Assignment
Suppose you have just been hired by a consultancy firm to work on a campaign to inform the public about various indoor sources of air pollution. Although you will be expected to learn about many different pollutants, your primary focus will be asbestos.
During your first day on the job, you meet a man whose home, which was constructed in the 1940s, is insulated with asbestos that has broken down over time. Explain two ways that the asbestos might damage the man's health if it is not repaired or removed. Describe one method for repairing the asbestos.
Later, you meet a woman whose home includes walls that have been patched with asbestos-based compounds. The asbestos has not broken down and the patches are still functional. Explain why it is preferable to leave the patches in place rather than remove them.
During one of your home inspections, you discover an old refrigerator from the early 1980s in a family's basement. Explain the relationship between appliances such as the refrigerator and stratospheric ozone depletion. Describe one negative health consequence of stratospheric ozone depletion and one piece of legislation or other political act that has combated stratospheric ozone depletion.
Identify three common indoor pollutants other than those already mentioned in parts (a), (b), and (c), and describe a reduction technique or strategy for each pollutant.
Essay: Read the following article from the Tarneton Times.
Excerpt of newspaper article entitled ‘SULFUR BOYCOTT PROPOSED'. Responding to mounting evidence that Tarneton and neighboring communities are facing an acid deposition crisis, local councilwoman Virginia Peete compiled a list of the 10 Tarneton-based companies that produce the most sulfur dioxide. Arguing that 'these polluters together are most responsible for the acid rain befouling our environment,' Peete proposed an immediate boycott of all products sold by those companies. Whereas 10 years ago, rainwater in the Tarneton area had a pH range of 5.7 to 6.0, five years ago the pH range had fallen to 5.1 to 5.4; two years ago the range dropped below 5.0 for the first time. An unusually warm winter, resulting in the melting of large quantities of snow and ice in the surrounding Millpond Mountains, has caused the most recent measurements to hit 4.3. Environmental groups concerned for the health of nearby Lake Tarne applauded Peete's comments. A representative from Triton Auto Parts, one of the companies targeted by the boycott, stated, 'Acid deposition will continue to be a problem for Tarneton even if this boycott takes place.'
Describe two negative effects that acid deposition is likely to have on Lake Tarne. Describe a negative effect that acid deposition is likely to have on outdoor structures in Tarneton.
Identify two chemical reactions that occur in Earth's sulfur cycle and explain how they are necessary to the health of ecosystems such as Lake Tarne.
Support Councilwoman Peete's argument by explaining how producers of sulfur dioxide contribute to acid deposition. Support the auto parts representative's argument by explaining how chemicals other than sulfur dioxide also contribute to acid deposition.
Do you think the proposed boycott would be an effective strategy for solving Tarneton's acid deposition problem? Support your position by identifying one cost and one benefit of the plan.