Introduction
Pollution can be defined as the introduction of contaminants into the environment which can cause environmental imbalances, instability and harm to living organisms. There are many forms of pollution. These include air, water, and noise pollution among others (Lalitkhungar, n.d, P.1). The individuals or organizations that cause pollution are referred to as polluters. My task here is to discuss the top five polluters and chemicals released in my county. These top five polluters are farmers, electrical power plants, mining industry, smelters and mills. On the other hand the top five chemicals released in the United States are; Chlorine, Methanol, Chloromethane, Chloroform, and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (Score land, nd, p.1).
Top five polluters and chemicals released into the environment in my county
A polluter is a person or an organization that causes pollution in the environment. In the United States, there are many polluters. These include farmers, electrical power plants, mining industry smelters, and mills (Score land, nd,p.1). The polluters pollute the environment in many different ways. For instance, farmers pollute the environment through the use of chemicals and fertilizers in their farms. Consequently, these chemicals and fertilizers leach into underground water sources thereby posing a health risks to people. This occurs when people drink this contaminated water. When people drink contaminated water, they may get diseases like dysentery and typhoid. Other health problems that arise as a result of drinking this water include nausea, dizziness, nausea, skin rash among others. Additionally, when one is exposed to water with chemicals for long, they may get cancer, liver and kidney damage, destruction of immune system and birth defects. In addition, the livestock kept by these farmers release waste into the drinking water, this is when the waste released by these animals in the environment is carried by water to the water sources. Also, electrical power plants pollute the environment by releasing nitrogen and sulfur oxides that react with oxygen, water, and other chemicals into the air forming acids that occur as acid rain. This rain has very many negative effects in the environment and on its inhabitants. For example, the acid rain increases the rate at which buildings decay and cause acidification of lakes and streams among others. Moreover, mining industries produce a lot of noise and this noise may cause ear problems (Score land, n.d., p.1) Additionally, there is a lot of dust from these industries which can cause lung and eye complications in the community.
According to Score land (n.d., p.1) five of the most toxic chemicals released into the environment in my county include Chlorine, Methanol, Chloromethane, Chloroform, and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride are released into the atmosphere as a result of reacting chlorine and methanol. Chlorine is released from mercury emission and chloromethane and methanol are released into the atmosphere as gases from industries.
Examples of Superfund sites in my area
Superfund sites are the worst intoxicated places in the nation. In the United States, the National Priorities is organizing to clean about 1305 of them. They do this by locating the sites and then notifying EPA of the possible release of hazardous substance who then take the necessary steps. This is necessary, as it has been shown that about eleven million people live only 1 mile away from these sites. As a result, these people are at a high healthy risk of suffering from respiratory problems, lung and heart diseases. It is therefore important to take note these sites so as to reside far away from them. In my county which is Bergen County, and the state of New Jersey, whose Zip code is 07652, there are seven Superfund sites. They include 1- Carcio Scrap Metal. Inc(Saddle Brook Township), 2-Fair Lawn well field(Fair Lawn), 3- Maywood Chemical Corporation (Maywood and Rachelle Park), 4- Quanta resources(Edge Water)5- scientific chemical processing(Carlstadt), 6- Universal Oil Product(East Ruther Fold) and 7- Velsicol (Wood-Ridge Borough)(Score land, nd, p. 1).
Five ways in which I can take action to fight against pollution in my community
There are many ways in which I can take action in the fight against pollution. Firstly, I will communicate to the EPA about those who pollute the environment. I will do this by writing emails to them concerning those who pollute the environment should I see this transpire. Secondly, I am going to join an online discussion group where I will give my own views on what I think should be done to reduce pollution in my community. Thirdly, I will join the Score land in the fight against pollution. In this way, I will inform my friends through emails about the assessment reports released by Score land in addition to networking with social and environmental groups involved in the fight against pollution. Fourthly, I will look for learning materials that provide information on how I can locate superfund sites in my community. Finally, I will support the activities of Score land in their fight against pollution. I will achieve this through contributing money and raising awareness about the environment defense and volunteering to work with environmental groups that are present in my community.
Conclusion
Pollution is a serious problem in our society as it poses a lot of risks both to our planet earth and to us human beings. As a result, it is important to be aware of the pollutants and raise awareness in our society so that we can know how to reduce these effects (Lalitkhungar, nd, p.2). Pollution is as a result of the presence of landfills. The pollutants cause respiratory problems, lung and heart diseases among other health problems. In addition, they also affect plants and animals development including flora and fauna. In conclusion, when we know these pollutants we are going to have a peace of mind and ensure that the future generations have a place to live comfortably. Additionally, we are going to be in a position to reduce health problems of our members of society and also reduce industrial pollution (Score land, nd, p. 1)
Reference List
- Lalitkhungar. (nd).Types of pollution, pollution control and how to protect.
- Score land: Pollution information.