PHE 315: Pollution & Environmental Degradation

• Environmental Health and Public Health Laws, PHE 315 presented by Dr. Henry Aisagbonhi on November 2024 at Anchor University discusses Pollution and its Effects on Environmental Degradation

Introduction to Pollution

• Pollution is introducing contaminants into the natural environment causing adverse changes
• Contaminants, or pollutants, include chemical substances and energy forms, originating from natural and human activities
• Environmental pollution is a severe global issue due to its impact on health, ecosystems, and sustainability

Types of Pollution - Air Pollution

• Air pollution results from harmful substances in the atmosphere negatively affecting organisms and the environment
• Sources include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and household combustion devices, along with agricultural activities which include pesticides and methane from livestock, and natural events like volcanic eruptions and forest fires
• Pollutants consist of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ground-level ozone (O3)
• Health effects include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, premature death, and developmental problems in children
• Environmental impacts are acid rain, damage to crops, reduced biodiversity, and contributions to global warming via the greenhouse effect

Types of Pollution - Water Pollution

• Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies due to the discharge of harmful substances
• Sources of water pollution include industrial waste, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), untreated sewage, and oil spills
• Pollutants include heavy metals (mercury, lead), nutrients (nitrates, phosphates), microorganisms (bacteria, viruses), and plastics and microplastics
• Health effects include waterborne diseases, poisoning from heavy metals, hormonal system disruptions, and cancer risks from long-term exposure
• Environmental impacts include eutrophication, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of the food chain

Types of Pollution - Soil Pollution

• Soil pollution is from toxic chemicals negatively affecting plants, animals, and humans
• Sources include industrial waste disposal and pesticide and fertilizer overuse, along with mining activities and illegal dumping of hazardous waste
• Pollutants include heavy metals (cadmium, arsenic), pesticides, and hydrocarbons
• Health effects include bioaccumulation of toxic substances leading to cancers, birth defects, and developmental problems
• Environmental impacts include soil infertility, disrupted microbial communities, reduced plant growth, and groundwater contamination

Types of Pollution - Noise Pollution

• Noise pollution is unwanted or harmful sound negatively affecting human health and the environment
• Sources include transportation vehicles, industrial operations, urban development and construction, and social activities
• Health effects include hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases
• Environmental effects include disruption of wildlife communication, reproduction, navigation, migration pattern changes, and biodiversity loss

Types of Pollution - Light Pollution

• Light pollution is excessive or misdirected artificial light disrupting natural cycles and organisms
• Sources include streetlights, outdoor advertising, and residential lighting
• Health effects include disrupted circadian rhythms, increased risks of chronic health issues like insomnia, depression, and heart disease
• Environmental effects include confusion of nocturnal animals, plant growth interference, and adverse impacts on astronomical observations

Environmental Degradation Due to Pollution

• Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through resource depletion, ecosystem destruction, and wildlife extinction
• Pollution heavily contributes to degradation, leading to long-term adverse effects on the planet's ability to sustain life

Environmental Degradation Due to Pollution - Key Areas of Degradation

• Pollution leads to habitat destruction and species extinction
• Contaminants in water, air, and soil directly or indirectly affect wildlife
• Air pollution contributes to global warming via greenhouse gases, results in climate change, extreme weather, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels
• Soil pollution and deforestation lead to land degradation, fertile topsoil loss, and desertification, reducing land productivity
• Water pollution contributes to the depletion of clean, safe drinking water and is combined with water body contamination, leading to a global water crisis

Public Health Implications of Pollution

• Long-term exposure to pollutants contributes to respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer
• Marginalized populations live in areas with higher exposure to pollution, exacerbating health inequalities
• Treating diseases brought on by pollution puts a strain on healthcare systems
• Pollution can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and long-term health problems in children

Mitigation and Control Strategies

• Policy interventions will enforce environmental regulations such as those in the Clean Air and Water Acts
• Global agreements should promote sustainable development practices like renewable energy and organic farming
• Public health education can raise awareness about the dangers of pollution and encourage eco-friendly practices
• Technological innovations would advance air and water filtration systems and promote environmentally friendly industrial processes and materials

Conclusion

• Pollution drives environmental degradation and poses risks to public health and ecosystems
• Addressing pollution requires multi-faceted approaches involving policy, innovation, education, and global cooperation
• Sustainable development and effective environmental regulation mitigate effects and promote a healthier planet

Assignment Questions

• What is pollution, and what are its main types?
• How does air pollution affect human health and the environment?
• What are the sources and effects of water pollution?
• What is soil pollution, and how does it impact human health and the environment?
• How can pollution be mitigated and controlled?

Assignment Due Date

• Assignments are due Friday, Nov. 15th, 2024, at 4 PM

Dr. Henry Aisagbonhi's lecture on Pollution and its Effects on Environmental Degradation, part of PHE 315 at Anchor University, introduces pollution as contaminants introduced into the environment, detailing the various types of pollution with Air pollution, its sources, pollutants.