Environmental pollution: Air pollution

Introduction

According to the American Lung Association report, nearly half of the Americans reside in regions where pollution of air is extremely high. Even though the air is a lot cleaner than it was 10 years back, the report realized that the quality of air was worse between years 2010 and 2012. The top five communities, which have the worst pollution of air, are found in the state of California. Los Angeles state has the highest levels of ozone, whereas Fresno- Madera has the highest amount of particle pollution. Over 140 million U.S. residents reside regions with high ozone levels. In return, they are at high risk of air- borne conditions such as asthma, future cardiovascular issues, breathing difficulties and premature death (Roppolo, 2014).

The effects of air pollution the health of people and environment

Air pollution brings about health conditions such as asthma attacks, premature deaths, and cardiovascular diseases. According to EPA 2015 report, Detroit city, which is found in Michigan, had 161 days of dirty air, and this increased the risks of lung and heart diseases (Williams, 2014). The mercury pollution from industrial sources that is released into the air has contaminated the Great Lakes. Mercury poisoning can bring about seizures, mental retardation, and blindness. Air pollution is costly to families. An individual suffering from asthma may spend approximately $234 per visit. In the year 2010, there were 841 casualties who were suffering from coal- related asthma attacks, and 200,000 dollars was spent on treatment (Wyant and Synder, n.d).

                        Causes of air pollution

Michigan State has high levels of toxic air pollution, which are emitted from the coal power plants. In this regard, it is position seven on the list of states that have high levels of air pollution originating from toxic.  According to ‘Natural Resources Defense Council,’ coal power plants in the year 2009, produced over 15.5 million pounds of dangerous chemicals, which was 5% of the total amount of toxins produced by power plants in America. Burning of waste especially in Detroit has also contributed to the increased level of air pollution. Exhaust fumes from vehicles and the transfer of toxins from water to air are other sources of air pollution (CBS Detroit, 2012).

Ways to clean up and or prevent air pollution

Michigan State has endorsed comprehensive rules for controlling toxic air pollution. According to the rules, all the new industrial plants and the existing ones seeking to alter their facilities must acquire air permit. In response to the rules, the sources of air pollution are supposed to assess and utilize the best economically viable and technologically advanced controls of air pollution. The “federal Clean Air Act” has vital provisions meant to control the air contaminants. It also entails the regulation of 189 poisonous chemicals (Wyant and Synder, n.d).

References

CBS Detroit (2012, August 10). Michigan ranks 7 th worst state for toxic air pollution from power

plants. Retrieved from http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/08/10/michigan-ranks-7th-worst-

state-for-toxic-air-pollution-from-power-plants/

Roppolo, M. (2014, April 30). Air pollution dangerously high for almost half of U.S., report

finds. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/air-pollution-

dangerously-high-for-almost-half-of-us/

Williams, Rebecca. (2014, May 1). Michigan cities graded on air pollution. Retrieved from

http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-cities-graded-air-pollution

Wyant, D & Synder, R. (n.d.). Controlling toxic air pollution in Michigan. Retrieved from

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Air Quality Division:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-aqd-air-toxics-controlling-air-

pollution_274788_7.pdf