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Why is it a constant issue?
Everyday the average person inhales 20,000 liters of air
Air pollution can be both indoors and outdoors
Problem to both humans and natureAir pollution travels
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History of Air Pollution Control
13th Century London
Industrial revolution
1952 London
1948 Donora, Pennsylvania
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History (cont)
1963 Clean Air Act
1967 Air Quality Act
1970 Clean Air Act
1977 and 1990 Amendments
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Sources of Pollution
Business and industry used to be the main source of air pollution, but regulated and voluntary efforts have greatly reduced pollution from these sources.
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Air Pollutants
Aerosols, Asbestos, Carbon Monoxide, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Criteria Air Pollutants, Ground Level Ozone, Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Lead, Mercury, Methane, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM), Propellants, Radon, Refrigerants, Substitutes, Sulfur Oxides (SO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
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Government Policy on Clean Air
Clean Air Act of 1963
Amendments 1970 & 1990
Smaller acts
Larger acts
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LEED & the U.S. Green Building Council
Purpose of LEED
Impact on the environment
Benefits of “green” building
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Effects on Human Health
Short-term
Long-term
Some people are more sensitive than others to pollutants
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What is Acid Rain?
Rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions, especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, combine with water
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Effects to Property
Effects buildings, bridges, monuments, statues, and other similar structures
Acidic properties of air pollution corrode many building materials
Costs lots of money to repair
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Long Term Effects
Bowka StudyKrakow, PolandIndustrialized
Steel mills First Studied in 1960s Suburban Sprawl
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Acid Rain
Contaminates from the air can enter water sources in the form of Acid Rain
Alters the ph of the water Ecosystems are very sensitive
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Economy
Legislation and Technology shifts move slow
Industry has less regulation Demand Economics
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Individual Responsibility
Everyone breaths the air, therefore everyone is responsible
Conserve Energy Be mindful of where your energy
comes from
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Fixing the Problem
The Three Main Ways to Improve Air Quality
Education of the masses Beginning at an early age. Most people know very little about poor air quality, or
nothing at all. Consequences of daily actions.
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Fixing the Problem (cont)
The “What can I do?” aspect. Many people would like to help but don’t
know what to do. Simple ways to help improve air quality
Conserve energyRecyclingVolunteeringJoin a local group with a shared cause
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Fixing the Problem (cont)
Government Action *Global issue not a specific region International Organizations
Work together Advertising Re-asses current standards
U.S Government Enforcing current policies
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Fixing the Problem (cont)
Update standards *Need to focus on the primary goal and
less about who is liable
Research and Development Research sustainable development
Alternative resources Better filtering systems
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Fixing the Problem (cont)
Implement into modern production Transportation Industry
Waste management Compost piles
Design for new products