What do we mean by pollution? It consists in the direct or indirect introduction into the environment of substances (or even energy) capable to transform natural balances, producing as a consequence negative effects on human health. Some of these transformations are irreversible in the medium or long term.
Pollution can be caused by natural phenomena, but in the last century pollution caused by human activities has far exceeded that of natural origin. With a metaphor, we can say that pollution is a great traveler. It goes all over the world, transported by winds and rains. During their journey, harmful substances released into the environment intertwine with other substances, so that their effects multiply, and, in the vast majority of cases, it is increasingly difficult to identify and isolate a single, specific cause for a polluted environment. Many causes can have origins near and far, both in time and in space. This is the case, for example, of acid rains, the hole in the ozone layer, deforestation and desertification.
Make a personal research about plastic pollution and the reasons why it is so dangerous for the environment.
Next, we’ll see how to recognize different types of pollution.
