Idling cruise ship in Charleston, contributing to air pollution.

Plastic pellets, nurdles, have been washed up and strewn all over Sullivan's Island beaches

Click on the images below to learn more about why this is a harm

* NRDC's "Air Pollution: Everything You Need to Know"

* Explains the causes of air pollution and how it affects earth's climate and our health as well as how these effects can be mitigated

* NRDC's "Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know"

The causes, effects, and ways to prevent water pollution

National Geographic's "Pollution"

Defines the types of pollutants and their sources

* EEA's "Land & Soil Pollution -- Widespread, Harmful, & Growing"

Describes the danger of chemicals and how they get into our landscapes

Environmental Pollution Center's "Noise Pollution"

Gives the definition of noise pollution as well as its effects on human health and wildlife health

International Dark-Sky Association's "Light Pollution"

Depicts the physical effects of light pollution and provides helpful maps and images

Dark Site Finder's Map of Light Pollution

An interactive map of light pollution around the globe

Exposure to Environmental Pollutants

Many people are chronically exposed to environmental pollutants from the air, water, and land. This happens when toxic substances enter the environment that people use and consume, affecting health and quality of life. Pollution can also come in the form of noise and light. Chronic exposure to lots of noise and bright lights is a nuisance, and bad for people's health and quality of life. People have a right to protection from environmental pollutants.