Air Pollution Affects Our Environment - 963 Words

ronment? Air pollution affects our environment because it causes health problems, negatively affects the economy, and causes drastic weather changes. Air pollution is one of the world s biggest killers. It is made up of gases that are released into the air in large quantities. These gases are capable of harming humans, animals, plants, and our climate. Approximately two million people die prematurely from air pollution each year. For every person that dies, hundreds or thousands more suffer breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and cancers (World Health Organization). â€Å"The rom growing properly. Large amounts of carbon dioxide in the air leads to smog which can restrict sunlight from reaching the earth. This can cause harm to†¦show more content†¦In addition to our food supply being in danger, health care costs are on the rise.†The health costs of human exposure to outdoor air pollutants range from 40-50 billion dollars a year†(Leonardo Academy). Th ere are almost 2 million emergency room visits a year, for asthma, that is caused by air pollution. â€Å"Employers lose 14,000 work days every year when asthma keeps adults out of the workplace†(Natural Resource Defense Council). The number of hospital visits has increased due to the many health effects of pollution costing billions of dollars to the public and government. â€Å"The Federal government and private companies have spent $31 billion dollars on air pollution clean-up†(Crandall, Robert). â€Å"Steps are being taken to reduce sulfur and nitrogen emissions. Many governments are now requiring energy producers to clean smoke stacks by using scrubbers that trap pollutants before they are released into the air† (Briney, Amanda). Companies are selling electric cars to help cut down on pollution caused from the gas used in standard cars. The EPA has put laws into effect for major industrial companies,Power plants are required to cut emissions that cause aci d rain. More farmers are growing food organically in order to decrease the use of pesticides. Families and companies are recycling. â€Å"The Clean Air Act continues to cut pollution and protect the health of American families and workers†(Climate Change and Air Quality).