Highlights
Environmental pollution is contamination of air, water and land from man-made waste. Pollution leads to depletion of the ozone layer, global warming and climate change. Air pollution is the release of chemicals and particles into the atmosphere. Water pollution includes surface runoff, leakage into groundwater, liquid spills, wastewater discharge and littering. If toxins are spilled on the ground or if an underground storage tank leaks, soil can become contaminated. Well known contaminants include herbicides and pesticides. Toxic waste is waste material, often in chemical form, which pollutes the natural environment and contaminates groundwater.
Other types of pollution include ocean...
Other types of pollution include ocean...
Environmental pollution is contamination of air, water and land from man-made waste. Pollution leads to depletion of the ozone layer, global warming and climate change. Air pollution is the release of chemicals and particles into the atmosphere. Water pollution includes surface runoff, leakage into groundwater, liquid spills, wastewater discharge and littering. If toxins are spilled on the ground or if an underground storage tank leaks, soil can become contaminated. Well known contaminants include herbicides and pesticides. Toxic waste is waste material, often in chemical form, which pollutes the natural environment and contaminates groundwater.
Other types of pollution include ocean pollution and noise pollution. Environmental pollution can have a deadly effect on humans and ecosystems. For example, cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke, causes cancer, emphysema, stroke and heart attack. Drinking water can become contaminated by untreated sewage, rashes and skin problems occur due to oil spills, while excessive noise can cause hearing loss. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to put a limit on the amount of pollutants in the air. Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1963, the Noise Control Act in 1972 and the Clean Water Act in 1977. Pollution is a bigger concern in other parts of the world, especially developing countries. Time Magazine reported in 2007 that the most polluted spots in the world included China, India, Peru and Russia.
Other types of pollution include ocean pollution and noise pollution. Environmental pollution can have a deadly effect on humans and ecosystems. For example, cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke, causes cancer, emphysema, stroke and heart attack. Drinking water can become contaminated by untreated sewage, rashes and skin problems occur due to oil spills, while excessive noise can cause hearing loss. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to put a limit on the amount of pollutants in the air. Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1963, the Noise Control Act in 1972 and the Clean Water Act in 1977. Pollution is a bigger concern in other parts of the world, especially developing countries. Time Magazine reported in 2007 that the most polluted spots in the world included China, India, Peru and Russia.
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Little relief on 5th day of heat wave
The mercury hit 101 degrees at Midway Airport at 4:40 pm Thursday afternoon marking the second straight day of triple-digit heat there. This was the city's first encounter with back- to-back 100-degree days in 16 years since the deadly heat wave of July...Tags: Lakeview (Chicago, Illinois), Chicago, Weather, Cook County, O'Hare International Airport
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September 3: Midday Fix - Eco-Friendly Play Places
WGN NewsRecycle, Reuse, Redecorate! Everything Old is New Again, making something new for your children/house out of items found around your house is good for you and good for the environment. Don't just throw things out that feel outdated or the colors don't...Tags: Allergies, Health
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April 20: Poll Results
WGN NewsMORNING NEWS POLL: Do you think seafood from the Gulf is now safer to eat, one year after the BP Oil Spill Yes: 29% No: 71% MIDDAY NEWS POLL: Do you think seafood from the Gulf is now safer to eat, one year after the BP Oil Spillbr> Yes: 21% No: 79%...Tags: Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill (2010), Water Pollution, Emergency Incidents, Disasters and Accidents, Disasters
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February 17 - Authors Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith
WGN NewsEvent: Today 12:30 p.m. Borders 150 N. State Street Chicago (312) 606-0750 www.slowdeathbyrubberduck.com To purchase a copy of the book: Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things Pollution is no longer just about belching...Tags: Environmental Issues, Politics, Family, Pollution, Disasters and Accidents
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Miss Chicago 2009 is Christmas Seal Ambassador for ALA
WGN NewsImani Josey was diagnosed with asthma at a young age, but she didn't let that get in the way of her life. The 2009 Miss Chicago winner has been able to control her asthma and now cheers professionally for the Chicago Bulls as a LuvaBull dancer. This...Tags: Asthma, Lungs and Airways, Chicago Bulls, Politics, Tuberculosis
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Lake Guardian: The EPA's Floating Laboratory on the Great Lakes
WGN NewsThe Great Lakes contain one-fifth of the world's fresh water, and 80% of the fresh water in North America. Yet, they're under attack. The President is so concerned, he's made restoring the Great Lakes a top priority. WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling...Tags: Charity, Navy Pier, Illinois, Science and Technology, Politics
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May 7: Midday Fix - Green Living Tips from Ron and Lisa Beres
WGN NewsTo purchase a copy of the book: Just Green It!: Simple Swaps to Save Your Health and the Planet Healthy Home Makeover Seminar Saturday, May 8th 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center 9599 Skokie Blvd. Skokie www.RefreshMyNest.com...Tags: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Furniture, Alcoholic Beverages, Entertainment, Lifestyle and Leisure
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Help Prevent Summer Beach Closures
Medical ReporterIn tonight's cover story ... keeping the beaches open this summer. You may have the power to stop a wave of closings simply by turning your back on a fowl problem. The threat in the lake ... lurks ... on the land. Believe it or not the biggest culprit in...Tags: Beaches, Chicago Park District, Sports, Environmental Issues, Shedd Aquarium
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August 4 - Hybrid RVs
Staff reporterThe Herzog Family If you'd like to follow the family's RV adventures, log on to: www.gorving.com To purchase a copy of Brad Herzog's latest children's book: S Is for Save the Planet: A How-to-be Green Alphabet (Alphabet-Science & Nature) States of...Tags: Trips and Vacations, Travel, Environmental Issues, Family
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Live video of Gulf oil spill
WGN NewsA live web cam now shows the Gulf oil spill disaster as it's happening. A tube is catching some of the oil, but you can see a lot of it is still leaking into the water. BP now admits that the leak is worse than what they first reported. Six million...Tags: Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill (2010), BP Plc, Petroleum Industry, Water Pollution, Emergency Incidents
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Fracking comes to Illinois
Representatives of the oil and natural gas industries scratched their heads this week when they read two proposed amendments to an Illinois drilling bill.
The amendments, drawn up by House Speaker Michael Madigan's staff, would create the nation's most...Tags: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Petroleum Industry, Natural Resources, Illinois, Natural Gas
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Gasification plants in Illinois dead or on life support
A few short months ago, the future looked bright for three coal plant developers with the idea that they would create a new market for the state's abundant, but dirty, coal.
Proponents even called the coal "clean" because it wouldn't be burned and sent...Tags: Illinois, Natural Gas, DuPage County, Ameren Corporation, Springfield
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May 25, 2012
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May 25, 2012
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