Pollute

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution.

Types of Pollution

There are several types of pollution, each with its own causes and effects on the environment and human health.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. The Clean Air Act authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health by regulating the emissions of these harmful air pollutants.

Water Pollution

Water pollution involves the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, oceans, lakes, and groundwater caused by human activities. It can be destructive to organisms and plants that live in these water bodies.

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is caused by the presence of man-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. This type of contamination typically arises from the rupture of underground storage tanks, application of pesticides, percolation of contaminated surface water to subsurface strata, oil and fuel dumping, leaching of wastes from landfills or direct discharge of industrial wastes to the soil.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is an unwanted or disturbing sound which can interfere with normal activities for humans and wildlife, such as sleeping, conversation, reproduction, communication, or disrupt or diminish one's quality of life.

Effects of Pollution

Pollution has a wide range of negative effects on the environment and human health. These include damage to natural ecosystems, adverse effects on human health, economic costs, and depletion of natural resources.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of pollution involves a variety of strategies, including legislation, economic incentives, and technological innovations. Many countries have enacted laws and regulations to limit pollution, and international treaties and agreements aim to control transboundary pollution.

See Also

• Environmentalism
• Sustainability
• Global warming
• Climate change