Pollution free part of the world?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of finding a place in the world that is habitable and free of pollution. However, it is concluded that due to population pressures and the existence of naturally occurring pollutants, there is no such place. The conversation also mentions the potential benefits of living in a clean environment, but acknowledges that it is not necessarily healthy. Several locations, such as Antarctica, are suggested as relatively clean options, but it is noted that they still have their own challenges. The conversation also touches on the concept of Eden and the desire for a perfect place to live, but ultimately emphasizes the importance of making the most of the real world.
  • #1
abeesandcees
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Is there a place in the world that is habitable that is free of pollution?
I have this idea that there is some part of the world that is perfect to live in, free from pollution.

If not what is the least area of the world/healthiest spot to live?
 
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  • #2
Air borne pollution and wind makes me think the answer is definitely a no.
 
  • #3
Many pollutants occur naturally - they are problematic in their amount. Because of that, the answer is going to be no.
 
  • #4
But it is there a healthiest/cleanest country/place that has less pollutants than other places on earth?
 
  • #5
abeesandcees said:
Is there a place in the world that is habitable that is free of pollution?
I have this idea that there is some part of the world that is perfect to live in, free from pollution.

If not what is the least area of the world/healthiest spot to live?

There are two ways to answer your questions:

1) The entire global atmosphere is polluted to one degree or another, as pollution is normally understood. Therefore, there are no unpolluted places with air to breathe.

2) Population pressures are such that: If it is habitable, it is inhabited right now. People cause pollution, therefore all inhabited places are polluted. If it is not inhabited, it is not fit to live in and you probably cannot live there.

You are searching for Eden. It does not exist. Better that you should make the most of the real world. It's actually not a bad place to live!
 
  • #6
abeesandcees said:
But it is there a healthiest/cleanest country/place that has less pollutants than other places on earth?

Antarctica
 
  • #7
Vanadium 50 said:
Antarctica

Good try, Vanadium! On the other hand, I seem to recall reading (Alas, no citation conveniently at hand) that infectious diseases are more common in Antarctic stations than in many other places. Also that the isolation tends to exacerbate certain psychological problems. Moreover, living conditions are certainly rigorous. It is hardly an idyllic life.

Eden is still lost.
 
  • #8
Living in a totally clean environment isn't necessarily healthy. Quite a bit of research exists to suggest that some bugs that colonise our gut are beneficial and we may create problems if we kill them of with antibiotics targeted at the harmful ones. I suppose it's possible that some pollutants also provide a similar protective effect even if it's only in very specific cases.
 
  • #9
CWatters said:
Living in a totally clean environment isn't necessarily healthy
. You are right. I heard the colon cancer rate in Seattle and Portland Oregon in the USA is high because the water is too pure.
 
  • #10
In the sixties my Chemistry prof suggested we should ride Toronto's subway for the good of our health. She claimed, wisely so IMHO, that it would build up our immune system.

Jim
 
  • #11
The least polluted and most liveable site will almost certainly be in the Southern Hemisphere.

Baseline air sampling is done from towers on Cape Grim in Tasmania. That air is from the westerly Roaring Forties over the Southern Ocean. It travels south of Africa, from the southern tip of South America. Apart from an occasional diesel powered vessel producing exhaust, that coast is going to be one of the cleanest sites on Earth. New Zealand is down wind from Australia. Chile has significantly more shipping off the west coast than does Tasmania.
 
  • #12
MathAmateur said:
. You are right. I heard the colon cancer rate in Seattle and Portland Oregon in the USA is high because the water is too pure.

I live in Portland, never heard this before. Had to check it out:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/state.htm
 
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  • #13
try the Himalayan mountain rage some of the valleys will be especially well isolated from most external air flows reducing the likelihood of airborne pollutants. living there may be less polluted by some percentage but the life would be rugged at best. the next area would be the amazon forest if you can find a large enough stretch of it left to benefit from the amount of plants cleaning the air. guess the same is true of any large forested area.
 
  • #14
Avoiding the 'superlative two-step' Maybe some _relatively clean_ places could be noted:

Here in the USA one interesting location is Flagstaff, AZ as place spoken highly of by stargazers. Comparatively little light polution, and generally fairly clear air.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagstaff,_Arizona#Climate

diogenesNY
 
  • #15
abeesandcees said:
Is there a place in the world that is habitable that is free of pollution?
I have this idea that there is some part of the world that is perfect to live in, free from pollution.

It's called Eden (or Atlantis or Dilmun or Paradise or the Isle of Mag Mell or the Elysian Fields), but it disappeared long ago.

It's a strong desire to find a place where one can live at peace without the vicissitudes of daily life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise
 
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  • #16
This reminds of a story of a guy who searched the world in the 1960's for the least likely
place to have a war, and moved his Family to the Falkland islands.
 
  • #17
abeesandcees said:
But it is there a healthiest/cleanest country/place that has less pollutants than other places on earth?

"Healthiest" by what definition? For example, by the definition of life expectancy? Because you won't find that leads you to wilderness. Neither will such things as low child mortality, available anti-biotic drugs, reliable safe food supply, an understanding and availability of vitamins, a safe and reliable water supply, effective and efficient sewage treatment, etc.

Be careful not to romanticize the "noble savage." There is a reason that pre-technological folk have much shorter life expectancy.

That is not to say we should be happy when the air is brown over a city. We should not. Nor should we be pleased when we find various noxious chemicals in milk, nor any of a variety of other things that have been found in various other products. But we should be having discussions based on a careful understanding of what we are getting and what we are giving up to achieve any particular thing. Very little in life is free.
 
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1. What is the most pollution-free part of the world?

The most pollution-free part of the world is difficult to determine as pollution levels can vary greatly depending on location and time. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country with the lowest levels of air pollution in 2019 was Iceland, followed by Finland and Australia.

2. How does a country become pollution-free?

Becoming pollution-free requires a combination of government policies, technology advancements, and individual actions. Governments can implement regulations and environmental policies to reduce pollution, while technology can provide cleaner alternatives for industries. Individuals can also contribute by reducing their carbon footprint through actions like using public transportation or minimizing waste.

3. What are the major sources of pollution in the world?

The major sources of pollution in the world include transportation, energy production, industrial activities, and agriculture. These activities release pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air, water, and land, causing harm to the environment and human health.

4. Is it possible for the entire world to be pollution-free?

While it may be challenging, it is possible for the entire world to become pollution-free. It would require a global effort and commitment from all countries to reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices. Technological advancements and international cooperation are also crucial in achieving a pollution-free world.

5. How can individuals contribute to creating a pollution-free world?

Individuals can contribute to creating a pollution-free world by making small changes in their daily lives. These can include using public transportation or carpooling, conserving energy and water, properly disposing of waste, and supporting companies and products that prioritize sustainability. Educating others and advocating for environmental policies can also make a significant impact.

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