Please check my answers.
29. In two or three well-developed paragraphs, explain how pollutin can come from both natural sources and from human activities. Provide examples of each.
It is true that pollution can come from both natural sources and from human activities. Although we believe that pollution is entirely caused by people, there are some pollutants that occur naturally in the environment. These pollutants usually become hazardous to health when they are concentrated above their normal levels in the environment. For example, in some areas the radioactive gas radon may seep into buildings, where it becomes concentrated. Since it is an odorless gas, people may unknowingly breathe it in. This particular gas causes thousands and thousands of cancer deaths every year in the U.S. Dust, soot, and other particulates are the most common pollutants from natural sources. Particulates are particles in the air that are small enough to breathe into the lungs. They can cause conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Another important type of pollution from natural sources are heavy metals. These include the elements arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and they occur naturally in rocks and soil. Most of these heavy metals can cause nerve damage when they are ingested beyond their threshold dose.
On the other hand, there is pollution caused from human activities. Human activities release thousands of types of chemicals into the environment, but we know little about them and their health effects. Although, there have been recent improvements to help prevent pollution from human activities. In the U.S., most vehicles and factories now have pollution-control devices. Despite all of these preventions, air pollution is still a major health problem. Burning fuels in vehicles, home furnaces, power plants, and factories introduces large amounts of pollutants into the air. These pollutants can include carbon monoxide and many different kinds of particulates. Many premature deaths are also a result of gasoline and coal burning. We are also exposed to industrial chemicals every day. Often, these chemicals can become toxic and dangerous for health. Lastly, much of the pollution in our environment is a result of inadequate waste disposal. Wastewater from cities can carry oil and dozens of toxic chemicals into our waterways, and waste incineration plants can emit toxic products into the air. Even though many methods of disposing waste have improved, problems remain.
Your answer is quite comprehensive and covers both natural and human sources of pollution. However, to check your answers, I suggest breaking down your response into two separate paragraphs, each discussing either natural or human sources of pollution. Here's an example of how it should be organized:
Paragraph 1: Natural Sources of Pollution
It is true that pollution can come from natural sources, not just human activities. Certain pollutants occur naturally in the environment and can become hazardous to health when concentrated above normal levels. For example, radon, a radioactive gas, can seep into buildings in some areas, leading to potential health risks. Dust, soot, and other particulates are also common pollutants from natural sources, which can cause conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Additionally, heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, which occur naturally in rocks and soil, can pose a significant risk to human health when ingested beyond safe levels.
Paragraph 2: Human Activities and Pollution
Human activities are another significant source of pollution. Thousands of different chemicals are released into the environment through various human activities, and their health effects are not fully understood. Although pollution-control devices have been implemented in vehicles and factories, air pollution remains a major health problem. Burning fuels in vehicles, home furnaces, power plants, and factories emits pollutants such as carbon monoxide and various particulates, contributing to premature deaths. Additionally, exposure to industrial chemicals on a daily basis can lead to toxicity and pose risks to human health. Inadequate waste disposal is also a considerable source of pollution, as wastewater from cities can carry oil and toxic chemicals into waterways, while waste incineration plants can emit toxic byproducts into the air.
By organizing your answer in this manner, you can easily check your responses for accuracy and ensure that your explanation is well-structured and coherent.