Urban environmental Issues

• Air pollution

  Solid and/or liquid particles and gases in the atmosphere that can have a negative effect on human health and the planet as a whole.
• Particulates

  Microscopic matter referred to as PM10 (from exhausts, cement dust, tobacco smoke and ash) and PM2.4. (fine particulate matter).
• Photochemical pollution

  A form of air pollution that occurs mainly in cities and can be dangerous to health. Exhaust fumes become trapped by temperature inversions and, in the presence of sunlight, low-level ozone forms. It is associated with high-pressure weather systems.
• Appropriate technology


  Technology that is suitable to the social and economic conditions of the geographic area in which it is to be applied, is environmentally sound, and promotes self-sufficiency on the part of those using it.
• Non-point source pollution


  Pollution which is the result of precipitation run-off from a wide range of sources including fertilizers and pesticides from agriculture, and chemicals and toxins from urban settlements. These pollutants are difficult to regulate.
• Remediation


  The removal of pollution or contaminants from watercourses which have become polluted.
• Water-borne infections / diseases

  Infections / diseases caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in contaminated fresh water.

  Infection commonly results during bathing, washing, drinking, in the preparation of food, or the consumption of food thus infected.
• Water pollution


  The contamination of water bodies or sources including rivers, lakes, oceans, aquifers and groundwater. It occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.
• Brownfield site


  An area of previously developed land. The term is used in urban planning to describe land previously used for industrial purposes or some commercial purposes.
• Deindustrialisation


  The absolute decline of manufacturing industry resulting in abandonment and unemployment.
• Dereliction


  The state of buildings / an area having been abandoned and become dilapidated.
• Greenfield site


  An area of undeveloped land.
• Land remediation


  The removal of pollution or contaminants from the ground, which enables areas of derelict former industrial land to be brought back into commercial use.