°°AiR POLLUTION °°

Group Members:Japhia BeckfordSanya MorrisonRashida Harrison

What is air pollution?According to Raven & Berg

(2001), “Air pollution refers to gases, liquids, or

solids present in the atmosphere in high

enough levels to harm humans and other

organisms”.

Pollutant Source (Cause) EffectsParticulate matter Industries, motor

vehiclesAggravates respiratory illnesses, long-term exposure may cause increased incidence of chronic conditions such as bronchitis

Sulphur oxides Electric power plants and other industries

Irritates respiratory tract; same effects as particulates

Nitrogen oxide Motor vehicles, industries heavily fertilized farmland

Irritate respiratory tract; aggravates respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis

Types, Sources, and Effects of Air Pollution

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Pollutant Source EffectsCarbon monoxide Motor vehicles,

industriesReduces blood’s ability to transport oxygen; headache and fatigue at lower levels, mental impairment or death at high levels

Ozone Formed in atmosphere(secondary air pollutant)

Irritates eyes, irritates respiratory tract, produces chest discomfort, aggravates respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis

Adopted from Raven & Berg (2004)

Jamaican Air PollutionThe main sources of air emissions in

Jamaica are: �Industrial activities �Transportation industry �Environmental accidents �Domestic sources �Agriculture �Fires

Jermaine BarnabyKingston was blanketed by the smoke from the fire at the Riverton City disposal site that broke out on March 11, 2015

Jermaine BarnabyAerial view of Riverton City disposal site smoke a day after the fire broke out on March 11, 2015.

A car over Portmore releasing particulate matter.

Jermaine BarnabyBraving the smoke from the fire at Riverton City disposal site that broke out on March 11, 2015

A picture from the Kingston harbour.

Norman Grindley The anguish is visible as Albert Braham rushes his daughter from the George Headley Primary School in Kingston to a nearby clinic. The girl fainted after suffering breathing problems because of the smoke coming from the fire at the Riverton City disposal site that broke out on March 11. 

The following are the effects of air pollution of the environment:

SmogAcid RainOzone Depletion

Effects of Air Pollution

Smog -Smog is caused by

chemical reactions between pollutants derived from different sources.

-Cities are often centers of these types of activities.

Acid Rain-It’s caused when a pollutant combines with droplets of water in the air.-The effects of acid rain on the environment can be very serious.

Greenhouse effect-It generally comes from the build up of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is produced when fuels are burned.

-In this type of pollution sun rays go into the atmosphere and they are trapped by greenhouse-gasses. So the temperature on the earth raise.

• Hole in the Ozone Layer (Ozone Depletion) This is when the Ozone starts to fade away

because of the pollution so then the Ozone doesn’t protect the earth anymore from the UV rays

-Releases of CFC from heating, aerosol cans, refridgerator equipment removes some of the ozone, causing “holes”.

(Ozone Depletion, 1999)

Indoor Air PollutionIt’s more dangerous

than the outdoor pollution, because we do everything in enclosed environments where air circulation may be restricted.

There are many sources of indoor air pollution: tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, and vapors from building materials.

SolutionsAccording to Conserve Energy Future (2015), the following are some solutions to air pollution:Conserve energyReduce, Reuse and RecycleEmphasize on clean energy resources

Guest Presenters:oThe Natural Resources

Conservation Authority (NRCA)oThe National Environmental

Planning Agency (NEPA)

Neighbourhood Meeting

The NRCA is the government agency responsible for the management, conservation and protection of the natural resources of Jamaica. It is the national focal point for the environmental information and management in Jamaica and is so recognized by the United Nations system. The NRCA is equipped by law, to serve notice on any person involved in any activity which damages or poses a threat to our natural resources or to public health.

The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA)

• The NRCA (Air Quality Regulations, 2006) provides the framework for regulating emissions from major and significant point sources and are pursuant to section 38 of the NRCA Act, 1991.

• The NRCA (Ambient Air Quality Standards Regulations, 1996) underpin the responsibility of the government to ensure that ambient air quality protects human and environmental health.

NRCA Regulations for Air Pollution

Operation of Legislations

• The regulations outline the ambient air-quality limits for specific parameters.

• Issue license for air pollutant discharge.

• Penalize persons for damaging or posing threat to the air-quality of our environs.

• Overall, 39 industry facilities island wide are licensed under the regulations

• All undertake self monitoring activities and report on emission released.

• NEPA represents a merger between the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town Planning Department (TPD) and Land Development and Utilization Commission (LDUC). The aim of the merger is to integrate environmental, planning and sustainable development.

The National Environment Planning Agency NEPA

NEPA’s Legislative Mandate

• NEPA operates under several acts including that of the NRCA.

• The regulations and standards support the NRCA NEPA air quality monitoring program.

• The air quality program covers both public and private facilities.

• NEPA tabulates and assess air- pollutant loadings and air quality levels across the country after industries have done their self monitoring

• Air Pollution. (2001, September 5).Types: Air Pollution [Air Pollution]. Coveney, E. (n.d.). The effects of pollution on animals. In The effects of pollution on animals [How air pollution effects animals].

• Conserve Energy Future.(2015). Solutions for Air Pollution. Retrieved from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php

• Ozone Depletion. (1999). Ozone Depletion [Ozone Depletion]. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/ozone_depletion.html

• Raven., H. Peter & Berg., R. Linda. (2001). Environment. Harcourt Publishers. 3rd Edition.

• Raven., H. Peter & Berg., R. Linda. (2004). Environment: Study Guide with Elementary Chemistry to Accompany Environment 4/E. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

• The National Environment and Planning Agency. (2010). THE JAMAICA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME. Pdf.

• The National Environment and Planning Agency. (2010). Core Functions. Retrieved from http://www.nepa.gov.jm/new/about/core-functions.php

• The National Resources Conservation Authority Act (Air Quality) Regulations, 2006.

• The Gleaner.(2015).Air Pollution and the body. Retrieved from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/health/20150325/air-pollution-and-body

References