POLLUTION

Effects of pollution

[Name of the Institute]

Effects of pollution

Introduction

With the passage of time the industrial world has enhanced to a great extent. This is an advantage for the people all over the world, since; it brings great comfort in the living. However, with every advantage, science brings to us, great disadvantages also escort it. The main and the major disadvantage of science developments bring along is pollution. It is a hazardous drawback that can harm humans, or even in some cases be risky enough to snatch away lives. The release of unwanted products of industrial production that humiliate the quality of the natural or social environment known as pollution. This release can be to air, water and soil, but noise pollution, light pollution, visual pollution and radioactivity can also be distinguished. Pollution can cause cancer, allergies and all forms of asthma, among other things. Pollution as a problem came to the forefront mainly in the late 19th and 20th centuries (Harrison 2001, pp. 63-78). Pollution is as old as humanity though. Human activity will always have resulted in some waste that got left behind or dumped in rivers and other water resources. Increasing populations and the industrial revolution with its large-scale industrial processes resulted in much more intensified impacts.

Initially, pollution got seen mainly in the context of hindrance, i.e. odour, dust and litter. However, during the 1960s the effects of pollution on the biosphere and ecosystems became the centre of attention. An important publication in this respect is Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' in 1962 that focused attention on the environmental consequences of the use of pesticides. The realisation of the immense and often irreversible effects of pollution has led to an enormous growth in environmental regulations. Already in the 19th century several countries issued Clean Air Acts and Hindrance Acts. Since the second half of the 20th century, specific legislation has also been developed for water pollution, soil protection, noise control, waste management and other environmental impacts. Most of the legislation got based on direct regulation, i.e. permits.

A central principle underlying regulations is the polluter pays principle: the polluter should bear the corresponding expenses. Industry is, therefore, heavily involved in pollution control. Initially, pollution control generally meant trying to stop the release of pollution, for instance by installing a filter that captures the toxic substances. As such approaches often end up in additional pollution, for instances dirty filters, and regulations have become more stringent over the years, companies have started to work on cleaner production, i.e. production that causes less pollution.

Environmental issues due to pollution

Pollution causes a lot of health issues. It can cause lung cancer, which is very dangerous for any human being. Apart from lung cancer, the development of mind also gets retarded. It is because of the lead in the pollution, which affects the health. Environmental problems have manifested most directly in the form of pollution. Evidence of environmental destruction got seen in the form of air, water, and land pollution that has a direct impact on the ...