readily blame environmental contaminants for phenomena that they don't understand.

In a recent survey, many young Bermudians cited air pollution, particularly emissions caused by vehicles, as the most significant environmental threat to Bermuda.

Is this indeed the case, or are these young people over-reacting? So what is pollution? Pollution is caused when enough of a substance is present in the environment to damage life.

There is a difference between contamination and pollution. The smoke from a small, isolated fire contaminates but does not necessarily pollute the air.

Lots of smoke However, if there are many fires causing lots of smoke, it may choke animals or if a very toxic substance is being burned even a small fire may hurt nature -- that is pollution.

From the perspective of air pollution, Bermuda is blessed.

The Island is small, surrounded by a large ocean and usually experiences breezes that carry gasses away to sea, thus reducing local impacts.

Potential air pollutants including exhaust gasses from vehicles, fires and large industrial equipment do not remain in our area but are carried out to sea. So -- we do not have a problem, right? Wrong! When conditions are right (or wrong) air pollution can be severe in Bermuda.

This is most obvious on calm days during rush-hour traffic when travelling behind poorly maintained two-stroke bikes, cars or diesel trucks and buses.

Poorly tuned vehicles emit excessive soot, unburned fuel and oil that contaminates air. This is the form of air pollution that was commonly cited by local students.

It is nasty, but if it is not experienced very regularly or for long periods of time it is likely that there will be little or no damage done.

However, if you live near a busy road you may suffer from this form of pollution.

While Bermuda may be largely safe from most locally generated air pollution, the issue is far larger than that.

Many young Bermudians expressed concern over the destruction of the ozone layer and global warming.

These are huge issues that effect every part of the world.

Global warming threatens the health of our coral reef system and can lead to sea levels rising, thereby reducing the land available to us. This is very important for Bermuda as we cannot afford to lose land.

The destruction of the ozone layer allows harmful radiation into the atmosphere increasing the likelihood of cancers and mutations.

So, what can we do? There are simple things that can be done by every one of us.

We should be careful to not use products in spray cans that have CFC's -- the worst chemical for damaging the ozone layer.

Ride a bike Make sure that our vehicles (or your parent's) are well maintained -- so they do not pollute too much.

Walk or ride a bicycle instead of using a motor vehicle.

Do not burn trash in your backyard.

There are many more. I'm sure you can think of several.

Perhaps the most important thing that we can do is become conscious of our actions. Whenever we do something, think. Is there a better way to do this? Which one does less damage to the environment.

Environmental awareness and care is the key to a healthy future. You can make a difference.

Jack Ward is the curator at the Bermuda Aquarium