The Pollution Problem
Roberto Bererra
1Unfortunately, pollution is like air: it’s everywhere! Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment that can cause damage and harm to humans, animals, and the environment. It takes on a number of different forms, from chemicals and garbage to something as seemingly innocent as light or noise.
2Pollution comes from a variety of sources. In addition, it alters, changes, and even destroys a variety of places. For example, exhaust from cars pollutes the air. When it rains, runoff from fertilizers and pesticides, which farmers use to help crops grow, can pollute the water in oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams. Garbage dumped in landfills is not only an eyesore, but also a source of harmful gases that can damage the earth’s atmosphere. Light pollution, which comes in the form of bright streetlights or signs, disrupts the view of the night sky. Noise pollution caused by cars, trucks, and machines interrupts the natural sounds of the world around us, such as birds singing or leaves rustling.
3The types of pollution and their effects vary greatly. At the same time, however, they are related; each type of pollution affects the other types. An example of the connection between different types of pollution is acid rain. Acid rain is caused mostly by sulfur or nitrogen emissions given off by sources such as car exhaust and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal. These harmful chemicals rise into the atmosphere where they react with other compounds and then fall as an acidic form of rain, sleet, or snow. Acid rain damages plants and buildings, contaminates soil and water, and has a negative effect on animals, fish, and even humans.
4Pollution has other effects, too. Breathing toxic air or drinking polluted water can cause humans and animals to develop health problems that can be serious and sometimes deadly. The deaths of too many members of a certain species of animal can upset the local ecosystem, or the area in which they live. As a result, weather patterns and climates can also change.
5Though pollution is everywhere, there are ways to help prevent it. By walking or riding bikes—instead of driving cars—people can help decrease air pollution. People can also buy and eat organic foods to support farmers that do not use fertilizers on their crops. It is also a good idea to take old things that people intend to throw away and find new ways to use them. A great way to help the environment is to recycle. Save items like used paper, glass and plastic bottles, and metal cans. Then, take them to a recycling center where they can be turned into new products to be used again. Some cities and towns even have recycling programs in place so all you have to do is leave your recyclable items on the curb on a certain day each week. It doesn’t get much easier to help the environment and reduce pollution than that!
Question
Why are the fertilizers used by farmers bad for the environment?
Responses
A They take up space in unsightly landfills.They take up space in unsightly landfills.
B They cause crops to grow and overtake land.They cause crops to grow and overtake land.
C They enter into the water supply when it rains.They enter into the water supply when it rains.
D They can release harmful chemicals into the air.They can release harmful chemicals into the air.