Air pollution affects us all. Though it can come from many sources, it is often the result of improper controls on industrial sources such as incinerators, power plants, chemical plants, and petroleum refineries. Air pollution may be accompanied by a noticeable odor, or collect on car windshields or other stationary points, however, it may not be noticed at all.
Air pollution can create nuisance odors and buildup and it can also lead to more serious problems such as asthma, heart disease, and cancer. The goal of a water contamination lawsuit is to minimize the pollution at the source and compensate people injured by the careless and irresponsible polluter.
Several common sources of air pollution are illustrated below:
- Power plants – Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals such as lead and arsenic
- Incinerators – Particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans, and heavy metals such as lead and arsenic
- Refineries – Particulate matter, benzene, 1,3 butadiene, styrene, etc.
- Other industrial sources – vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), etc.
Many of these contaminants are carcinogenic or are suspected of causing respiratory or other serious illnesses. Individuals suffering from air pollution may not realize until they have been exposed for years, and may already have developed symptoms of exposure such as respiratory problems, headaches, or various types of cancer.
