impact as well. The following are the negative effects of technology that can harm our human society and our environment. PERSONAL POLLUTION A. Food Additives: These are substances added to food to improve its flavor, color, texture or resistance to spoilage. It makes food attractive to consumers and enhances shelf-life of food products.

Sources: 1. sodium nitrite - used for curing bacon and other meat products is considered carcinogenic (cancer causing agents). It can react in human digestive tract to form nitroso compounds which can cause cancer. 2. sulfite's - can cause asthmatic attacks and gastric irritation when present in high concentrations 3. artificial sweeteners - (30) cyclamate and (550) saccharin, used in soft drinks and ice cream because it costs much less than sugar. Studies have shown that cyclamate can cause liver damage and saccharine has been shown to be a carcinogen. 4. color- makes food appetizing. The familiar violet dye once use to stamp inspected meat are suspected of being carcinogenic. Citric red used for coloring orange skins does not penetrate the fruit but it endangers anyone who sucks the peel or eat marmalade from it. It is also suspected to be carcinogenic.

Yellow foor coloring called tartrazine was blamed for allergic reactions in adults and hyperactivity in children. Food colors may cause symptoms of respiratory disorders, headaches and intestinal disturbances. To stay clear of ill effects caused by additives: We should limit the intake of food containing doubtful additives. Read labels. Eat variety of health food. 5. mono sodium glutamate - used as flavor enhancer. Too much of these may cause headaches and nausea 6. aflatoxin - content of peanut butter that may increase risk of liver cancer and may also destroy embryonic cells and retard fetal growth. 7. pesticide - used to kill pests may also affect non - target organisms.

They are poisonous substances that adhere to fruits and vegetables and also accumulated in tissues of fish and fowls. If residues are not washed off well, we ingest it together with the food. 8. clostridium botulinum - affects canned goods that causes it to bulge as sign of presence of gases. These bacterium causes food poisoning which can be fatal. 9. lead found in milk decrease red blood cells may affect nervous system particularly the brain 10. mercury and cadmium may be found in the fish' muscle tissues that we buy from market. We ingest these as well.

This disease is delimitating and may cause death B. MEDICINES These are substances used to treat disease. Below are examples of drugs banned from other countries but available in the Philippines. Generic Brand Known Uses Country Reason Name Name banned Banned Di pyrone Apra cur for fever US causes form of anemia Ber algin and pains where blood elements Bes erol are decreased Garden Peril Un agen Stanozolol Winstrol appetite US stunts growth of children Winavi t stimulant Depo- Provera injectable US causes cancel in beagles contraceptive and monkeys Phenformin Glucopostin diabetes US causes lactic acidosis and sometimes has fatal side effect Quinoform Entry - anti diarrhea Japan causes reversible Vio form Sweden nerve injury Mexaform leading to paralysis and other nerve disorders Examples of Prohibited Drugs used, misused and abused Drug Effect Narcotics pain killer, produce insensibility, stupor, melancholy or (opium, morphine) dullness of mind with delusion Cocaine overdose results I convulsions and vasoconstrictions which may lead to Myocardial infarction and stroke Methamphetamine produces anxiety, irritability and loss of self control "shab u" causes irregularity of heartbeat, hypertension insomnia and even cardiac arrest Marijuana Slows down mental and psychomotor activities, "grass pot or weed" sows down reflexes solvents (lighter fluids causes intoxication, nausea and vomiting gasoline, rugby LSD lysergic Prolonged use can cause anxiety, panic reactions diethyl amide or feelings of grandeur tranquilizer depresses body functions, slows down thinking valium, librium and ability to make decisions, numbing effect on senses The best way to solve the problem of drug abuse is through early training and education in proper use of drugs. We should also know what these drugs can do to us.

Abuse of drugs can cause many health problems and can also lead to serious crimes and death. C. SMOKING Cigarette smoke contains more than 2,000 substance that are considered as carcinogenic or irritants. Among these substance are nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, radioactive isotopes like polonium or radon. Aside from being carcinogenic, nicotine has been found to be addictive. There are two types of smoking: active; inhaling of smoke by smoker himself, passive; inhaling of smoke by non-smoker in smoke filled area. EFFECTS OF SMOKING: 1.

It causes chronic bronchitis, which is an inflammation of bronchial tubes. The destroyed cilia and cells of the airways impair their ability to expel foreign bodies and production of mucus. The airway becomes narrow causing cough and sputum formation. 2.

It causes emphysema. The obstruction to air passages in and out, leads to reduced elasticity of the tissues lining the air spaces of the lungs and their eventual collapse. 3. It causes circulatory and heart disorders.

Carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the red blood cells, thereby forcing the heart to work harder in meeting the requirements of the body for oxygen. The heart rate and blood pressure are elevated by this compensatory mechanism, which aggregates the risks of heart attack and stroke. It also contributes to the hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. 4. It causes early death, reducing the persons life by at least 7 years.

One stick reduces the lifetime by 7 seconds. One pack per day reduces lifetime by 140 seconds. 5. it causes cancer of the lips, larynx and lungs. Benzo pyrene, a substance in tobacco tar, is considered a potent carcinogen. 6. Causes Asthma attack. 7.

Cigarette smoking may cause miscarriage or stillbirth... It can retard fetal heart growth and may cause heart and brain defects of the developing fetus. It may also lower the infants resistance to respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. D. COSMETICS 1. Lanolin in shampoos, creams and ointments and phenylenediamine in hair dyes can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a kind of skin allergy. 2.

Eosin - a dye used lipstick can cause lip dermatitis. 3. toluene in nail polish can cause dermatitis. 4. artificial fingernails are made from a liquid monomer, methyl methacrylate which has been found to cause allergy. 5. aluminum salts in anti per spirants may cause allergy. 6. Some perfume contain psoralen which is a photosensitize r which may cause skin pigmentation. 7. hair spray contain dichlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetraluorothane compounds which may lead to lung disorder or cancer. 8. Possible harm of silicone used for breast enhancement and nose lifting may cause inflammation, scarring and hardening of tissues of organs like breast or lungs. May lead to cancer.

NOISE POLLUTION Racket, din, clamor, noise. Whatever you want to call it, unwanted sound is America's most widespread nuisance. But noise is more than just a nuisance. It constitutes a real and present danger to people's health.

Day and night, at home, at work, and at play, noise can produce serious physical and psychological stress. No one is immune to this stress. Though we seem to adjust to noise by ignoring it, the ear, in fact, never closes and the body still responds - sometimes with extreme tension, as to a strange sound in the night. Sources of noise pollution are: 1. Noise emitted by street traffic is generated by engines, exhaust systems, tires interacting with the road, and horns. Of these, tires contribute most predominantly to the noise emitted by automobiles, both in the effects on passengers within a vehicle and in the contribution to roadside noise, especially in American-made cars.

The other components of traffic noise are significant contributors nonetheless. Besides cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles contribute to street noise. 2. Aircraft noise that is derived primarily from airplanes' propulsion systems and from aerodynamic noise. 3. Railroads, like street traffic, are a source of surface transportation noise.

The majority of noise emitted by trains is produced by the engines or by the interaction of the wheels with the track 4. Industry There are four main categories of industrial activity that are particularly relevant to the study of noise: product fabrication, product assembly, power generation, and processing. Noise is generated in all of these activities, with the majority occurring at the lower end of the frequency spectrum. 5. Construction noise, a major source of noise pollution, is emitted by construction equipment, which Leisure (1979) defines as "that equipment utilized at construction sites for the fabrication, erection, modification, demolition, or removal of any structure or facility, including all related activities such as clearing of land, site preparation, excavation, cleanup, and landscaping" 6.

Consumer Products represent a wide range of noise-producing items, and Clark (1991) divides them into four categories: recreational (e.g. guns, model airplanes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, go carts, all-terrain vehicles, video arcades, and private planes), hobbies / workshop (e.g. chain saws, power saws, shop vacuums, routers, lawn mowers, and snow blowers), household (e.g. garbage disposals, food blenders, vacuum cleaners, washers and dryers, air conditioners, and refrigerators), and music (e.g. personal stereos, rock concerts, symphony concerts, and home stereos). Among these, guns are the loudest, with peak intensities well above 120 dB, followed by motorcycles and rock concerts, each of which can approach 120 dB in their peak intensity levels. 7. Other Sources In addition to the sources of noise pollution discussed thus far, there are several other sources, as well, such as sirens, agricultural noise, military noise, and noise generated by humans themselves.

Effects of Noise Pollution: Deafness, psychological and emotional stress, irritability, high blood pressure, headache, fatigue, ulcer and inability to sleep. RADIATION POLLUTION Man-made radiation sources that result in an exposure to members of the public: . Tobacco. Televisions. Medical X-rays. Smoke detectors.

Lantern mantles. Nuclear medicine. Building materials By far, the most significant source of man-made radiation exposure to the public is from medical procedures, such as diagnostic X-rays, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Some of the major isotopes would be I-131, Tc-99 m, Co-60, Ir-192, Cs-137, and others. In addition, members of the public are exposed to radiation from consumer products, such as tobacco (polonium-210), building materials, combustible fuels (gas, coal, etc. ), ophthalmic glass, televisions, luminous watches and dials (tritium), airport X-ray systems, smoke detectors (americium), road construction materials, electron tubes, fluorescent lamp starters, lantern mantles (thorium), etc. Of lesser magnitude, members of the public are exposed to radiation from the nuclear fuel cycle, which includes the entire sequence from mining and milling of uranium to the disposal of the used (spent) fuel.

This would be uranium and its daughter products. The final sources of exposure to the public would be shipment of radioactive materials and residual fallout from nuclear weapons testing and accidents, such as Chernobyl. Occupationally Exposed Individuals work in the following environments: . Fuel cycle. Industrial Radiography. Radiology Departments (Medical).

Radiation Oncology Departments. Nuclear power plant. Nuclear medicine Departments. National (government) and university Research Laboratories Occupationally exposed individuals are exposed according to their occupations and to the sources with which they work. The exposure of these individuals to radiation is carefully monitored with the use of tiny instruments called dosimeters. Some of the isotopes of concern would be cobalt-60, cesium-137, americium-241, and others.

How Does Radiation Affect the Public We tend to think of biological effects of radiation in terms of their effect on living cells. For low levels of radiation exposure, the biological effects are so small they may not be detected. The body has defense mechanisms against many types of damage induced by radiation as well as by chemical carcinogens. Consequently, biological effects of radiation on living cells may result in three outcomes: (1) injured or damaged cells repair themselves, resulting in no residual damage; (2) cells die, much like millions of body cells do every day, being replaced through normal biological processes; or (3) cells incorrectly repair themselves resulting in a biophysical change. Possible effect of doses of radiation Dose in REM Probable Effects 0 - 80 minor blood changes possible 80-130 vomiting & nausea for a day in 5-10% of exposed people; fatigue 130-180 vomiting & nausea for a day followed by radiation sickness symptom to 25% 180-270 vomiting and nausea & symptoms for a day for 50% of exposed persons 270-390 vomiting & nausea and symptoms to nearly all persons. 20% death 2-6 wks survivors convalescent for up to 3 months 390-550 50% death within a month.

Survivors convalescent for 8 months 550-750 90-200% death. Convalescent for 6 months 750-1000 vomiting and nausea in all persons. probably no survivors 1000-5000 all persons will be fatalities within one week The associations between radiation exposure and the development of cancer are mostly based on populations exposed to relatively high levels of ionizing radiation (e. g., Japanese atomic bomb survivors, and recipients of selected diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures). Cancers associated with high dose exposure include leukemia, breast, bladder, colon, liver, lung, esophagus, ovarian, multiple myeloma, and stomach cancers. Department of Health and Human Services literature also suggests a possible association between ionizing radiation exposure and prostate, nasal cavity / sinuses, pharyngeal and laryngeal, and pancreatic cancer. The period of time between radiation exposure and the detection of cancer is known as the latent period.

Those cancers that may develop as a result of radiation exposure are indistinguishable from those that occur naturally or as a result of exposure to other chemical carcinogens. Furthermore, National Cancer Institute literature indicates that other chemical and physical hazards and lifestyle factors (e. g., smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet) significantly contribute to many of these same diseases. Although radiation may cause cancer at high doses and high dose rates, public health data do not unequivocally establish the occurrence of cancer following exposure to low doses and dose rates -- below about 10,000 mrem (100 mSv). Studies of occupational workers exposed to chronic low-levels of radiation above normal background have shown no adverse biological effects. Even so, the radiation protection community conservatively assumes that any amount of radiation may pose some risk for causing cancer and hereditary effect, and that the risk is higher for higher radiation exposures.

A linear, no-threshold (LNT) dose response relationship is used to describe the relationship between radiation dose and the occurrence of cancer. This dose-response model suggests that any increase in dose, no matter how small, results in an incremental increase in risk. The LNT hypothesis is accepted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as a conservative model for estimating radiation risk. High radiation doses tend to kill cells, while low doses tend to damage or alter the genetic code (DNA) of irradiated cells. High doses can kill so many cells that tissues and organs are damaged immediately. This in turn may cause a rapid whole body response often called Acute Radiation Syndrome.

The higher the radiation dose, the sooner the effects of radiation will appear, and the higher the probability of death. This syndrome was observed in many atomic bomb survivors in 1945 and emergency workers responding to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Approximately 134 plant workers and firefighters battling the fire at the Chernobyl power plant received high radiation doses (70,000 to 1,340,000 mrem or 700 to 13,400 mSv) and suffered from acute radiation sickness. Of these, 28 died from their radiation injuries. WATER POLLUTION Sources of WATER Pollution Fuel storage and transport. Underground.

Above ground. Spills during transport Road salt Industrial chemicals. Accidental spills. Leaking underground tanks. Outdoor storage areas.

Improper handling of chemicals or wastewater. Pipeline leaks (pipelines are shown of topo maps). Insecticides. Jet Fuel, Cleaning Solvents Agriculture and lawns.

Pesticides, manures and fertilizers. Animal feed lots (manure) Septic systems and sewage treatment plants Landfills, industrial wastewater lagoons, sludge piles Commercial facilities. Automobile services. Machine shops.

Dry cleaners. Furniture strippers. Printers. Photo processors.

Medical and veterinary offices. Laboratories. Funeral homes High-density residential areas, especially with no sewer service. Older areas where septic systems were installed before current health standards. If septic systems not properly maintained. If hazardous chemicals poured down drains.

If chemicals or petroleum products poured on ground. More impervious surfaces, so more runoff Transportation corridors. Impervious surfaces, especially parking lots, which accumulate oil leaks from vehicles. Hydrocarbons.

Heavy metals. Salt. Potential spills. Little vegetation for filtering Institutions.

Hospitals and school labs involve hazardous chemical usage. Nursing homes and prisons produce lots of domestic sewage Quarrying. Sediment and runoff Sedimentation. Construction.

Timbering. Agriculture Effect of water quality on human health The effect of toxic contaminants (metals, organic compounds, microorganisms) on human health can be classified as either acute or chronic. The reaction to a substance causing serious illness or death in an individual within 48 hours after exposure is considered acute toxicity. On the other hand chronic toxicity is a longer term effect on health due to frequent exposure to small amounts of a toxic substance. Chronic reactions to chemicals are difficult to study and our knowledge of the chronic toxic effects of nearly all chemicals is very poor. Examples of chronic health effects would be kidney and liver disease, cancer, mental illness, etc.

Aluminium. High aluminium levels are associated with premature senile dementia (Alzheimer's disease) and two other types of dementia as well. Arsenic. Minor symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning are similar to those of many common ailments, making actual arsenic poisoning difficult to diagnose. This type of poisoning can make people tired, lethargic, and depressed. Other symptoms are white lines across the toenails and fingernails, weight loss, nausea and diarrhoea alternating with constipation, and loss of hair.

Arsenic is highly toxic and unfortunately widespread in the environment due to its natural occurrence and former extensive use in pesticides. Barium. High levels of barium can have severe toxic effects on the heart, blood vessels, and nerves. It is capable of causing nerve blocks at high doses. 550 to 600 mg is a fatal dose for humans. Cadmium.

Acute cadmium poisoning symptoms are similar to those of food poisoning. Up to 325 mg of cadmium is not fatal but toxic symptoms occur at 10 mg. It is associated with kidney disease and linked to hypertension. There is also some evidence that cadmium can cause mutations.

Calcium. Low calcium intake can be related to hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. There is a link between low calcium intake and osteoporosis. With a low level of calcium in the diet, drinking water may provide a significant portion of the daily calcium requirement. Chromium. It has been shown that freshwater and saltwater aquatic life can be adversely affected by the presence of chromium.

The effect of chromium in drinking water has not been thoroughly investigated. However, chromium is known to produce lung tumours when inhaled. Copper. Copper deficiency causes anaemia, loss of hair pigment, growth inhibition, and loss of arterial elasticity. High levels of vitamin C inhibit good copper absorption. However, water containing amounts higher than 1 mg / l is likely to supply too much of this metal.

One milligram per litre is also a taste threshold for the majority of people. Copper is highly toxic and very dangerous to infants and to people with certain metabolic disorders. Uptake of copper is also influenced by zinc, silver, cadmium, and sulphate in the diet. Iron.

The presence of iron in drinking water may increase the hazard of pathogenic organisms, since most of these organisms need iron to grow. The bioavailability of iron in drinking water has not been well researched. It is known that iron influences the uptake of copper and lead. Lead. Lead can occur naturally, or result from industrial contamination, or be leached from lead pipes in some water systems. If the plumbing contains lead, higher levels will be detectable in the morning after water has been standing in pipes throughout the night.

Lead is a cumulative poison. Lead poisoning is difficult to distinguish in its early stages from minor illness. Early reversible symptoms include abdominal pains, decreased appetite, constipation, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and decreased physical fitness. Long term exposure to lead may cause kidney damage, anaemia, and nerve damage including brain damage and finally death. Magnesium. An average adult ingests as much as 480 mg of magnesium daily.

Any excess amounts are quickly expelled by the body. No upper limit has been set for this metal in drinking water. It can, however, create a problem for people with kidney disease. They may develop toxic reactions to high levels of magnesium, including muscle weakness, coma, hypertension, and confusion. Manganese.

Excess manganese in a diet prevents the use of iron in the regeneration of blood hemoglobin. Large doses of manganese cause apathy, irritability, headaches, insomnia, and weakness of the legs. Psychological symptoms may also develop including impulsive acts, absent-mindedness, hallucinations, aggressiveness, and unaccountable laughter. Finally, a condition similar to Parkinson's disease may develop.

Mercury. Mercury poisoning symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, insomnia, indigestion, diarrhea, inflammation of the gums, black lines on the gums, loosening of teeth, irritability, loss of memory, and tremors of fingers, eyelids, lips, and tongue. At higher levels, mercury produces hallucinations, manic-depressive psychosis, gingivitis, sialorrhea, increased irritability, muscular tremors, and irreversible brain damage. Selenium. One recognised effect of selenium poisoning is growth inhibition. There is some evidence that selenium is related to skin discoloration, bad teeth, and some psychological and gastrointestinal problems.

On the other hand, a small amount of selenium has been found to be protective against other heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, silver, and thallium. Silver. The first evidence of excess silver intake is a permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Large doses of silver can be fatal.

Sodium. The fact that some patients with heart disease have difficulty in excreting sodium and are put on a low sodium diet has led to the idea that sodium is bad for the heart. However, studies show no correlation between sodium concentration and cardiovascular disease mortality. On the contrary, beneficial correlations for sodium have been reported.

Areas where water is hard, highly mineralized, and also high in sodium tend to have lower cardiovascular death rates. This does not contradict the fact that in some individuals the lowering of sodium in a diet is effective in lowering the blood pressure. Depending on age, general health, and sex, sodium may present a problem in drinking water. If the sodium in water exceeds 20 mg / l, it is advisable to contact the family physician for an opinion. LAND POLLUTION Sources: littering of on biodegradable materials like cans, bottles, bones, , plastics; cartons and paper EFFECTS OF LAND POLLUTION 1. Erosion, siltation and flooding Principal sources of land erosion are construction of new subdivisions, highways and other developments.

The soils doesn't only become unproductive, but it also affects the economic conditions of the place. 2. Perils on people's health Rotting garbage, besides fouling the air, is also a threat to people's health... 3. Proliferation of disease bearing animals. (rats, flies) CONTROL OF LAND POLLUTION 1.

Reduce the wastes we generate 2. Reuse plastic and glass products 3. Recycle whatever is recyclable. Segregate wastes between wet and dry, organic and inorganic wastes. 4. Composting.

Another way too minimize accumulation of garbage is by means of composting. It is a natural process where organic materials like leaves, grass, peanut shells are decomposed by microorganisms into nutrient rich soil called humus. Nutrients are returned back to soil. 5. Waste to energy - Trash is brought to the plant where it is either burned as received or manipulated into a more uniform fuel to be burned to generate steam or electricity. 6.

Self discipline. AIR POLLUTION SOURCES: 1. Ozone (O 3) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of heat and sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the earth or at ground level and can be "good" or "bad", depending on its location in the atmosphere. "Good" ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface and forms a layer that protects life on earth from the sun's harmful rays.

In the earth's lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is considered "bad". VOC + NOx + Heat + Sunlight = Ozone Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC, that help to form ozone. Sunlight and hot weather cause ground-level ozone to form in harmful concentrations in the air. As a result, it is known as a summertime air pollutant. Many urban areas tend to have high levels of "bad" ozone, but even rural areas are also subject to increased ozone levels because wind carries ozone and pollutants that form it hundreds of miles away from their original sources.

Ground-level ozone even at low levels can adversely affect everyone. It can also have detrimental effects on plants and ecosystems. Health Problems. Ozone can irritate lung airways and cause inflammation much like a sunburn.

Other symptoms include wheezing, coughing, pain when taking a deep breath, and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities. People with respiratory problems are most vulnerable, but even healthy people that are active outdoors can be affected when ozone levels are high... Repeated exposure to ozone pollution for several months may cause permanent lung damage. Anyone who spends time outdoors in the summer is at risk, particularly children and other people who are active outdoors...

Even at very low levels, ground-level ozone triggers a variety of health problems including aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. Plant and Ecosystem Damage. Ground-level ozone interferes with the ability of plants to produce and store food, which makes them more susceptible to disease, insects, other pollutants, and harsh weather... Ozone damages the leaves of trees and other plants, ruining the appearance of cities, national parks, and recreation areas...

Ozone reduces crop and forest yields and increases plant vulnerability to disease, pests, and harsh weather. 2. Particulate matter, or PM is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Particles can be suspended in the air for long periods of time.

Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke. Others are so small that individually they can only be detected with an electron microscope. Some particles are directly emitted into the air. They come from a variety of sources such as cars, trucks, buses, factories, construction sites, tilled fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and burning of wood.

Other particles may be formed in the air from the chemical change of gases. They are indirectly formed when gases from burning fuels react with sunlight and water vapor. These can result from fuel combustion in motor vehicles, at power plants, and in other industrial processes. Health effects. Many scientific studies have linked breathing PM to a series of significant health problems, including: . aggravated asthma. increases in respiratory symptoms like coughing and difficult or painful breathing. chronic bronchitis. decreased lung function. premature death Visibility impairment. PM is the major cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States, including many of our national parks.

Atmospheric deposition. Particles can be carried over long distances by wind and then settle on ground or water. The effects of this settling include: . making lakes and streams acidic. changing the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins. depleting the nutrients in soil. damaging sensitive forests and farm crops. affecting the diversity of ecosystems Aesthetic damage. Soot, a type of PM, stains and damages stone and other materials, including culturally important objects such as monuments and statues. 3. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that is formed when carbon in fuel is not burned completely.

It is a component of motor vehicle exhaust, which contributes about 56 percent of all CO emissions nationwide. Other non-road engines and vehicles (such as construction equipment and boats) contribute about 22 percent of all CO emissions nationwide. Higher levels of CO generally occur in areas with heavy traffic congestion. In cities, 85 to 95 percent of all CO emissions may come from motor vehicle exhaust. Other sources of CO emissions include industrial processes (such as metals processing and chemical manufacturing), residential wood burning, and natural sources such as forest fires. Wood stoves, gas stoves, cigarette smoke, and un vented gas and kerosene space heaters are sources of CO indoors.

The highest levels of CO in the outside air typically occur during the colder months of the year when inversion conditions are more frequent. The air pollution becomes trapped near the ground beneath a layer of warm air. Carbon monoxide can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body's organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues... Cardiovascular Effects. The health threat from lower levels of CO is most serious for those who suffer from heart disease, like angina, clogged arteries, or congestive heart failure. For a person with heart disease, a single exposure to CO at low levels may cause chest pain and reduce that person's ability to exercise; repeated exposures may contribute to other cardiovascular effects...

Central Nervous System Effects. Even healthy people can be affected by high levels of CO. People who breathe high levels of CO can develop vision problems, reduced ability to work or learn, reduced manual dexterity, and difficulty performing complex tasks. At extremely high levels, CO is poisonous and can cause death... Smog. CO contributes to the formation of smog ground-level ozone, which can trigger serious respiratory problems.

Nitrogen oxides, or NOx, is the generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. Many of the nitrogen oxides are colorless and odorless. However, one common pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) along with particles in the air can often be seen as a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas. Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, as in a combustion process. The primary sources of NOx are motor vehicles, electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels. NOx causes a wide variety of health and environmental impacts because of various compounds and derivatives in the family of nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid, nitrous oxide, nitrates, and nitric oxide...

Ground-Level Ozone (Smog) - is formed when NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and people who work or exercise outside are susceptible to adverse effects such as damage to lung tissue and reduction in lung function. Ozone can be transported by wind currents and cause health impacts far from original sources. Millions of Americans live in areas that do not meet the health standards for ozone. Other impacts from ozone include damaged vegetation and reduced crop yields... Acid Rain - NOx and sulfur dioxide react with other substances in the air to form acids which fall to earth as rain, fog, snow or dry particles.

Some may be carried by wind for hundreds of miles. Acid rain damages; causes deterioration of cars, buildings and historical monuments; and causes lakes and streams to become acidic and unsuitable for many fish... Particles -NOx reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form nitric acid and related particles. Human health concerns include effects on breathing and the respiratory system, damage to lung tissue, and premature death. Small particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease such as emphysema and bronchitis, and aggravate existing heart disease... Water Quality Deterioration Increased nitrogen loading in water bodies, particularly coastal estuaries, upsets the chemical balance of nutrients used by aquatic plants and animals.

Additional nitrogen accelerates "eutrophication", which leads to oxygen depletion and reduces fish and shellfish populations. NOx emissions in the air are one of the largest sources of nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay... Global Warming One member of the NOx, nitrous oxide, is a greenhouse gas. It accumulates in the atmosphere with other greenhouse gasses causing a gradual rise in the earth's temperature. This will lead to increased risks to human health, a rise in the sea level, and other adverse changes to plant and animal habitat... Toxic Chemicals - In the air, NOx reacts readily with common organic chemicals and even ozone, to form a wide variety of toxic products, some of which may cause biological mutations.

Examples of these chemicals include the nitrate radical, nitroarenes, and nitrosamine's... Visibility Impairment Nitrate particles and nitrogen dioxide can block the transmission of light, reducing visibility in urban areas and on a regional scale in our national parks. 4. Lead is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products. The major sources of lead emissions have historically been motor vehicles (such as cars and trucks) and industrial sources. Due to the phase out of leaded gasoline, metals processing is the major source of lead emissions to the air today.

The highest levels of lead in air are generally found near lead smelters. Other stationary sources are waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturers. People, animals, and fish are mainly exposed to lead by breathing and ingesting it in food, water, soil, or dust. Lead accumulates in the blood, bones, muscles, and fat. Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead.

Damages organs - Lead causes damage to the kidneys, liver, brain and nerves, and other organs. Exposure to lead may also lead to osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and reproductive disorders. Affects the brain and nerves - Excessive exposure to lead causes seizures, mental retardation, behavioral disorders, memory problems, and mood changes. Low levels of lead damage the brain and nerves in fetuses and young children, resulting in learning deficits and lowered IQ. Affects the heart and blood - Lead exposure causes high blood pressure and increases heart disease, especially in men. Lead exposure may also lead to anemia, or weak blood Affects animals and plants - Wild and domestic animals can ingest lead while grazing.

They experience the same kind of effects as people who are exposed to lead. Low concentrations of lead can slow down vegetation growth near industrial facilities. Affects fish - Lead can enter water systems through runoff and from sewage and industrial waste streams. Elevated levels of lead in the water can cause reproductive damage in some aquatic life and cause blood and neurological changes in fish and other animals that live there.

HEALTH RELATED PROBLEMS CAUSED BY USE / MISUSE OF TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS.