NASA detected pollutants increasing in Earth’s atmosphere

NASA has detected pollutants in Earth's atmosphere resulting from the incineration of space debris which is a clear sign that this is a growing problem.

(Istock)

The pollutants detected include lithium, aluminium, copper, and lead. These pollutants can have a number of negative effects on the environment and human health. For example, lithium can irritate the eyes and skin, and exposure to high levels of aluminium has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Copper and lead are also known to be toxic to humans.

In addition to the direct health risks posed by these pollutants, they could also have a negative impact on the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a layer of gas in the Earth's stratosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The pollutants released from burning space junk could damage the ozone layer, making us more vulnerable to skin cancer and other health problems.

The finding also mentions that the amount of space debris in orbit is increasing. This is due to a number of factors, including the launch of more satellites, the increasing number of space missions, and the collision of space objects. As space debris increases, so does the risk of collisions and the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.