Pollution.

Essay by kamisCollege, UndergraduateA-, September 2003

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Pollution has been defined as the addition of any substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate faster than the environment can accommodate dispersion, breakdown, recycling or storage in some harmless form. In simpler terms, pollution means the poisoning of the environment by Man.

Pollution has accompanied mankind ever since groups of people settled down in one place for a long time. It was not a serious problem during primitive times when there was more than ample space available for each individual or group. As the human population boomed, pollution became a major problem and has remained one ever since. Cities of ancient times were often unhealthy places, fouled by human wastes and debris. Such unsanitary conditions favoured the outbreak of diseases that killed or maimed many people living in those times.

The rapid advancement of technology and industrialization today is something that Man can be proud of .

However, it has brought along with it many undesirable results, one of which is the pollution of our environment. Humanity today is threatened by the dangers of air, water, land and noise pollution.

The air that we breathe is heavily polluted with toxic gases, chemicals and dusts. These consists of the discharge from industrial factories and motor vehicles. The emission of tetraethyl lead and carbon monoxide from exhaust fumes is a major cause for concern too. Outdoor burning of trash and forest fires have also contributed to air pollution They cause the smarting of the eyes , bouts of coughing and respiratory problems . Owing to the burning of fossil fuels, the level of carbon dioxide will cause the Earth's temperature to rise. The heat will melt the polar caps, thus raising the sea level and causing massive flood around the world The burning of fuels also produces...