THE AIR WE BREATHE - Chapter 1 - The Beginnings of Our Atmosphere

Sep 29, 2026

An instructional introduction and first chapter explain how Earth’s atmosphere formed over millions of years and how early conditions enabled oxygen and nitrogen to develop. It describes the difference between ancient gases and the breathable air humans rely on, then covers natural sources of pollution such as volcanic eruptions and lightning-caused forest fires. The material frames air pollution as a human-caused problem that can be reversed through everyday actions to protect the planet.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages38

Reading Time59 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Chapter 1

The Beginnings of Our Atmosphere

Chapter 2

Air Pollution Throughout History

Chapter 3

Air Pollution Today

Acid Rain

Ozone

Global Warming

Toxic Chemicals

Chapter 4

Air Pollution -What Can You Do

Save the Air at Home

Save the Air in Getting from Here to There!

Save the Air at School

A Final Word

Glossary

Index

THE AIRWE BREATHE D3 # WATERTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY33483000069327r DATE DUE | NOV 26 | I993 | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | JAN
3 + | 994 | | | | MAR 28 | 994 | | | | AUG19 | | | | | DEC | | | | | | | | | | FEB | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Demco,Inc.38-293 WE CAN SAVE THE EARTH THE AIR WE BREATHE Written by:Jill Wheeler 十628whe Published by Abdo &Daughters,6535 Cecilia Circle,Edina,Minnesota 55439 Library bound edition distributed by Rockbottom Books,Pentagon Tower,P.O.Box 36036,Minneapolis,Minnesota 55435 Copyright◎ 1990 by Abdo Consulting Group,Inc.,Pentagon Tower,P.O.Box36036,Minneapolis,Minnesota 55435.International copyrights reserved in allcountries.No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without writtenpermission from the publisher.Printed in the United States. √ Library of Congress Number:90-083600 Cover Illustrated by:C.A.Nobens Interiors by:Kristi Schaeppi Edited by:Stuart Kallen ISBN:1-56239-001-S 177786 # TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ……………………………4 ······ Chapter 1………………… The Beginnings of Our Atmosphere Chapter 2………………… Air Pollution Throughout History Chapter 3…………… Air Pollution Today Acid Rain Ozone Global Warming Toxic Chemicals Chapter 4……………………………… Air Pollution -What Can You Do Save the Air at Home Save the Air in Getting from Here to There! Save the Air at School A Final Word……………… Glossary……… Index…………………………… ………………………………6 …………………………8 ………………………………13 …………………………20 ………………………30 …………………31 …………………………32 # INTRODUCTION Most people don't think much about the air theybreathe.But from the moment we’re born,weinhale an average of 3,000 gallons of air a day.Humans can live weeks without food and dayswithout water but only a few minutes without air. Humans breathe air for the oxygen it contains.Our lungs transfer the oxygen we take in to ourblood.Our heart pumps the oxygen-rich bloodthroughout our bodies to feed all of our cells.Theunused part of the air is exhaled.Even fish needoxygen to live.They process the oxygen found inwater through their gills. Human beings are the only creatures who canpollute the air.Human beings also are the onlyones who can reverse the effects of pollution.Ifwe want to save the earth,we must begin in ourown lives.If we don't take action,the air willonlyget worse for our children and grandchildren. This book will tell you about air pollution andwhat things you can do to help clean the air. Many are simple things you can do every day,and It won't happen immediately,but it will happen.We must remember it took many years for the airto become as polluted as it is now. # CHAPTER 1 The Beginnings ofOur Atmosphere Millions of years ago,the earth was very differentfrom the way it is today.Most scientists believeair as we know it did not exist then.Instead,between the land and outer space were manygases all swirling together.But there was nooxygen for living organisms to breathe. Little by little,air developed.As rays of sunlightinteracted with the gases,oxygen and nitrogenwere formed.These are the primary componentsof the air we breathe.After many years,the gasesabove the earth contained the right elements tosupport plants and animals. But even in prehistoric times,the air was notcompletely pure.Ancient volcanoes erupted andsent streams of hot gases and molten rock intothe air.Bolts of lightning started forest fires,which filled the air with smoke. 6

FAQs

Why is breathing air essential for humans?

Humans need air because their lungs transfer the oxygen to the blood, which is pumped throughout the body. Without air, survival lasts only minutes.

How did oxygen and nitrogen come to exist in the atmosphere?

Scientists believe sunlight interacting with ancient gases formed oxygen and nitrogen. Over many years, the gases developed the right elements to support life.

What natural events could pollute the air in prehistoric times?

Volcanoes erupted and released hot gases and molten rock, while lightning started forest fires that filled the air with smoke.

Sep 29, 2026

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