Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Awards/Availabilty

Open Access Presidential Scholars Thesis

First Advisor

David May

Keywords

Air--Pollution--Physiological effect; Respiratory organs--Diseases;

Abstract

This report centers around one of today's most prominent environmental issues-- air pollution. First, the major pollutants are defined and explained. Chloroflourocarbons, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and suspended particulate matter all receive attention.

Next, air pollution's effect on the Earth is explained. The "greenhouse effect", global warming, acid rain, and ozone depletion all have an enormous impact on Earth's climate and atmosphere.

The report proceeds on to discuss options for controlling and so lving the air pollution problem. Se+ective catalytic reduction, noncatalytic reduction, tradeable permits-- these three processes are examples of large scale attempts at controlling air pollution. Shorter-lived chloroflourocarbons, renewable resources, and alternative fuel sources may help to approach an actual solution to the pollution problem.

The respiratory system's reactions to air pollution are considered next. The mechanics of breathing are explained first. Carbon monoxide's and ozone's effects on the pulmonary system are examined individually. Asthma and lung cancer are explored next , without specifying given pollutants.

Finally, a political approach to the problem is examined. One national and three international policies and plans are discussed: The U.S. Clean Air Act revisions, 1990, the Montreal Protocol, 1987, the Large Combustion Plant Directive, 1988, and the United Nations proposal for 1992 .

Date of Award

1992

Department

Department of Biology

Presidential Scholar Designation

A paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation Presidential Scholar

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this Presidential Scholars thesis and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit an email request to scholarworks@uni.edu. Include your name and clearly identify the thesis by full title and author as shown on the work.

Date Original

4-15-1992

Object Description

1 PDF file (30 pages)

Date Digital

4-3-2018

Copyright

©1992 Jennifer Randall

Type

document

Language

en

File Format

application_pdf

COinS