Types of Pollution

Air pollution is a current environmental issue.

By Melissa Mayntz
There are several types of pollution, and while they may come from different sources and
have different consequences, understanding the basics about pollution can help
environmentally conscious individuals minimize their contribution to these dangers. In total,
there are nine recognized sources of pollution in the modern world. These sources of
pollution don't simply have a negative impact on the natural world, but they can have a
measurable effect on the health of human beings as well.

Different Types of Pollution

Air Pollution
Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural
composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of particulate matter such as
dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors that cannot be effectively
removed through natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle or the nitrogen cycle.
Air pollution comes from a wide variety of sources. Some of the most excessive sources
include:

Vehicle or manufacturing exhaust

Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, dry soil erosion, and other natural sources

Building construction or demolition

Depending on the concentration of air pollutants, several effects can be noticed. Smog
increases, higher rain acidity, crop depletion from inadequate oxygen, and higher rates of
asthma. Many scientists believe that global warming is also related to increased air pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or
bacterial matter that degrades the water's quality and purity. Water pollution can occur in
oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, and as different water sources flow together
the pollution can spread.
Causes of water pollution include:

Increased sediment from soil erosion

Improper waste disposal and littering

Leaching of soil pollution into water supplies

Organic material decay in water supplies

The effects of water pollution include decreasing the quantity of drinkable water available,
lowering water supplies for crop irrigation, and impacting fish and wildlife populations that
require water of a certain purity for survival.

Soil Pollution
Soil, or land pollution, is contamination of the soil that prevents natural growth and balance
in the land whether it is used for cultivation, habitation, or a wildlife preserve. Some soil
pollution, such as the creation of landfills, is deliberate, while much more is accidental and
can have widespread effects.
Soil pollution sources include:

Hazardous waste and sewage spills

Non-sustainable farming practices, such as the heavy use of inorganic pesticides

Strip mining, deforestation, and other destructive practices

Household dumping and littering

Soil contamination can lead to poor growth and reduced crop yields, loss of wildlife habitat,
water and visual pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution refers to undesirable levels of noises caused by human activity that disrupt
the standard of living in the affected area. Noise pollution can come from:

Traffic
Airports

Railroads

Manufacturing plants

Construction or demolition

Concerts

Some noise pollution may be temporary while other sources are more permanent. Effects may
include hearing loss, wildlife disturbances, and a general degradation of lifestyle.

Radioactive Pollution
Radioactive pollution is rare but extremely detrimental, and even deadly, when it occurs.
Because of its intensity and the difficulty of reversing damage, there are strict government
regulations to control radioactive pollution.
Sources of radioactive contamination include:

Nuclear power plant accidents or leakage

Improper nuclear waste disposal

Uranium mining operations

Radiation pollution can cause birth defects, cancer, sterilization, and other health problems
for human and wildlife populations. It can also sterilize the soil and contribute to water and
air pollution.

Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution is excess heat that creates undesirable effects over long periods of time.
The earth has a natural thermal cycle, but excessive temperature increases can be considered
a rare type of pollution with long term effects. Many types of thermal pollution are confined
to areas near their source, but multiple sources can have wider impacts over a greater
geographic area.
Thermal pollution may be caused by:

Power plants
Urban sprawl

Air pollution particulates that trap heat

Deforestation

Loss of temperature moderating water supplies

As temperatures increase, mild climatic changes may be observed, and wildlife populations
may be unable to recover from swift changes.

Light Pollution

Light pollution is the over illumination of an area that is considered obtrusive. Sources
include:

Large cities
Billboards and advertising

Nighttime sporting events and other nighttime entertainment

Light pollution makes it impossible to see stars, therefore interfering with astronomical
observation and personal enjoyment. If it is near residential areas, light pollution can also
degrade the quality of life for residents.

Visual Pollution
Visual pollution - eyesores - can be caused by other pollution or just by undesirable,
unattractive views. It may lower the quality of life in certain areas, or could impact property
values and personal enjoyment.
Sources of visual pollution include:

Power lines

Construction areas

Billboards and advertising

Neglected areas or objects such as polluted vacant fields or abandoned buildings

While visual pollution has few immediate health or environmental effects, what's causing the
eyesore can have detrimental effects.

Personal Pollution

Personal pollution is the contamination of one's body and lifestyle with detrimental actions.
This may include:

Excessive smoking, drinking or drug abuse

Emotional or physical abuse

Poor living conditions and habits

Poor personal attitudes

In some cases, personal pollution may be inflicted by caregivers, while in other cases it is
caused by voluntary actions. Taking positive steps in your life can help eliminate this and
other sources of pollution so you can lead a more productive, satisfying life.