apes air pollution

What percentage of dry air is nitrogen?

78%

What percentage of dry air is oxygen?

21%

What percentage of dry air is argon?

~1%

What percentage of dry air is carbon dioxide?

~0.04%

What are the layers of the atmosphere (top → bottom)?

Exosphere → Thermosphere → Mesosphere → Stratosphere → Troposphere

In which layer does weather occur?

Troposphere

In which layer does the greenhouse effect occur?

Troposphere

In which layer is the ozone layer found?

Stratosphere

Is ozone good or bad in the stratosphere?

Good — it blocks UV radiation

Is ozone good or bad in the troposphere?

Bad — ground-level ozone is a pollutant

What is the tropopause?

The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere

What is air pollution?

The presence of chemicals in the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to cause harm.

What does anthropogenic mean?

Caused by humans

What is a primary pollutant?

A pollutant emitted directly into the air

What is a secondary pollutant?

A pollutant formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions

What is the main anthropogenic source of carbon monoxide (CO)?

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (vehicles)

What is an effect of carbon monoxide?

Asphyxiant — prevents oxygen delivery, can cause unconsciousness or death

What is the main anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide (CO₂)?

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation

What is an environmental effect of excess CO₂?

Climate change

What is a major source of sulfur dioxide (SO₂)?

Burning coal, smelting, oil refineries

What is an effect of sulfur dioxide?

Respiratory irritation and acid rain

What is NOₓ?

Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂)

What is the main anthropogenic source of NOₓ?

Motor vehicles and electricity production

What is an effect of NOₓ?

Photochemical smog and acid rain

What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds

Give two examples of VOCs.

Gasoline, acetone, paint, Sharpies, xylene

What is SPM / PM?

Suspended particulate matter — tiny solid or liquid particles

What are sources of particulate matter?

Dust, soot, smoke, construction, fires, vehicles

What is an effect of particulate matter?

Respiratory irritation, asthma, heart disease, cancer

What is ground-level ozone?

A secondary pollutant and main component of photochemical smog

What is a source of lead (Pb)?

Old gasoline, paint chips, smelting, coal burning

What is a health effect of lead?

Brain damage, low cognition, developmental issues

What is a source of mercury (Hg)?

Coal burning, smelting, burning waste

What is a health effect of mercury?

Neurological damage, tremors, kidney damage

What is another name for photochemical smog?

Brown-air smog

What starts photochemical smog formation?

NO and NO₂ from vehicle engines

Which gas is a rusty brown irritant?

NO₂

What are NO and NO₂ collectively called?

NOₓ

What three things react to form photochemical smog?

NOₓ + VOCs + sunlight (UV) + heat

What is the main component of photochemical smog?

Ozone (O₃)

When during the day is ozone highest?

Later in the day

Where is photochemical smog worst?

Hot, sunny, large cities

How can trees contribute to photochemical smog?

Some trees emit VOCs (ex: sweetgum)

What is another name for industrial smog?

Gray-air smog

What energy source begins industrial smog?

Coal

What three substances make up industrial smog?

Soot, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)

Is industrial smog still a major problem in the U.S.?

No, largely reduced by regulations

Is industrial smog still a problem globally?

Yes

What color represents good air quality?

Green

What color represents moderate air quality?

Yellow

What color represents unhealthy air quality?

Red

What color represents hazardous air quality?

Maroon / Black

What three factors reduce smog?

Rain, wind, cooler temperatures

Name five factors that increase smog.

Valleys, high temperatures, sunlight, low wind, thermal inversions

What is a thermal inversion?

Cool air trapped beneath warm air, trapping pollutants

What causes acid deposition?

SOₓ and NOₓ reacting with water

What acids form acid rain?

Sulfuric acid and nitric acid

What is one effect of acid rain on ecosystems?

Fish death (acid shock)

What is one effect of acid rain on buildings?

Damage to statues and monuments

How can acid rain be prevented?

Burn less fossil fuel, reduce SO₂ and NOₓ

How can acid rain be cleaned up?

Add lime to lakes (temporary, costly)

Why is indoor air pollution a concern?

Pollutant levels are higher indoors where people spend most time

What is sick building syndrome?

When ≥20% of occupants experience symptoms indoors

What are the top 4 indoor air pollutants in developed countries?

Cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, radon, particulate matter

What is a source of formaldehyde?

Plywood, furniture, carpet, nail hardener

What is an effect of formaldehyde?

Cancer, eye/throat irritation, nausea

What is the source of radon?

Bedrock beneath buildings

What does radon cause?

Lung cancer

What brain disease is linked to particle pollution?

Alzheimer’s disease

What is the worst indoor air pollutant in developing countries?

Wood smoke

What are the six criteria pollutants?

CO, SO₂, NOₓ, PM, O₃, Pb

What are TRI reports?

Toxic Release Inventories reported by industries

What device converts CO, NOₓ, and hydrocarbons into less harmful gases?

Catalytic converter

Why are 2-cycle engines more polluting?

They burn oil with fuel

What devices remove pollutants from coal plants?

Wet scrubbers, dry scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators

Name three ways to reduce indoor air pollution.

No smoking, low/no-VOC paint, air filters

Is no-VOC paint available?

Yes