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Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause harm. [1] Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants.
Environmental laws are laws that protect the environment. [1] The term "environmental law" encompasses treaties, statutes, regulations, conventions, and policies designed to protect the natural environment and manage the impact of human activities on ecosystems and natural resources, such as forests, minerals, or fisheries.
1916 – National Park Service Organic Act created the National Park Service. 1918 – Migratory Bird Treaty Act creates protections for migratory birds. 1947 – Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District created; first air pollution agency in the US. 1948 – Federal Water Pollution Control Act; 1955 – National Air Pollution Control Act
Exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health problems, from short-term symptoms like headaches and temporary nervous system effects (e.g., "metal fume fever") to serious long-term risks such as cancer and early death. [1] Pollution from U.S. manufacturing has declined massively since 1990 (despite an increase in production).
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA) is a United States federal law that created a national policy to promote the prevention of pollution or reduction at pollution sources wherever possible. [1] The law also expanded the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), a waste reporting program administered by the United States Environmental Protection ...
This was "an act to provide research and technical assistance relating to air pollution control". [2] The act "left states principally in charge of prevention and control of air pollution at the source". [3] The act declared that air pollution was a danger to public health and welfare, but preserved the "primary responsibilities and rights of ...
In 2005, economic losses (mainly from air pollution) were calculated at 7.7% of China's GDP. This grew to 10.3% by 2002 and the economic loss from water pollution (6.1%) began to exceed that caused by air pollution. [18] China has been one of the top performing countries in terms of GDP growth (9.64% in the past ten years). [18]
To promote pollution prevention, the United States Congress passed the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. [7] Congress declared that pollution should be prevented and reduced wherever possible; in addition, any waste that must be released into the environment must be done in a responsible, environmentally-conscious manner.