Land Pollution and Waste Reduction

Land Pollution

• Municipal solid waste is any waste including garbage, refuse, industrial, and commercial waste.
• Biodegradability is the ability of a substance to be broken down by microorganisms.
• Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
• E-waste consists of discarded electronic devices.
• Hazardous waste poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.
• Hazardous wastes can be nuclear, biological, or chemical in nature.

Solid Waste Reduction

• Choose products with less packaging
• Use products made of recycled paper or recyclable products
• Advocate for bottle-free lifestyles
• Avoid using plastic wrap, foam, or paper cups
• Use reusable containers, with glass best for microwave use.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Do not throw away electronic items
• Start a compost pile.
• Stop junk mail.

Air Pollution

• Air pollution weakens the protective ozone layer.
• The build-up of gases in the air increases the risk of cancer and respiratory illnesses.
• Air pollution contributes to global warming.
• Examples of air pollution include photochemical smog, thinning of the ozone layer, acid precipitation, and the greenhouse effect.
• Hydrocarbons are a product of fuel combustion.
• Nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight produce ozone.
• Ground-level ozone is an irritant and the primary component of smog.
• Air pollution is linked to respiratory illness such as asthma.
• Particulate matter includes ash, smoke, pollen, and dust.
• Particulate matter is linked to respiratory damage, asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
• Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and very poisonous gas.
• 80 ppm of carbon monoxide can reduce the body's O₂ by 15%.
• High levels of carbon monoxide are linked to headaches, impaired visual perception and dexterity, increased risk of CVD, and death.
• Sulfur oxides are the main cause of acid rain.
• Sulfur oxides are produced by the combustion of oil and other fuels.
• Sulfur oxides are linked to lung and cardiovascular diseases.
• Nitrogen oxides are a component of acid rain and a precursor for ozone.
• Nitrogen oxides are produced by engine exhaust.
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) destroy the ozone layer.
• CFCs are found in coolants, foaming agents, propellants, and solvents.
• Environmental tobacco smoke is a source of indoor air pollution.
• Other sources of indoor air pollution include photocopiers, fax machines, computers, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, asbestos, lead, mercury, and biological pollutants.
• Indoor air pollution may contribute to "Sick Building Syndrome".
• "Sick Building Syndrome" is characterized by headache, fatigue, and decreased work productivity.
• Asthma in children is particularly prevalent in Canada during the winter due to indoor air pollution and mould.

Air Quality

• The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) indicates whether air pollution levels pose a health concern.
• The AQHI provides health recommendations for at-risk individuals and the general public.

Reducing Air Pollution

• Reduce driving by choosing cars with good gas mileage.
• Keep cars tuned up and tires properly inflated.
• Turn off car engines when stopped for more than a minute.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances and replace incandescent bulbs.
• Keep homes well insulated, plant trees, and properly dispose of ozone-depleting appliances.
• Keep houses well ventilated and do not smoke.
• Clean and inspect chimneys, furnaces, and other appliances.

Water Pollution

• Sources of water pollution include water delivery systems, domestic wastes, industrial wastes, agricultural wastes, pharmaceutical chemicals, nanoplastics, and biological contaminants.
• Most water in Canada is purified in water-treatment plants.
• Some indigenous communities in remote areas don't have access to safe drinking water in Canada.
• Some regions experience water shortages in the summer months.
• 2.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.
• 4.5 billion lack access to basic sanitation.

Protecting the Water Supply

• Take showers instead of baths, install sink faucet aerators and water-efficient showerheads.
• Use water-saver toilets and fix leaky faucets.
• Do not pour toxic material or old medicines down the drain.
• Avoid products with micro abrasives.
• Dispose of waste properly.

Chemical Pollution

• Pesticides are sprayed, dusted, fogged, or dumped into the environment.
• Pesticides are linked to lung and bladder cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, chronic bronchitis, and nervous system disorders
• Biomagnification effects of pesticides.
• Asbestos was formerly used as building insulation.
• Asbestos particles cause respiratory damage.
• Lead was used in paints, but use is now banned.
• Lead can be found in plumbing, vehicle emissions, tobacco smoke, lead crystal, and lead pottery.
• Lead is linked to central nervous system damage, mental impairment, decreased oxygen transport, digestive problems, coma, and death.
• Mercury comes from coal-fueled power plants, mining, and smelting.
• Mercury can contaminate water sources and organisms.
• Mercury is a nervous system toxin that can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract, and is carcinogenic.
• PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are known carcinogens.
• PCBs are associated with birth defects and damage to the immune system.
• Trihalomethanes are synthetic chemicals that form when chlorine reacts with natural organic compounds in water.
• High doses of Trihalomethanes are associated with liver and kidney disorders, CNS problems, birth defects, and cancer.
• BPA (Bisphenol A) is found in polycarbonate plastics and may mimic oestrogen, which may be linked to increased cancers.

Radiation

• Medical uses of radiation involve X-ray exposure.
• X-ray exposure is cumulative, and no exposure is absolutely safe.
• Each generation of X-ray technology emits less radiation.
• Radiation sources in the home and workplace include radon, cellular phones, microwave ovens, computer monitors, and high-voltage power lines.
• Nuclear weapons and nuclear energy are radiation concerns.

Preventing Chemical Pollution

• Read labels of products before purchasing.
• Properly dispose of household products and pharmaceutical drugs.
• Buy organic produce, lock up pesticides, and use licensed exterminators.
• Only get X-rays when needed.
• Radon is usually only a concern in rocky/mountainous sites.

Noise Pollution

• Excessive noise in the workplace, sporting events, and rock concerts.
• Prolonged exposure to sounds greater than 80-85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Most hearing loss occurs within first 2 hours of exposure and may recover within two hours after.
• Continued or repeated exposure results in permanent damage.
• Wear ear protectors in noisy environments.
• Listen to music on headsets at a volume of 6 or below.
• Avoid loud music and exposure to painfully loud sounds (80+ decibels).

Light Pollution

• Light pollution occurs when too much artificial illumination enters the night sky and reflects off of water droplets and dust particles.
• Light pollution disrupts sleep, decreases production of melatonin, and may cause imbalance in circadian sleep patterns
• It may increase the risk of cancer and disrupt migratory flight paths of birds or other wildlife.
• Reduce light pollution by limiting computer use late at night, dimming light emitted from computers.
• Avoid long-term exposure to artificial light, consider your circadian rhythm, use full spectrum lighting, and turn off lights.

Environment and Health

• Set an example by living green, conserving resources, avoiding toxic materials, and being environmentally conscious.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
• Choose organic and biodegradable products.
• Compost, bring your own shopping bags, coffee cups, and utensils.
• Share car, bike, walk, use public transport.
• Dispose of chemicals properly, recycle batteries and old tires and support community outreach.
• Educate peers about the health implications of global ecological issues, and the links between ecosystem and human health.
• Monitor local ecosystems and human health, looking for evidence of the health effects of global or regional ecological crises.
• Advocate for human and ecosystem health by contacting elected representatives and communicating concerns.
• Advocate for environmentally healthy public policies, and for spending necessary to support education, research, and actions addressing the ecological crisis.
• Build networks and coalitions of environmental groups to address health implications of global ecological issues.