3) Discovery News
Oct. 28, 2009
5) Miller Chapter 18, 19
6) Regional: Hawaii
7) On the island of Hawaii, volcanic air pollution from the active volcano Kilauea has caused many health problems for the many people living there. The volcano has been erupting since 1983, releasing sulfur dioxide into the air which is blown toward southern villages by trade winds. Some of this gas is turned into hazy sulfate particles and combined with other gasses makes a volcanic smog. Testing that has been done on the island proves that people exposed to the smog develop more lung problems than others. These complications include bronchitis, asthma, lung infections, and sore throats. The likelihood of many of these problems doubled and some were even 5 times worse.
8) I found it very interesting that the gasses released by erupting volcanoes did more than just block out the sun. The people of Southern Hawaii have much more to worry about now that this study has been done and these results have been found. The volcanic pollution does not just cause major damage as it had originally been thought but also causes many more subtle health problems.
9) Hazy Sulfate Particles (SO4): Sulfates occur as microscopic particles (aerosols) resulting from fossil fuel and biomass combustion. They increase the acidity of the atmosphere and form acid rain.
1 comment:
Not all environmental issues are caused by or can be fixed by humans. Nice to put it into perspective.
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