What is the role of chemistry in environmental protection/pollution?
Introduction
The protection of the surroundings from environmental pollution is a concern of the world, as this could have very serious effects on natural and social life. Environment is considered to play a major role in human existence today, and most of them are affected by chemical pollution in their day-to-day lives. As it was said before, chemicals have been linked with environmental problems, environmental pollution and in this case, their effect on people’s health. It is no wonder that the government has taken an interest in controlling chemical pollution and managing its results (Mackinnon, 2005).
Chemistry mainly deals with substances, which include both organic and inorganic compounds that have different properties that are influenced by various factors. Organic compounds and inorganic ones differ either because they can be formed during biological reactions or they are formed by other physical processes. Due to this chemical reaction, the organic compound becomes more stable and also less reactive, whereas the inorganic one becomes more reactive in nature and is prone to reactions as compared to the organic one. This ensures that the reaction takes place through elimination of some reactants and the formation of less reactive molecules that are less harmful when released into the environment (Bouillette & Bouillette, 2006; Acker & Heuer, 2003).
This paper discusses the issues related to environmental pollution in relation to chemicals. It will look at what role chemistry plays in environmental protection by giving examples of environmental pollution and the effects of chemicals on the body of an individual and on the community (Mackinnon, 2005).
Causes of Chemicals Pollution
The use of chemicals for purposes that are not intended cannot be avoided, since it involves the release of these chemicals into the environment. For example, there is use of plastics products soaps to clean water bodies, detergents for hair and skin, paint thinners, paints and motor oil among others. These chemicals are used by industries to produce a variety of goods such as foodstuff, cosmetics, rubber etc. for manufacturing of vehicles, construction materials, appliances etc. Most of them are manufactured in factories without being recycled and disposed of after a long time. However, due to the high rate of production, the chemicals may end up polluting natural resources that are required by these industries. Over 90% of chemicals that are disposed of in landfills, incinerators, ocean disposal sites, landfills and glass recycling plants are not recycled since it takes too much space and therefore their effect has negative impact on nature (Bouillette & Bouillette, 2006).
Effects on Individuals and Communities
There are several health impacts associated with chemical pollution. It includes cancer and birth defects; cancer caused by radiation, and cancer caused by exposure to mercury. Cancer is a huge burden to the medical fraternity in industrialized nations such as America where industrial effluents are used to manufacture chemicals such one steel, aluminum and plastics and other chemicals. These chemicals are used to make synthetic plastics, plastic containers, cotton and nylon among others. These chemicals contain toxic chemicals and lead to carcinogenicity and affect the normal growth processes of cells of the body. At times, they produce mutagens and even carcinogens. In developed countries in Europe, chemical pollution occurs in agricultural sector, but especially in agriculture (Bouillette & Bouillette, 2006).
These chemicals end up contaminating soil and groundwater, which leads to diseases or even death of animals if they escape the site. They also cause damage to marine flora, fish, and other aquatic species. The harmful effects of chemical pollution affect the health of a person or even society, which could have significant implications on economic systems and other areas of life. Many chemicals become harmful to the ecosystem that humans depend on for survival, and this makes them undesirable in the market. Therefore, consumers who are exposed to dangerous chemicals suffer from various health risks, including cancer (Bouillette & Bouillette, 2006).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be seen that chemistry is vital in environmental protection. All types of wastes are contaminated in one way or another with chemicals, that may be hazardous to human beings or to wildlife. Chemical poisoning is, therefore, linked to ecological destruction of biodiversity and life forms. People need to be careful not to expose themselves to dangerous chemicals, as they may result in deaths and illness if they do.
good article
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