Natural resources (economically referred to as lan

In economics a resource is defined as a commodity, service, or other asset used to produce goods and services that meet human needs and wants (see economic resource). Economics itself has been defined as the study of how society manages its scarce resources.Economics focuses on resource supply and demand as it influences production of goods and services to meet human needs and wants. Classical economics recognizes three categories of resources: land, labor, and capital.Together with entrepreneurship, land, labor, and capital]omics. Land includes all natural resources and is viewed as both the site of production and the source of raw materials. Labor or human resources consists of human effort provided in the creation of products, paid in wage. Capital consists of human-made goods or means of production (machinery, buildings, and other infrastructure) used in the production of other goods and services, paid in interest. Entrepreneurs serve as managers, risk-takers, leaders, and visionaries.


In biology and ecology a resource is defined as a substance or object required by a living organism for normal growth, maintenance, and reproduction (see biological resource). Resources, such as food, water, or nesting sites, can be consumed by an organism and, as a result, become unavailable to other organisms. For animals key resources include food, water, and territory. For plants key resources include sunshine, nutrients, water, and a place to grow.
There are three fundamental differences between economic versus ecological views: 1) the economic resource definition is human-centered (anthropocentric) and the ecological resource definition is nature-centered (biocentric or ecocentric); 2) the economic view includes desire along with necessity, whereas the biological view is about basic biological needs; and 3) economic systems are based on markets of currency exchanged for goods and services, whereas biological systems are based on natural processes of growth, maintenance, and reproduction.

Symptoms and Treatment

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common problem during the winter months when people keep their windows shut to keep out the cold and use heaters that may be faulty. Faulty home appliances and improper ventilation exposes the people in the room to high levels of this toxic gas. Read on to know about the causes, symptoms and treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced due to incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels. It can also be caused due to improper installation of certain appliances and lack of proper ventilation. It is also known as the 'silent killer' as it can't be seen or smelt. Although small doses cause mild symptoms like nausea and dizziness, large doses can cause brain damage and even death. It is believed to claim around 500 lives every year.

Sources and Causes
Carbon monoxide is created due to combustion of certain fuels in absence of proper levels of oxygen. Common sources of carbon monoxide are motor vehicle exhaust, smoke from fire and fumes from engines. Certain appliances at home also produce this poisonous gas when they are not functioning properly. Common sources of this gas inside a house or a building are malfunctioning cooking appliances, water heater, gas clothes dryers, unvented supplemental heaters, oil, gas or coal furnaces that are not maintained properly. Lack of proper ventilation also adds to an increase in the concentration of the toxic gas in a room. For example, not only does a choked chimney cut down the supply of oxygen required for production of carbon dioxide instead of carbon monoxide, it also traps the carbon monoxide produced due to incomplete combustion of fuels.

Symptoms
Hemoglobin which is the red pigment in the red blood cells carries oxygen to the tissues within the body. However, carbon monoxide has a high affinity to the iron sites in hemoglobin to which oxygen molecules get attached during their transfer from lungs to different parts of the body. When human beings are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, the molecules of this gas attach to hemoglobin molecules more readily than oxygen due to their stronger affinity for hemoglobin molecules than oxygen. The compound thus formed is called carboxyhemoglobin. It is this compound which is believed to be the major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Due to preferential attachment of hemoglobin with carbon monoxide molecules when they are present in inhaled air, there isn't enough hemoglobin free to transport oxygen. Moreover, if carbon monoxide attaches to any one of the four oxygen binding sites of hemoglobin, the affinity of oxygen for the other three sites increases. Therefore, even if a hemoglobin molecule is carrying three oxygen molecules, it will not deliver them to the tissues. In either case, the tissues are starved of oxygen which hampers the chemical processes going on in their cells. This creates a condition known as hypoxic injury to the tissues.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be detected by these commonly occurring symptoms:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Drowsiness
Fainting
Seizures
Treatment
In case carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, all affected individuals should be moved away from the area to a place with enough supply of fresh air. If someone has stopped breathing, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may have to be administered. Every person should be tested for poisoning from carbon monoxide and proper medical treatment should be given.

Medical treatment includes:
Providing high doses of oxygen using a face mask from an oxygen reserve bag. High levels of oxygen helps carbon monoxide to dissociate from hemoglobin. Hence, the hemoglobin is now free to carry oxygen to the various cells of the body.
In case a person has inhaled high doses of carbon monoxide and has suffered from severe poisoning, higher doses of oxygen may be given to him using a hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is supposed to hasten the process of breaking down of carboxyhemoglobin. Hyperbaric oxygen also directly provides oxygen to the tissues. Hence, it is more effective than giving oxygen through an oxygen reservoir bag.
There is no home remedy for carbon monoxide poisoning. The only way to prevent one's family from this hazard is to keep the home appliances in proper working condition and maintain proper ventilation in the house.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of poisoning, which can eventually result in death. It is regarded as one of the most fatal types of poisoning in many countries. Carbon monoxide detectors can help a great deal in curbing the menace of carbon monoxide poisoning. Read on to know more about carbon monoxide detector placement.

A carbon monoxide detector is a gadget used to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a lethal colorless and odorless compound, in the surroundings in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which occurs when an excessive amount of carbon monoxide is inhaled. The detector sounds a warning alarm when it detects a high concentration of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere so that the people in that area take the necessary measures to avoid the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is formed due to the incomplete combustion of fuels. At home, carbon monoxide can be formed by space heaters, water heaters or blocked chimneys. Therefore, every household should have a carbon monoxide detector to ensure that they are not exposed to the hazards of carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The various types of carbon monoxide detectors available in the market range from battery operated ones to proper electric detectors requiring wall outlets. In biometric detectors, there is a hemoglobin disk in the alarm chamber. This disk darkens when it is exposed to carbon monoxide. The process is monitored by an LED sensor, which triggers the alarm as soon as the disk starts darkening. In semiconductor based carbon monoxide detectors, also known as MOS detectors, the levels of carbon monoxide are monitored by a computer chip within the unit and the alarm is triggered on continuous influx of carbon monoxide. Semiconductor based detectors come within a price tag of $50. Yet another type of detector is the safe air sentry, also known as electrolytic sensor detectors. This is the fastest acting carbon monoxide detector, that uses electro-chemical sensors to detect the changes in carbon monoxide levels.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement
Carbon monoxide detector placement is the most important aspect of using a carbon monoxide detector for home safety. You can either install a single carbon monoxide detector, ideal if you have a small house, or more than one detector, with each level having a separate piece, ideal for large multi-storied house. If you are installing a single piece for the entire house, the ideal location to install it would be in the area where you sleep. This idea is backed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This will ensure that you hear the alarm and wake up even if you are in a deep slumber. Having additional detectors, one at each level or each room, is always advantageous considering it provides extra protection to your house. The specific gravity of carbon monoxide is 0.9657, while that of air is 1, which means both are roughly of the same weight. But often, carbon monoxide is accompanied by warm air let out by the appliances such as heaters, hence it tends to rise with the warm air. Therefore, it is ideal to place carbon monoxide detectors at a considerable height in the house. Never install carbon monoxide detector very close to fuel burning appliances. These appliances emit a small amount of carbon monoxide when they are started. Having a detector right above or besides the appliance can trigger the alarm on the release of this small amount of carbon monoxide. Also remember that the detector shouldn't be placed within a periphery of 15 feet of any cooking or heating appliances.

Carbon monoxide detectors came in various shapes and sizes. Electrolytic sensor detectors tend to be very costly, while biometric detectors and MOS detectors are relatively inexpensive. No matter which detector you buy, the most important factor is carbon monoxide detector placement. Just having the detectors is meaningless, as for effective working, these detectors should be planted at the right places. Air pollution, especially carbon monoxide poisoning, is a serious threat which can lead to grave health problems, and hence it's better to buy a carbon monoxide detector, rather than risking your family members face the ill-effects of carbon monoxide.

Exposure to methane gas can be caused in different ways. It can give rise to several health issues. The first of the methane gas exposure symptoms is headache.

Methane is a simple alkaline compound, which is an important part of natural gas. Its chemical formula is CH4 and it is a colorless and odorless gas. Methane burned in the presence of oxygen produces water and carbon dioxide. The symptoms of methane gas exposure are not seen, as soon as the person comes in contact with the gas. The symptoms take certain amount of time before they are seen, as methane is less dense than air. Let's now read about exposure to methane gas and the symptoms of methane gas exposure.

Exposure to Methane Gas

There are three ways in which a person can be exposed to methane gas. The first of them is inhalation. Methane gas can be inhaled when it enters our homes or office building. It can enter our homes through cracks in the foundations of the building or through sewer traps if the house or office is built on or near landfills. The chances of inhalation increase when we unknowingly pass by closed septic tanks, sewers or farm waste pits. You should look around in your surroundings and be aware, as there are chances that you may be unknowingly producing and inhaling methane gas. Along with sewers, the other areas where methane gas production may take place are rotting food in the kitchen, compost piles outside a window, potting soil in a plastic bag and exposure via waste water treatment plants.

The other possible way of exposure to methane gas is through ingestion. This is however, a rare possibility, but one that cannot be ruled out totally. Naturally created methane gas can find its way into the natural water reservoirs, but it is known to evaporate fast as well. A child can ingest methane gas, if he eats dirt that has traces of methane in it. The level of exposure caused by ingestion is very low and there are no known side effects of it on the body. It is very unlikely that methane gas will enter your body through touch, as methane finds it difficult to penetrate through the skin. However, for when it does, it is thrown out of the body either through respiration or through urine. Now let's turn towards symptoms of methane gas exposure.

Symptoms of Methane Gas Exposure

It is possible to identify signs of methane gas exposure, by understanding the various symptoms of methane gas exposure. Information regarding methane gas exposure during pregnancy is not available in sufficient amounts. However, it is recommended, that sufficient care is taken during the said period. Here are some methane gas exposure symptoms:
Exposure to high levels of methane gas depletes the oxygen level in the body, causing difficulty in breathing and suffocation.
If the oxygen level in the body depletes to anything less than 12%, the person can become unconscious and prove to be lethal in some cases.
Since the levels of oxygen in the body depletes, the body tries to make it up by using the oxygen contained in the bodily fluids. This basically leads to dehydration.
Nausea and vomiting are also methane gas poisoning symptoms. There are chances that a person can collapse due to exposure to methane gas.
Headaches can also be caused due to exposure to methane gas. This sign was also observed in the school in Texas, where a methane gas blast killed about 300 students and faculty members.
Another symptom of methane gas exposure is heart palpitations. It causes an uncomfortable sensation of the heart beating rapidly, abnormally and out of sequence.
Due to the depletion of oxygen in the body, methane gas exposure gives rise to cognitive problems. The person is inattentive, has memory loss and poor judgment. These symptoms aggravate, when the exposure to this gas is more.
Exposure to methane gas also causes dizziness and blurred vision. This symptom reduces, when the person moves away from the area that is high in methane gas concentration.
Methane gas exposure also causes lack of motor coordination. Even in the most familiar surroundings, the person will knock things around. There are chances, that the person will drop things he has picked up, more often.
Some patients of methane gas exposure also display flu-like symptoms. The patient may also experience mental uneasiness and lethargy.
If methane gas is burnt and there is paucity of air, carbon monoxide will be produced. If carbon monoxide is produced in large quantities, it can prove to be fatal for the person.
As you can see from the above description, the methane exposure symptoms could easily mimic those of other medical conditions. Therefore, you will have to get yourself examined from a medical practitioner to diagnose, what the problem exactly is. If the symptoms a person has identify themselves with methane gas exposure symptoms, the only way to escape with minimal damage is to rush to a nearby hospital without causing any delay. The person will have to be put on an immediate supply of oxygen using a life support mask. The person may also have to be put on an intravenous drip in order to avoid any further dehydration. To prevent the formation of methane gas at home, it is necessary that your house and office buildings are well ventilated.

Wind is the natural resource that can be used to generate wind power. These 5MW wind turbines on this wind farm 28 km off the coast of Belgium

In recent years, the depletion of natural resources has become a major focus of governments and organizations such as the United Nations (UN). This is evident in the UN’s Agenda 21 Section Two which outlines the necessary steps to be taken by countries to sustain their natural resources.The depletion of natural resources is considered to be a sustainable development issue.The term sustainable development has many interpretations, most notably the Brundtland Commission’s ‘to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’,however in broad terms it is balancing the needs of the planet’s people and species now and in the future.In regards to natural resources, depletion is of concern for sustainable development as it has the ability to degrade current environmentsand potential to impact the needs of future generations.
Depletion of Natural Resources is associated with social inequity. Considering most biodiversity are located in developing countries, depletion of this resource could result in losses of ecosystem services for these countries.Some view this depletion as a major source of social unrest and conflicts in developing nations.
At present, with it being the year of the forest,there is particular concern for rainforest regions which hold most of the Earth's biodiversity.According to Nelson[12] deforestation and degradation affect 8.5% of the world’s forests with 30% of the Earth’s surface already cropped. If we consider that 80% of people rely on medicines obtained from plants and ¾ of the world’s prescription medicines have ingredients taken from plants,loss of the world’s rainforests could result in a loss of finding more potential life saving medicines.
The depletion of natural resources is caused by ‘direct drivers of change’such as Mining, petroleum extraction, fishing and forestry as well as ‘indirect drivers of change’ such as demography, economy, society, politics and technology.The current practice of Agriculture is another factor causing depletion of natural resources. For example the depletion of nutrients in the soil due to excessive use of nitrogen and desertification[4] The depletion of natural resources is a continuing concern for society. This is seen in the cited quote given by Theodore Roosevelt, a well-known conservationist and former United States president, was opposed to unregulated natural resource extraction.

Health Effects

There is a wide ranging debate on creosote health effects these days, due to many health risks associated with it. In this article we will see what they are...

Creosote is the name used to describe a number of products which include wood creosote, coal tar creosote, etc. It is also used to describe the black oily substance which builds up inside chimney flutes, due to incomplete burning of wood or coal. Creosote is also created commercially by treating beech and other woods to high temperature or also from resin of the creosote bush. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), there are many negative creosote health effects. Let's see what they are.

Creosote Health Hazards
Exposure to creosotes, coal tar, etc. can cause minor to serious health effects.
Eating food or drinking water contaminated with high level of creosote can cause burning in the mouth and throat and also lead to sharp stomach pain and stomach convulsions.
If it comes in contact with the eyes, it can cause burning sensation in the eyes. It can also cause chemical burns of the surface of the eyes.
Creosote health effects can also be caused due to consumption of herbal remedies which contain creosote bush leaves. It often can cause damage to the liver or to the kidney.
Brief contact with creosote can cause severe irritation of the skin and result in skin rashes.
Some people have also suffered from convulsions and mental confusion after they have come in contact with creosote.
Longer exposure increases creosote health risks and can cause irritation of the respiratory tract.
Kidney and liver problems have also been reported as a side effect of creosote exposure.
If a person is exposed to creosote for an extended period of time, the vapors can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and damage to the cornea.
Some reports also indicate skin cancer and cancer of the scrotum from long exposure to low levels of creosote.
What Can Cause Creosote Exposure?
There are a number of ways a person can be exposed to creosote without really noticing that the person is indeed exposed to it.
Using skin products to treat eczema or psoriasis, which contain creosote is one of the common ways of exposure.
Consumption of dietary herbal supplements, herbal remedies made from leaves of the creosote bush is another method in which the person can be exposed to creosote.
If a person works in wood preservative, coke producing, or asphalt industries, there are chances of the person being exposed to creosote.
Exposure to creosote treated wood for building fences, bridges, railroad tracks, etc. can also result in a person coming in contact with creosote.
Living in wood houses, which are treated, can also lead to creosote contact either to the skin or through air.
A person may consume water contaminated with creosote hazardous waste, which can expose him to creosote.
To reduce the negative creosote health effects, you will have to undertake some steps. If you reside in an area where there is a wood preservation facility or gas manufacturing plant in the vicinity, then it is recommended you use long sleeved shirts and long pants, even when you are working in the garden. Ensure that children do not come in contact with creosote treated wood when they are playing near railroad tracks, in and around ditches which are closer to utility poles, old barns, etc. Avoid the usage of herbal remedies or medications which contain creosote bush. It is better to seek alternative medicines. In case a person is exposed to creosote at the workplace, then it is recommended that the person take a shower before heading home, so that the chemical is not transmitted back home through clothes, tools or other objects from the workplace. For any complication, do not waste time and visit your health care professional immediately.

Air Pollution Facts for Kids

Air pollution is indeed a grave and alarming issue. Here are some interesting air pollution facts for kids, which will help you explore more on the causes and the outcomes of air pollution.

We all are quite well aware about the importance of air and atmosphere around us. However, before we move to the air pollution facts for kids, let's take a detailed look at the different components and importance of air. Air is one of the major elements of our life and survival. There are many gases which comprise the air, which are 20.95% oxygen, 78.09% nitrogen, 0.039% carbon dioxide and other gases. We need oxygen to breathe, and plants need carbon dioxide to make their food by a process called photosynthesis. There are various photosynthesis facts for kids which explains the complex process of photosynthesis in much simpler terms. Now that we have learned, in brief, about the major components of air and their importance, let's see what are the air pollution facts for kids.

You must be familiar with the term air pollution. But what is air pollution? The altered level of atmospheric gases and introduction of baleful elements in the air like dust, harmful particles and other gases, industrial emissions, smoke cause air pollution. Thus, air pollution disturbs the balance of natural elements of the air and the unwanted particles or pollutants are very hazardous to human health and life on earth. Air pollution can be natural or man-made. There are a lot of factors which contribute to air pollution. Since we are talking about air pollution facts for kids, let's look into the sources and causes of air pollution.

Causes of Air Pollution
Combustion of fossil fuels causes air pollution. The three types of fossil fuels are coal, petroleum and natural gas. Fossil fuels are very essential in daily life. They are used for the production of electricity, for cooking, transportation, in industries and other purposes. The combustion of fossil fuels mainly generate a lot of carbon dioxide and water vapor. The excess level of carbon dioxide is very harmful for the environment and even the excess amount of water vapor leads to the change in atmospheric humidity.
The transportation vehicles like cars, trucks, bus, air crafts also cause air pollution. The emission of harmful gases from them, like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, lead and other oxides leads to the pollution of air.
The emanation of gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide from industries and factories also adds to a major cause for air pollution. Carbon monoxide is in a poisonous gas. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides further react with the other gases in the atmosphere which often causes acid rain.
We often have this question in mind that how does mining affect the environment. Mining indeed has a lot of adverse effects on the environment. The harmful gases and particles emitted during the mining operations, cause air pollution.
The calamitous emissions of radioactive elements also contribute to air pollution. There is a list of radioactive elements which is responsible for air pollution.
The release of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from volcanoes and other biological decays lead to air pollution. Even the discharge of other particulate matters from industries and mills causes air pollution.
Pertaining to the deforestation facts for kids, it also contributes to air pollution.
Now that we have covered some basic air pollution facts for kids, precisely the causes which lead to air pollution, we should know that air pollution doesn't only take place outside on roads and in industries, but also indoors; inside our homes. We need a healthy and conducive environment in our homes. But often due to the incomplete combustion of fuels (used for cooking and other purposes) and smoking of cigarettes, carbon monoxide is produced. Due to poor ventilation and air circulation, dust mites also lead to indoor air pollution.

Effects of Air Pollution

You can already well estimate that there is no positive effects of air pollution. When we talk about the effects of air pollution, we mean to term only its detrimental effects. Pertaining to air pollution facts for kids, let's see what are the effects of air pollution on the environment and the life on earth.
'Global warming'. Isn't a familiar term for you all? There are lot of interesting facts related to global warming for kids. But for now it is more important to know how air pollution leads to global warming than mere global warming facts for kids. We have already discussed that an excessive amount of carbon dioxide is released into the air for the combustion of fuels by cars and other appliances causing air pollution. Carbon dioxide and methane are known as the green house gases. They form a cocoon in the atmosphere, trapping and depleting back the heat. Thus, when lot of green house gases are present in the air, lot of heat is trapped leading to global warming.
There are various acid rain facts for kids which are also categorized under the air pollution facts. But for now, let's stick to the fact which explains how acid rain is related to air pollution. Harmful oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide emitted from burning fossil fuels, combines and reacts with water vapor, oxygen and other gases of the atmosphere to form acid rain. Acid rain is very fatal to plant life, human life, soil, water and even buildings and monuments.
Air pollution can even lead to deadly diseases like emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, skin diseases and heart complications. The air pollution due to smoking often leads to lung cancer.
Ozone layer depletion is another major effect of air pollution. The ozone layer surrounds our atmosphere and protects us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. A gas called Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) which is used in refrigerators, coolers, air-conditioners, leads to the depletion of ozone layer.
Thus, air pollution can indeed be termed as a silent killer. The excessive amount of air pollution is destroying our environment and making the human and plant life vulnerable to extinction. There are a lot of basic measures which we all can adapt and take to cut down the extensive amount of air pollution. Some ways to prevent air pollution can be listed down.

Ways to Prevent Air Pollution
As we all know that "Charity begins at home". The first thing we can do is, make sure to minimize the usage of fuels and electricity. That way, we can contribute not only to saving energy but always minimizing air pollution.
Make sure that our parents put the cars for servicing on time. This helps in minimizing the use of fuel consumption.
Let's "Go Green". We can plant trees wherever it's feasible to. More trees will absorb greater amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
We should try and avail more of public transports. This will help reducing the air pollution.
It is essential for us to know about the air quality for kids. For a conducive and healthy environment, we should try and lessen the use of such objects which can lead to air pollution.
If you see people indulging in such activities which can lead to air pollution, make sure to let them know about it, politely!
"There's so much pollution in the air now, that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all." ~ Robert Orben.

I hope you are well aware of the basic air pollution facts for kids by now. So let's Go Green and exalt our actions against air pollution right away. There are simple ways to save the environment and even minutest contributions will benefit it. Get into the spirit and take your first step towards saving the environment, won't you?