AIR POLLUTION

Introduction to STS

Science Technology and Society is the subject that teach us about how science is used in everyday live. It is all about to educate the society what is the advantage and disadvantages of technology to society. Besides from that, this subject is also about to understand nature.

2. Indoor

1. Outdoor pollution Can best define as the release of air pollution into an open air.

pollution The release of pollution into the close air such as workplace, school, room, house and etc. The pollutant is higher concentration that outdoor air pollution.

Sources of Air Pollution (Malaysia)

5% 9%

1% 3% 0%

Column1
Motor Vehicles Power Station Industrial Fuel Burning Industrial Production Processes Domestic & Chemical Furnace Open Burning

82%

Pollutant Substance Included

Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide Lead Oxides of nitrogen
Fine particulate matter

Sulphur dioxide

Example of Air Pollution

Among the examples of air pollution are:Combustion of Coal: Combustion of coal need special precaution (can have fatal effects and may lead to death if poisonous gases accumulate) Exhaust Gases of Vehicles: Pollution from exhaust gases of vehicles is responsible for 60% of all air pollution (80% in the cities) Numbers of harmful chemicals present in these gases (lead - most dangerous)

Tobacco Smoke: Major forms of indoor pollution (strong connection between smoking & lung cancer) Bronchitis is common among smokers Acid rain: Sulfur & nitrogen dioxides + atmospheric moisture to produce highly acidic rain, snow or fog Acid rain pollutes water sources, corrode into the stone, brick and metal

Short-term Effects of Air Pollution

Eye, nose and irritation Allergic Reaction Bronchitis and pneumonia Caused by: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) Caused by: Ozone

Caused by: Smog, ozone, NO2, SO3.

Smog ->coughing, sneezing, eye watering, burning NO2 ->irritate lungs and throat. SO2 ->wheezing,short breath, tightening chest.

Burned wood and coal, grilling food and vehicle emission

Acts as a trigger to inflame already existing allergic reactions

LONG TERM EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTION

SOURCE

chronic respiratory disease

heart disease

combustion of solid fuels for cooking and space heating

HEALTH

lung cancer damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys.

smoking cigarettes

indoor smoke from solid fuels

die prematurely

smoking cigarettes

Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and complicate medical conditions in the elderly

Air pollutants can also indirectly affect human health through

can contaminate or kill plants, which in turn may be ingested by wildlife

acid rain

leaching into soils can alter the pH levels, making life unsustainable

can contaminate or kill plants, which in turn may be ingested by wildlife.

changes in acidity in water resources can cause fish kill

Air pollution has unhealthy effects on people, animals and plant-life across the globe

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Legislation & Mandate Ambient Air Quality Standards
Management of Mobile Sources

Management of Area Sources Management of Stationary Sources

Public & Government Participation

How can you help?

Outdoor
Use hybrid car

Indoor
Use low toxicity material Keep indoor spaces wellventilated

Practice carpool

Reference
Brennan, S. & Withgott, J. (2008). Environment: The science behind the stories (3rd Edition). Glenview, IL : Pearson Education, Inc.

Miller & Spoolman. (2010). Environmental Science (13th Edition). Belmont, CA : Brooks/Cole

Air pollution Frequently Asked Question .Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.lenntech.com/faq-air-pollution.htm Effects of Acid Rain .Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/thomas.wolosz/acid_ rain.htm

How can air pollution hurt my health. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/Frames/pollutionhealth-effects-f.html

Objective questions
1. What do you understand about STS? a) One of the biology subject b) The compulsory subject need to be taken to be a doctor. c) The subject that teach society about advantage and disadvantages of technology.

2. What is indoor and outdoor air pollution? a) Type of food and drink. b) The pollution that occur at the open and close air. c) The release of air pollution into an open and close air.

3. What are the formula of acid rain? a. Sulfur + CO3 + atmospheric moisture b. Sulfur + lead + NO2 c. Lead + radon + atmospheric moisture d. Sulfur + NO2 + atmospheric moisture

4. There is a number of chemical present in the exhaust gases of vehicles. Which is the most harmful? a. CO3 b. NO2 c. Lead d. CFC

5. Who is the main culprit that triggers the allergic reactions? a. Ozone b. SO2 c. NO2

6. What is the chemical substance that lead to bronchitis? a. PAHS b. CO c. Ozone

7. Which is the main cause of lung cancer ? a) sulphur-containing fuels b) Indoor air pollution c) Hazardous waste in home d) Combustion of solid fuels for cooking

8. Acid rain's effects include as below, which one is not? a) Harming fish and other organisms living in lakes and streams b) Damaging to materials like those found in statues and buildings c) Damaging human health d) Increase the nutrient on soil for plant growth

9. Everyone is affected by the quality of our air. Which people in particular are likely to become sick from air pollution? a. Eldery people b. Asthmatic people c. People with respiratory disease d. All of the above

10. In 1974, a basic framework for environmental management is set up. What is the name of the framework? a. Environmental Law of Malaysia b. Environmental Framework of Malaysia c. Environmental Quality Act of Malaysia d. Environmental Legislation of Malaysia

Structure question
1. Name 3 common sources of air pollution in Malaysia. For each, describe one way to reduce the source of pollutant.