• Question: how does polution happen?

    Asked by madiya to Tom, Sarah on 19 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Sarah Thomas

      Sarah Thomas answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      Pollution is when contaminants get into the natural environment. There are many different types of pollution.

      Air pollution – the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere, caused by motor vehicles and factories.

      Littering.

      Soil contamination – from pesticides, herbicides and motor vehicles.

      Water pollution – sewage, industrial waste, fertilisers.

      Radioactive contamination – nuclear waste.

    • Photo: Tom Crick

      Tom Crick answered on 19 Jun 2011:

      Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light.

      Obviously industrial processes create a lot of pollution e.g. byproducts such as smoke or contaminants that get into the water or soil. Even naturally-occurring chemicals can be pollutants, it just depends on whether it exceeds natural levels.

      In 2007, the top ten polluted places on the planet were located in the following countries: Azerbaijan, China, India, Peru, Russia, Ukraine, and Zambia.

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