VCE Environmental Science

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Clean air is essential to our suvival and to our quality of life. Many large cities are suffering from diminished air quality due to industrial and transport emissions. Gases (SO2, NO2, CO and CFC’s), fine particles (PM – particulate matter such as dust and pollen), fumes (VOC’s – volatile organic compounds and other hydrocarbons) are harmful to human health as well as our environment. Primary pollutants (those that enter the air directly) and secondary pollutants (those that undergo changes, reacting with other components in the air, such as oxygen or water vapour) affect the air we breathe and can cause damage to plants and animals.

Catalyst has an excellent program, called “Dirty Little Secrets”, about the health affects of ultra-fine particles released by burning fuel in vehicles.

EPA Victoria has produced an excellent resource; “Airwatch – Clean Air – What’s in it for us?”, which is available as a folder or at their website.

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U.S. researchers have reported that dust from the moon is toxic – the fine particles are electrostatic, chemically active and sharp-edged. Lunar astronauts reported irritation and discomfort from exposure to dust, with symptoms ranging from sneezing, watery eyes and a peculiar smell resembling gunpowder, says NASA flight surgeon Jeff Jones. A flight surgeon, who was also exposed to the dust, reported an allergic reaction – irritation, sneezing, irritated mucus membranes in the eyes and nose.

This may not seem relevant (unless you are planning a trip to the moon any time soon), but you may also be exposed to the dangers of fine particulates in environments on earth. For example, mining sites, bushfire zones, factories and industrial sites may require protective clothing and breathing apparatus to be worn to prevent exposure to dust and/or toxic gases. Fine particles, known as PM₁₀ (particular matter smaller than 10 um in diameter), can impact on people’s health especially those that have existing respiratory or heart disease. Children and the elderly may also be more vulnerable to the effects of particles.

Mesothelioma refers to a rare form of cancer of the mesothelium, caused by exposure to asbestos – usually by inhaling or ingesting the fine particles and fibres which become lodged in the lungs. Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used due to its fire resistant and insulating properties, but is no longer mined, milled or manufactured in Australia because of the health risks. All uses in new products are now banned in Australia and no asbestos products may be imported. Strict precautions also govern the removal and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
EPA – Air quality, Airwatch program.