Brian Herr

1. Human health and The environment Brian Herr

2. Nature Breakers There are many things out there that try to “break” nature and our human health. These factors can be found in our air, water, and even some of the materials we use. These major pollutants include: • Ozone : This gas can be found near the ground (troposphere), and far away from the ground (stratosphere). • Carbon Monoxide : This gas comes from the burning of fossil fuels and it cannot be seen or smelled. • Nitrogen Dioxide : A reddish-brown gas that comes from burning fossil fuels. • Particulate Matter : Solid or liquid matter that is floating around the air. These particles are 0.1mm wide. • Lead : A blue-gray metal that is very toxic. • Greenhouse Gases : Gases that stay in the air for a long time and trap sunlight.

3. OZONE • Ozone is a gas that can be found in the air around us. • It can be inhaled into our lungs • It is very dangerous to our health and can cause a number of health problems : • Asthma • Sore throats • Respiratory diseases • Premature death • It is created when nitrogen oxides and VOC’s mix in sunlight. • Ozone can also hurt plants and crops

4. Carbon Monoxide • Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced as a by-product of combustion • It can be inhaled into our lungs • It inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs • After long exposure to high concentrations, it may cause: • Headache, tiredness, nausea, fatigue and dizziness • Unconsciousness and respiratory illnesses • At super high concentrations it will even cause death

5. Nitrogen Dioxide • Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish grown gas with an irritating odor. • It can be inhaled into our bodies • Most nitrous oxides come from the combustion in cars and industrial processes. • At high concentrations the air starts to look brown. People with bronchitis and asthma become more sensitive.

6. LEAD • Lead is found in all food • Lead is in the air due to industrial emissions • There is also leaded gasoline and paint • Exposure to lead may cause: • Vomiting and diarrhea • Abdominal pain and Fatigue • Sleeplessness • Comas or even Death

7. Greenhouse Gases • Greenhouse gases heat our earth by making a blanket of gas around the atmosphere, trapping the sunlight. • All of the above gases were in fact greenhouse gases (lead as an exception). • Greenhouse gases keep the Earth about 33 degrees warmer than it would be without the gases.

8. Exposure Reduction • Avoid exercising on days with high ozone levels and stay indoors on these days • Drive no more than necessary on hot days • Never use a fuel burning device in an enclosed space • Don’t heat your car in the garage • Do not heat or burn paint • Use shade wisely to prevent UV exposure • Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlors

9. PEOPLE VS. VULNERABILITY • People who live in metropolitan areas • Unborn babies • Seniors • Most vulnerable to smog - condensed air pollution - industries • More vulnerable because of their size, immature organs and lack of knowledge • They contain a lifetime of environmental contaminants so they are more sensitive to contaminants

10. What are "They" doing? • “They”, as in the government, have been doing more than they’ve been given credit for involving the environment. • For example Environment Canada is the department responsible for coordinating environmental policies such as the preservation of : • The natural environment: water, air and soil • Renewable resources including migratory birds • Also a task force has been set up in Southern Ontario to help protect the very little clean air they have left.